28 min read
| June 24, 2025
How to Pitch Brands as a New Influencer (Without a Blue Check or a Million Followers)
Written by: Contributed Content
So, you’re scrolling Instagram, watching yet another creator unbox a PR package with a cute dog, perfect lighting, and a paid partnership tag. And there you are, wondering, how did they land that deal… and where do I even start? Getting brand deals as a new influencer can feel out of reach.
Here’s the truth: most influencers don’t get discovered—they introduce themselves,
most of them started with a cold pitch. You don't need a huge following; you just need to have the right approach.
Brands want creators who are clear, reliable, and aligned with their audience. If you show that in your pitch, you're going to stand out. Start by making the first move and don't wait just to be noticed.
This article breaks it all down:
- How to identify your unique value (yes, you have one),
- How to write a short, non-cringe pitch that brands will actually read,
- What to include (hint: don’t skip the sample),
- And how to follow up like a pro—even if you get ghosted the first time.
We’ll even sprinkle in real-life stats, practical examples, and a few light jokes to keep it human. Because pitching shouldn’t feel like begging—it’s the beginning of a professional relationship. So grab a Google Doc, pull up your favorite brand, and let’s get pitching.
Know What You Offer (Yes, You Do Have Value)
Before you pitch, be clear on what you bring to the table. Before you even type "Dear Marketing Team," ask yourself: What am I great at? Are you…
- Great at storytelling in your captions?
- Getting crazy good engagement from your small but mighty audience?
- A whiz with product flat-lays that belong in a magazine?
The idea is that you choose one or two strengths and build your pitch around them. A strong niche helps; if you focus on beauty, fitness, parenting, or food, say it upfront.
Brands want to know that you understand their market. Don't just say that you love their product; show how it fits in with your content. Share a quick example of a past post or a campaign, even if it was unpaid. Use numbers if you have them. Reach, saves, or click-throughs all help. This shows that you know what works.
Here’s a pitch-worthy formula:
Bonus tip: Keep a Google Sheet of your past top-performing posts—even unpaid. If a DIY oat milk reel got 50 saves, that’s valuable!
Make Your Pitch Clear and Short (No Life Story Needed)
Think of your pitch like a dating app message: short, flattering, and clear on intentions. When writing to a brand, skip the fluff. Use a clear subject line, such as "Collaboration Opportunity with Your Name and Your Brand." Start by introducing yourself in one line, then get straight to the point. Some ideas…
- “Collaboration Opportunity with @YourHandle”
- “Partnering with [Brand Name] – Let’s Chat!”
- “Eco-Friendly Creator & [Brand] Fan – Collab Idea Inside!”
Say what you like about the brand and then suggest what you'd like to do with one or two ideas. For example, "I'd love to feature your product in a day-in-my-life reel. My audience responds well to practical product reviews."
Keep your email under 150 words; people like being direct. Most importantly, show them what to expect. Include a sample; this could be a past brand post or media kit, or a quick demo video. Don't make them dig for it. Instead, send an email with an attached sample so they can see your work at a glance.
Send a Sample — Always
This one’s non-negotiable. You wouldn’t apply for a job without a résumé, so don’t pitch a brand without showing your style and skill.
What to include:
- A past product-related post (even if unpaid)
- A short demo video
- A one-page media kit (Canva is your best friend here)
Follow Up Without Being Pushy
Didn’t hear back? It’s not personal. Brands get hundreds of emails, and marketers are swamped. Sometimes they miss yours, and sometimes they save it for later.
Follow up after a week if you haven't heard back, just keep it simple. "Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look over my email for more ideas." If it's helpful, this shows interest without being pressured. Send a polite follow-up such as:
If they say no, thank them and ask them to keep you in mind for future projects. If they say yes, reply quickly and set clear expectations. Ask about deliverables, deadlines, and fees upfront. Be professional and friendly. The goal is a good working relationship, not just a one-time deal.
Tip: Keep it warm, helpful, and pressure-free. If they ghost you again, move on gracefully. You never know—they might come back months later.
Real Talk: Getting a “Yes”
If you do land a brand’s interest, do a happy dance (no, really—you’ve earned it), then get down to biz:
-
Confirm the scope (what content, how many posts)
-
Discuss deadlines and usage rights
-
plan
for paid upgrades)
Examples of New Influencers Who Nailed It
-
@naturallyevie (20k followers) – Evie, a mother and mental health advocate, shared a series of honest videos about her self-care routine during Mental Health Awareness Month. Without any sponsorship or verification badge, she pitched her content to a mindfulness app (like Calm or Headspace) along with a campaign idea. Thanks to her highly authentic audience (91% real followers), she landed a paid collaboration centered on a “5 Minutes for You” initiative, where she recorded simple, guided meditations from home.
-
@isabellesplate (27k followers) – Isabelle started sharing clean, Mediterranean-inspired recipes with a modern twist. She posted an unpaid review of a new extra virgin olive oil, highlighting its health benefits and how it elevated her dishes. The brand reached out weeks later and agreed to a paid collaboration. Isabelle proposed a “5 Days of Cooking with Isabelle” campaign featuring Instagram Lives and downloadable recipe cards—all filmed from her home kitchen.
Final Words (And a Tiny Pep Talk)
Reaching out can feel awkward at first, but every pitch you send makes the next one easier. Pitching brands is like sending a message in a bottle—some won’t answer, some will, and one reply can change your entire path.
The more you do it, the more you'll learn what gets replies. Start off small, focus on brands you already love, and keep your message short and focused. Always include a sample. One strong email can lead to your first paid post, that's the start of everything.
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