Deals arrive inbound (they found you), outbound (you asked), through agencies, and through creator marketplaces. Waiting only for inbound is a strategy if you already have demand. Everyone else needs a way to ask.
What brands look for
Not “a vibe.” Usually:
- audience fit (not raw size);
- proof you can make the format;
- signs you have delivered for someone else without a public fight;
- a way to brief you without a 40-minute call.
A current media kit and two relevant samples beat a follower screenshot.
Build a list you can work
Pick 20 brands whose product you would feel comfortable using on camera. Look for a relevant person in creator marketing or social, or contact a founder at a small brand. A generic info@ address may be less likely to reach the person reviewing partnerships.
One list, one status per row: to pitch, pitched, followed up, in talk, won, lost. The campaign tracker columns work for this stage too. Product-side, the same habit is How to track brand outreach.
Pitch like a brief in reverse
Say who you are in one line, why this product, what you would make, and a starting rate or a range. The pitch template is short on purpose. Marketing managers forward short emails.
Do not attach a 40MB deck. Link the kit. Offer two concept hooks so they can picture the post.
Follow up without apology
One follow-up at five to seven working days. Then a last note. Then stop. Silence is usually volume, not hatred.
When they say yes
Move immediately to confirmation: deliverables, usage, dates and fee. A positive verbal response does not confirm the campaign. Write down the agreed terms before you start production.
When you are ready to run this in one place
Keep outreach from disappearing into chat
When you are pitching ten brands, the next follow-up date matters more than a perfect first email.