---
name: influencer-collaborator
description: |
  Brand partnership strategy covering deal negotiation, media kit creation, rate card development, deliverable scoping, usage rights, FTC disclosure compliance, relationship management, and proactive brand pitching for creators. Use when the user asks about influencer collaborator or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "marketing social-media strategy"
  category: "marketing-sales"
  subcategory: "seo-growth"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Influencer Collaborator

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to influencer collaborator.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on influencer collaborator
- User asks about influencer collaborator best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to influencer collaborator

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of influencer collaborator
## Questions to Ask First

Before pursuing or responding to brand collaboration opportunities:

1. What is your current platform reach? (Followers, views, engagement rates by platform)
2. What is your niche and content focus? What brands naturally align?
3. Have you done any brand deals before? What was the experience?
4. What are your non-negotiables? (Authenticity, products you won't promote, exclusivity limits)
5. Do you have a media kit? Is it current with recent analytics?
6. What is your minimum acceptable rate for a collaboration?
7. How do you handle products or services you don't genuinely like?
8. Are you registered as a business entity? (Impacts taxes and contracts)
9. Do you understand FTC guidelines for sponsored content disclosure?
10. What is your long-term brand partnership goal? (One-off deals vs ambassador relationships)

## Brand Deal Negotiation

### The Negotiation Framework

**Step 1: Understand the Brief**
Before discussing money, fully understand what the brand wants:
- What platforms and content types?
- What is the campaign timeline?
- What are the key messages or talking points?
- What are the deliverables (number of posts, stories, videos)?
- What usage rights do they need?
- Is exclusivity required?

**Step 2: Assess the Value**
Calculate based on your reach, engagement, and the scope of work:
- How much time will creation take?
- What is your content's performance history?
- How does this brand align with your audience?
- What is the opportunity cost? (Other deals you'd pass on)

**Step 3: Present Your Rate**
```
"Based on the scope of this campaign, my rate for
[specific deliverables] is $[amount]. This includes
[what's included] and [number] rounds of revision.

Usage rights beyond organic posting would be additional.
I'm happy to discuss the package to find the right fit."
```

**Step 4: Negotiate with Value, Not Apology**
If they push back on price:
- Don't immediately lower your rate
- Add value instead: "I can't lower the rate, but I can add an extra Story"
- Offer tiered options: "For that budget, I can do [reduced scope]"
- Walk away if the rate doesn't cover your costs and time

### Negotiation Tactics

| Situation | Tactic |
|-----------|--------|
| Brand lowballs | "My standard rate for this scope is $X. What's your budget range?" |
| Brand wants more deliverables | "I can add that for an additional $X, or we can swap it for [other deliverable]" |
| Brand offers product only | "I appreciate the offer. My minimum for sponsored content is $X. Would product + compensation work?" |
| Brand wants exclusivity | "Exclusivity for [period] would be an additional $X on top of the content fee" |
| Brand wants perpetual usage | "Perpetual usage rights are $X. I can offer 90-day usage for $Y instead" |
| Multiple revision requests | "The package includes 2 revision rounds. Additional revisions are $X each" |

### Red Flags in Brand Deals

- "We'll pay you in exposure" (no monetary compensation for real work)
- Unreasonably fast turnaround (under 48 hours without rush fee)
- Requesting perpetual usage rights at no extra cost
- Asking you to remove the sponsored disclosure
- Demanding creative control that contradicts your brand voice
- No written contract or scope of work
- Payment terms beyond NET 60
- Requiring you to disparage competitors

## Media Kit Creation

### Essential Media Kit Components

**Page 1: Introduction**
```
YOUR NAME / BRAND NAME
[Professional headshot or brand photo]
[One-paragraph bio focused on your content niche,
audience, and what makes you a great brand partner]
Content Focus: [2-3 content pillars]
Platforms: [List active platforms with handle names]
Contact: [Email for business inquiries]
```

**Page 2: Audience Overview**
```
TOTAL REACH: [Combined followers/subscribers]
Platform Breakdown:
  Instagram:  [followers] | [avg engagement rate]
  TikTok:     [followers] | [avg views per post]
  YouTube:    [subscribers] | [avg views per video]
  Newsletter: [subscribers] | [open rate]
  Website:    [monthly visitors]
Audience Demographics:
  Age: [breakdown chart]
  Gender: [breakdown]
  Top locations: [Country/city breakdown]
  Interests: [Top 5 audience interests]
  Income bracket: [If available and relevant]
```

**Page 3: Performance Metrics**
```
CONTENT PERFORMANCE (Last 90 Days)
Instagram:
  Average likes per post:     [number]
  Average comments per post:  [number]
  Average reach per post:     [number]
  Stories average views:      [number]
  Engagement rate:            [percentage]
TikTok:
  Average views per video:    [number]
  Average engagement rate:    [percentage]
  Best performing video:      [views]
YouTube:
  Average views per video:    [number]
  Average watch time:         [minutes]
  Subscriber growth (30-day): [number]
[Include screenshots of analytics as proof]
```

**Page 4: Past Partnerships**
```
BRAND EXPERIENCE
[Logos of 4-8 brands you've worked with]
CASE STUDY: [Brand Name]
  Campaign: [Brief description]
  Deliverables: [What you created]
  Results:
    - [Views/impressions]
    - [Engagement rate]
    - [Clicks/conversions if available]
    - [Brand testimonial quote]
```

**Page 5: Partnership Options**
```
COLLABORATION OPTIONS
Package A: Social Feature
  - 1 Instagram feed post + 3 Stories
  - Rate: Starting at $[amount]
Package B: Video Integration
  - 1 YouTube integration (60-90 sec)
  - 1 Instagram Reel + Stories
  - Rate: Starting at $[amount]
Package C: Full Campaign
  - Multiple deliverables across platforms
  - Custom content strategy
  - Rate: Custom quote based on scope
All packages include:
  - Creative concept development
  - Professional production
  - 2 rounds of revision
  - Performance report (30 days post-publish)
Additional options available:
  - Usage rights licensing
  - Exclusivity arrangements
  - Whitelisting/paid amplification
  - Event attendance
Contact: [email]
```

### Media Kit Design Tips

- Keep it to 4-5 pages (brands review dozens)
- Use your brand colors and fonts consistently
- Update monthly with fresh metrics
- Save as PDF (under 5MB for easy email attachment)
- Create both a full version and a 1-page summary version
- Include a QR code or link to your best content

## Rate Cards

### Rate Calculation Framework

**Method 1: Follower-Based (Starting Point)**
```
Instagram:  $0.01-0.05 per follower per post
TikTok:     $0.01-0.04 per follower per post
YouTube:    $0.03-0.10 per subscriber per video
Podcast:    $20-50 CPM (per 1,000 downloads)
Blog:       $0.05-0.15 per monthly page view
Newsletter: $25-75 CPM (per 1,000 subscribers)
```

**Method 2: Engagement-Based (More Accurate)**
```
Average engagement per post x $0.10-0.50 = base rate
```

**Method 3: Time-Based (Freelancer Approach)**
```
Your hourly rate x hours to create = base rate
```

### Rate Card Template
```
[YOUR NAME] - Rate Card [Year]
INSTAGRAM
  Feed Post (static):                    $[amount]
  Feed Post (carousel):                  $[amount]
  Reel (15-60 sec):                      $[amount]
  Story Set (3-5 frames):                $[amount]
  Story with Swipe-Up/Link:              $[amount]
  IGTV/Long-Form Video:                  $[amount]
  Live Session (30 min):                 $[amount]
TIKTOK
  TikTok Video (15-60 sec):              $[amount]
  TikTok Series (3 videos):              $[amount]
YOUTUBE
  Dedicated Video (full video about brand): $[amount]
  Integration (60-90 sec within video):     $[amount]
  Shorts:                                   $[amount]
NEWSLETTER / BLOG
  Dedicated newsletter:                  $[amount]
  Newsletter mention:                    $[amount]
  Blog post (1,000+ words):              $[amount]
BUNDLES
  Social Bundle (IG + TikTok):           $[amount]
  Full Campaign (custom):                Quote upon request
ADD-ONS
  Exclusivity (per month):               +$[amount]
  Usage rights (90 days):                +$[amount]
  Usage rights (perpetual):              +$[amount]
  Whitelisting (per month):              +$[amount]
  Rush delivery (<7 days):               +25-50%
  Additional revision round:             +$[amount]
Notes:
  - Rates effective [date]
  - 50% deposit required, balance on delivery
  - Payment terms: NET 30
  - All prices in USD
```

## Deliverable Scoping

### Deliverable Specification Checklist

For every brand deal, define these in writing:
```
Content Deliverables:
  [ ] Platform(s)
  [ ] Content format (post, video, Story, Reel, etc.)
  [ ] Number of pieces
  [ ] Approximate length/duration
  [ ] Key messages or talking points
  [ ] Required hashtags or tags
  [ ] Required links or CTAs
Creative Guidelines:
  [ ] Brand assets provided (logos, products, images)
  [ ] Tone and style direction
  [ ] Do's and don'ts
  [ ] Competitor restrictions
  [ ] Required visual elements
Timeline:
  [ ] Brief received date
  [ ] Concept/draft due date
  [ ] Brand review period
  [ ] Revision deadline
  [ ] Publication date(s)
  [ ] Performance report due date
Approval Process:
  [ ] Who approves content?
  [ ] How many revision rounds included?
  [ ] What constitutes a "revision" vs "new direction"?
  [ ] Turnaround time for brand feedback
```

## Usage Rights

### Understanding Usage Rights

| Right | What It Means | Typical Premium |
|-------|--------------|----------------|
| Organic posting | You post on your channels (standard) | Included in base rate |
| Brand reposting | Brand shares your content on their organic channels | +20-30% |
| Paid amplification | Brand puts ad spend behind your content | +50-100% |
| Whitelisting | Brand runs ads from your account | +100-200% (monthly) |
| Website usage | Brand features your content on their site | +30-50% |
| Print/OOH usage | Content used in physical advertising | +100-300% |
| Perpetual usage | No time limit on brand's use | +200-500% (one-time) |

### Usage Rights Contract Language
```
Standard clause (creator-friendly):

"Brand is granted a non-exclusive license to use the Content on
Brand's owned social media channels for organic posting only,
for a period of [90 days / 6 months / 1 year] from the date of
publication. Any use of Content for paid advertising, including
but not limited to boosted posts, paid social ads, display ads,
or whitelisting, requires additional written agreement and
compensation."
```

### Protecting Your Content Rights

1. Never sign away perpetual, unlimited usage without significant compensation
2. Always specify the platforms and duration for usage rights
3. Retain ownership of your content -- you're licensing, not selling
4. Include a clause that requires brand to credit you when using your content
5. Define what happens to the content after the agreement ends

## FTC Disclosure Compliance

### FTC Requirements

The Federal Trade Commission requires clear disclosure of material connections between creators and brands. This applies to:
- Paid partnerships
- Free products received
- Affiliate relationships
- Any form of compensation (cash, gifts, trips, services)

### Disclosure Best Practices

**On Instagram:**
- Use the "Paid partnership" tag (platform feature)
- Include #ad or #sponsored in the first line of the caption (not buried at the end)
- Verbal disclosure in Reels and Stories

**On TikTok:**
- Enable the branded content toggle
- Include #ad in the caption
- Verbal disclosure in the video

**On YouTube:**
- Check the "contains paid promotion" box (adds disclaimer)
- Verbal disclosure within the first 30 seconds
- Include disclosure in the video description

**In newsletters and blogs:**
- Clear statement at the top: "This post is sponsored by [Brand]"
- Affiliate link disclosure: "This post contains affiliate links"

### What Does NOT Count as Adequate Disclosure

- Burying #ad in a wall of hashtags
- Only saying "thanks to [brand]" without stating it's paid
- Using ambiguous language like "#partner" or "#collab" alone
- Disclosing only in the platform's built-in tool without visual/verbal mention
- Placing disclosure where it's not visible without clicking "more"

## Relationship Management

### Building Long-Term Brand Partnerships

**The Partnership Ladder:**
```
Level 1: One-off campaign
  You create content, get paid, done.
Level 2: Repeat campaigns
  Brand returns for multiple campaigns over months.
Level 3: Ambassador
  Ongoing relationship with regular content + events.
Level 4: Equity/co-creation
  You're involved in product development, licensing, or equity.
```

**Moving up the ladder:**
1. Overdeliver on every campaign (exceed expectations)
2. Share performance data proactively
3. Suggest future campaign ideas
4. Be easy to work with (responsive, professional, flexible)
5. Genuinely use and love the product (authenticity shows)

### Communication Best Practices

- Respond to brand emails within 24 hours (even if just to acknowledge)
- Send a kickoff summary after agreeing to terms
- Provide status updates during content creation
- Share a performance report 30 days after posting
- Follow up 60 days later to explore future opportunities
- Send holiday cards or congratulations on brand milestones

### Managing Multiple Brand Relationships
```
Brand Partnership Tracker:
| Brand | Contact | Status | Deliverables | Deadline | Payment Status |
|-------|---------|--------|-------------|----------|---------------|
| Brand A | name@email | Active | 2 IG posts | Mar 15 | Invoiced |
| Brand B | name@email | Pitch sent | TBD | TBD | N/A |
| Brand C | name@email | Complete | 1 YT video | Done | Paid |
```

## Pitching Brands Proactively

### Brand Outreach Strategy

**Step 1: Build a target list**
- List 20-30 brands your audience already uses and loves
- Check if they work with influencers (look for #ad on their tagged posts)
- Find the right contact (marketing manager, influencer coordinator, PR)
- LinkedIn is the best tool for finding the right person

**Step 2: Research before pitching**
- Study their current campaigns and messaging
- Understand their target customer
- Identify how your audience overlaps with their customer
- Note any recent product launches, events, or news

**Step 3: Craft a personalized pitch**

### Pitch Email Template
```
Subject: Partnership Idea: [Your Name] x [Brand Name]
Hi [Contact Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [niche] content creator with [follower count]
followers across [platforms]. I've been a genuine fan of [Brand]
for [timeframe] -- I especially love [specific product/campaign].
My audience of [demographic description] closely matches your
target customer. My content on [specific topic] consistently
drives [metric: views, engagement, conversions].
I have an idea for a [content type] that would showcase [specific
product] in a way that feels authentic to my audience while
highlighting [brand benefit]. Specifically, I'm thinking:
[1-2 sentence concept description]
My recent campaigns with [other brand, if applicable] delivered
[specific results]. I've attached my media kit with full audience
demographics and past campaign performance.
Would you be open to a 15-minute call this week to explore this?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Social handles with links]
[Media kit attached]
```

### Follow-Up Sequence
```
Day 0:   Send initial pitch
Day 5:   Follow-up email ("Wanted to make sure this didn't get lost")
Day 14:  Final follow-up ("Closing the loop - happy to discuss when timing is right")
Day 30+: Move to "nurture" list - engage with their content, try again in 3 months
```

### Common Pitch Mistakes

1. **Generic templates**: "Dear Brand" instantly gets deleted
2. **Leading with your numbers**: Lead with the value you bring to THEM
3. **No specific idea**: "I'd love to collaborate" is not a pitch
4. **Attaching a media kit with no context**: The email should make them want to open the kit
5. **Pitching brands that don't align**: Only pitch brands you'd genuinely recommend
6. **Following up too aggressively**: 3 touchpoints maximum, then move on
7. **Undervaluing yourself**: Starting with "I know I'm small, but..." undermines your pitch

## Financial Management for Influencers

### Setting Up as a Business

- Register an LLC or sole proprietorship (consult a tax professional)
- Get a separate business bank account
- Track all income and expenses
- Set aside 25-30% for taxes (self-employment tax + income tax)
- Issue invoices for every brand deal
- Keep records of all contracts and correspondence

### Invoice Template
```
INVOICE
From: [Your Legal Name / Business Name]
      [Your Address]
      [Your Email]
To:   [Brand/Agency Name]
      [Contact Name]
      [Address]
Invoice Number: [YYYY-MM-XXX]
Invoice Date:   [Date]
Due Date:       [Date + NET terms]
Description:
  [Campaign name / deliverable description]
  Platform: [Instagram, YouTube, etc.]
  Deliverables: [Specific list]
  Publication date: [Date]
Amount:                     $[amount]
Usage rights (if applicable): $[amount]
Exclusivity (if applicable):  $[amount]
Subtotal:                   $[amount]
Tax (if applicable):        $[amount]
TOTAL DUE:                  $[amount]
Payment Methods:
  Bank transfer: [Details]
  PayPal: [email]
  Other: [details]
Payment Terms: NET [30/45/60]
Late payment fee: [1.5% per month, if applicable]
```


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Influencer Collaborator deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with influencer collaborator for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete influencer collaborator framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
