How to Contact Brands: A Professional Guide to Landing Influencer Collaborations

Landing an influencer collaboration is not just a matter of luck: it is a tactical process that starts long before the first email. If you want to know how to get a brand deal or a long-term partnership, you need to understand the decision-making process of brands.

In this guide, we go through a complete outreach strategy, from finding the right people to LinkedIn searches and message templates that actually work.

1. Finding the Right Brands and Decision Makers

Before you write a single line, you need to know who you are approaching. The effectiveness of your outreach drops immediately if the message goes to a generic info address.

Choosing Brands

Select brands whose target audience matches yours. Research which companies are already working with other influencers, as they already have budgets and processes in place. Particularly good targets are companies that have just launched or are about to launch a new product or campaign. The same applies to all seasonal products and services.

Finding the Right Person

In large companies, social media messages go to customer service. You need to find the person who makes decisions and is responsible for the budget:

• LinkedIn: Search by the company name and use keywords such as "Marketing Director" or "Brand Manager." Secondary contacts include, for example, "Marketing Assistants."
• PR Pages: The Press or Contact sections of company websites sometimes contain direct email addresses for marketing leads.

2. Choose the Most Effective Channel: Email, LinkedIn, or Social Media Message?

The contact method depends entirely on the size of the company. The wrong channel can mean your message is never read. Avoid contact forms and reach out to the company directly.

• Large Brands and Corporations: Email and LinkedIn are the only professional options. A LinkedIn message is often the best way to stand out from an overflowing email inbox.
• Small Brands and Local Businesses: The entrepreneur often manages their own social media channels. An Instagram DM can be a very effective shortcut directly to the owner, as long as it is written professionally and doesn't feel like a mass message.

3. The Anatomy of a Compelling Outreach: How to Spark Interest?

Brands don't buy your followers; they buy a solution to their marketing problem. Don't ask if you can try a product; instead, tell them what value you produce.

• Personal Hook: Why this specific brand? Mention one of their products that you or your audience uses.
• Value Proposition: Explain how your audience helps the brand achieve its goals (e.g., you reach 25–34-year-old city dwellers interested in the outdoors).
• Proof: Always link your digital media kit, such as your Superwider profile. If a brand is interested in you, they want to be convinced of the value you bring.

4. Free Templates for Brand Outreach

Template A: LinkedIn Message

Goal: Spark interest and start a conversation.

"Hi [Name]! I’ve been loving [Brand's] content on TikTok, and I believe I could help you reach [Target Audience], who would definitely be interested in [Your Products]. Would you be interested in exploring a fully performance-based collaboration with me on [Social Media Platform]? Best regards, [Name / Social Handle]"

Template B: Email

Goal: Reach the decision maker and offer a clear next step.

Subject: Influencer Collaboration: [Your Name] x [Brand Name]

"Hi [Name]! I have been using [Brand's] products for a long time and I believe I could help you reach [Target Audience], who would definitely be interested in [Your Products]. I offer collaborations based entirely on results. Would you be open to a 10 min [call/meeting] regarding this topic, for example on [Day] at [Time]?

You can find my up-to-date media kit and statistics here: [Link to Superwider Profile]

Best regards, [Name] [Phone Number]"

Template C: Contract Proposal via Email

Goal: Find an interested sponsor/partner for ready-made content.

Subject: Collaboration Offer for [Brand's] Marketing

"Hi [Name]! I have been a fan of [Brand's] products for a long time and could help you reach [Target Audience] through my upcoming video series. I am still looking for 2 sponsors for the series using a reach-based model. Would you be open to a 10 min [call/meeting] regarding this topic, for example on [Day] at [Time]?

Up-to-date media kit and statistics: [Link to Superwider Profile]

Best regards, [Name]"

5. The Power of Persistence: Don't Forget the Follow-up

If you don't receive a response within 3–5 business days, don't give up. Marketing managers are busy and messages get lost easily, or they might just not be interested right away. The best way to bring your original message back to their attention is to send a new message in the same thread. Don't be afraid to send follow-up messages. Within the limits of good taste, you can send up to five follow-up emails. The most successful salespeople say that before the third follow-up, you haven't even really tried to reach the person.

Always use your imagination in follow-ups and make each message to the same person different. Toward the end, follow-up messages can be just one sentence long.

Follow-up Example: "Hi [Name], I just wanted to make sure the collaboration opportunity reached you. I am still ready to grow your visibility risk-free based on results. Do you have time for a quick [call/meeting] on [Date]?"

Summary

Outreach is an art form where quality and quantity must be in balance. Every contact requires quick background research, but with excessive research, the volume of attempts will remain too low. When you invest in research, try different methods, find the right people, and offer concrete benefits through data, you immediately elevate yourself to the top tier of professional creators.

Are you ready for new opportunities? Join influencer collaborations, create a free influencer profile, and get found by brands today: Superwider.