There is a feeling of excitement when a new brand enters the Creator.co Campaign Hub. Especially when you realize that you qualify to opt-in and better yet – get approved. The product is shipped directly to your door, you experience it for free, and have the opportunity to get your social media content featured by Brands!
Your followers like your post and leave you a comment! Your engagement is increased! Success! … Not quite, you’re not done yet. The question is: does the BRAND love your content?
Getting free products is not the goal here. Growing your following and exposure as a Creator is what matters. When a brand features your post on their page, they are putting you in the spotlight for NEW followers and MORE opportunities.
Here are some tips to get your next post featured by a brand on their social media or website:
Do your research!
Before you plan your content make sure you research the brand who has gifted you their product. What does their Instagram look like? If they have a steady theme of bright neon colours throughout their feed, it’s probably not the best idea to post in a dark kitchen or living room. Incorporate the brand’s tone and colour palette into your post. There is a much higher chance of getting your get your content featured by brands and securing a permanent feature on their profile.
Include your face!
Did you know that 68% of people come to Instagram to interact with creators? Your audience is following you for a reason: they want to see YOU! Photos with actual faces receive 38% more engagement than those with only a product. Think of the term “Influencer”. Your followers want to know why you love the product and why they should purchase it. As their trusted source of information, you and your beautiful smile should be in the photo. The brand has a lot of product pictures but would love to show real people using their items IRL.
Clean up the caption!
Yeah, you’re sassy and we love you for it but try to remember that business is business. If you tag a brand as a business partner in your post, they now have the option of putting money behind it as an ad. Leave the “I #$@%^ LOVE this product” for a post that has not been gifted to you. Brands are investing in their advertising and unless they carry the same tone, chances are you will not be featured.
Keep it simple!
Adding stickers and text to an image is fun but it’s not necessarily “on brand”. Businesses like to keep their profile and website professional. Leave the bunny ear filter for a personal post. Axe the chunky block letters that say “GIVEAWAY”. That’s what your caption is for. A nice clean image is what we’re looking to re-share.
Find good – no, GREAT lighting!
This is a no-brainer. We don’t all have access to a ring-light but one thing we do have is sunlight. Take your picture outside in natural lighting rather than a murky basement. Nosferatu is not the ideal Creator that a brand is looking for.
Leave out YOUR brand!
Does every one of your posts have a signature branding tool? Maybe it’s a frame or a certain crop standard. The question is: does the brand you’re posting for follow the same protocol? Individual style is important but if your goal is to get re-posted, this may not be a good fit.
So there you have it, my precious bloggers and vloggers. It’s easier than you think to get featured by the brand you’re working with. Consider these tips when creating your next branded post. Receiving the free product is the cake but getting your content featured by a brand is the cherry on top! I am excited to see what you create next so I’ll leave you with this:
“People do not buy goods and services, they buy relations, stories, and magic.”
– Seth Godin
Photo courtesy of Michelle Smith: @michelleanneblog
