How to Contact Influencers: Email & DM Templates with Response Rate Data (2025)

Reaching out to influencers can feel intimidating, but the right approach gets responses and builds partnerships. Most brands make the same mistakes: generic emails, focusing on their own needs, and not understanding what influencers actually want.

Here's how to contact influencers in a way that stands out and gets results.

⚡ Quick Influencer Outreach Formula

1. Research the influencer - Know their content, audience, and values
2. Personalize your message - Reference specific posts or achievements
3. Lead with value - What's in it for them, not just you
4. Be clear and concise - Respect their time
5. Follow up professionally - But don't be pushy

Why Most Influencer Outreach Fails

Common Mistakes

• Generic copy-paste emails that mention wrong names or irrelevant details
• Focusing only on what you want instead of mutual benefit
• Not researching the influencer's content style or audience
• Making unrealistic demands for free work or excessive deliverables
• Poor timing when they're clearly busy or on different schedules

What Influencers Want

• Genuine partnerships with brands they actually like
• Fair compensation for their time and audience access
• Creative freedom to maintain their authentic voice
• Professional treatment and clear communication
• Long-term relationships rather than one-off transactions

Research Before You Reach Out

Ensure your brand strategy is clear before reaching out so you can articulate value effectively.

Know Their Content

Study Their Posts:

• What topics do they cover most?
• What's their posting style and tone?
• Which posts get the most engagement? Use social media analytics to evaluate performance
• How do they typically work with brands?

Understand Their Audience:

• Who follows them? (age, interests, demographics) - validate fit with our Target Audience Analyzer
• What content does their audience engage with most?
• Are their followers your target customers?
• How engaged is their community?

Check Their Partnership History

Look For:

• Previous brand collaborations
• How they disclose partnerships
• Types of products they promote
• Whether they work with competitors

Red Flags:

• Too many sponsored posts (audience fatigue)
• Poor engagement on sponsored content
• Misaligned brand partnerships
• Fake followers or engagement

Find Contact Information

Where to Look:

1. Instagram bio - Many have email addresses or contact links
2. YouTube About page - Often includes business inquiries info
3. Personal website or blog - Usually has contact or media kit sections
4. LinkedIn profile - For more professional outreach
5. TikTok bio - Check for business contact details

Influencer Platforms:

• AspireIQ - Database of influencer contacts
• Upfluence - Influencer discovery and contact info
• Creator.co - Influencer marketplace with contact details
• Klear - Influencer analytics and contact information

How to Write Your First Message

Subject Line That Gets Opened

Good Subject Lines:

• "Collaboration opportunity with [Your Brand]"
• "Partnership proposal for @[their_handle]"
• "Brand collaboration - [specific benefit for them]"
• "Love your [specific content type] content!"

Avoid:

• "Influencer opportunity" (too generic)
• "FREE PRODUCTS!!!" (looks like spam)
• "Urgent partnership request" (creates false urgency)
• ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation

Email Structure That Works

Opening (Personal Connection): Start with something specific about their content that caught your attention.

"Hi [Name], I've been following your fitness content for a while and loved your recent post about morning routines - the tip about preparing workout clothes the night before was brilliant!"

Introduction (Who You Are): Briefly explain who you are and what your brand does. Create a compelling introduction with our Professional Biography Generator.

"I'm [Name] from [Brand], where we create sustainable workout gear for people who care about both fitness and the environment."

Value Proposition (What's In It For Them): Clearly state what you're offering and why it benefits them.

"I think our new recycled fabric activewear would be perfect for your audience who values both performance and sustainability. We'd love to send you our latest collection to try, with no strings attached."

Clear Ask (What You Want): Be specific about what you're hoping for, but keep it reasonable.

"If you love the products, we'd be thrilled if you shared your honest thoughts with your community. We're happy to discuss compensation for any content you create."

Professional Close: End with next steps and your contact information.

"I'd love to send you more details about our brand and products. What's the best way to get you our media kit? Looking forward to potentially working together!"

Email Templates That Get Responses

Template 1: Product Collaboration

Subject: Collaboration opportunity with [Brand Name]

Hi [Influencer Name],

I've been following your [platform] content and absolutely love your [specific content type/recent post]. Your [specific thing they do well] really resonates with your audience!

I'm [Your Name] from [Brand Name], and we create [brief product description]. I noticed you've shared content about [related topic], and I think our [product] would be perfect for your community.

We'd love to send you [specific products] to try with no expectations. If you love them and want to share with your audience, we're happy to discuss compensation for any content you create.

Our brand values align with yours around [shared value/mission], and I think this could be a great partnership.

Would you be interested in learning more? I can send over our media kit and more details about our products.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Contact Information]

---

Template 2: Paid Partnership

Subject: Paid partnership opportunity - [Brand Name]

Hi [Influencer Name],

Your recent post about [specific content] was fantastic - I especially loved [specific detail]. It's clear you know what resonates with your audience!

I'm reaching out from [Brand Name] because we're looking for authentic voices to partner with for our [product/campaign]. Your content around [relevant topic] makes you a perfect fit.

We're offering:

• [Specific compensation amount]
• [Products to keep]
• Full creative control over content
• Long-term partnership potential

The partnership would involve [specific deliverables], and we're flexible on timing to fit your content calendar.

I'd love to share more details about the campaign and discuss how we can create content that works for both your audience and our brand goals.

Are you accepting brand partnerships right now? If so, when would be a good time for a brief call?

Thanks for your time!

[Your Name] [Brand Name] [Contact Information]

---

Template 3: Long-Term Ambassador Program

Subject: Brand Ambassador opportunity with [Brand Name]

Hi [Influencer Name],

I've been following your journey on [platform] and am consistently impressed by your authentic approach to [their niche]. Your community clearly trusts your recommendations!

I'm [Your Name] from [Brand Name], and we're launching a brand ambassador program for creators who align with our values of [shared values].

Our ambassador program includes:

• Monthly product allowance
• Exclusive access to new launches
• Performance-based bonuses
• Creative collaboration opportunities
• 6-month initial commitment

We're looking for [specific criteria] creators who want to build a genuine, long-term partnership rather than one-off collaborations.

Based on your content and engagement, I think you'd be perfect for our ambassador family.

Would you be interested in a quick call to discuss the program in detail? I'm happy to answer any questions about expectations, compensation, or the application process.

Looking forward to potentially working together!

[Your Name] [Brand Name] [Direct Phone Number]

Follow-Up Strategy

When to Follow Up

• First follow-up: 1 week after initial email
• Second follow-up: 2 weeks after first follow-up
• Final follow-up: 1 month after second follow-up

How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy

First Follow-Up: "Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my email about a potential collaboration with [Brand]. I know you get a lot of partnership requests, so no worries if this isn't a good fit. Just wanted to make sure you saw it! Let me know if you'd like more information."

Second Follow-Up: "Hi [Name], I sent a couple messages about partnering with [Brand] but haven't heard back. I totally understand if you're swamped or this isn't the right fit! If you're interested, I'm happy to send more details. Otherwise, no worries at all."

Final Follow-Up: "Hi [Name], This is my last message about the [Brand] collaboration opportunity. I understand you're probably getting lots of partnership requests. If this isn't for you, no problem! If it is and you just haven't had time to respond, I'm here whenever you're ready."

Platform-Specific Outreach Tips

Instagram Outreach Strategy

When to Use Instagram DMs vs Email:

Instagram DMs Work Best For:

• Influencers with under 50K followers
• Creators who actively engage in DMs
• Quick, informal partnership inquiries
• Initial relationship building

Email Works Best For:

• Influencers with 50K+ followers
• Formal partnership proposals
• Detailed campaign briefs
• Legal agreements and contracts

Instagram DM Template Examples:

DM Template 1: Initial Outreach

Hey [Name]! 👋

I've been loving your content, especially your recent post about [specific content]. The way you [specific detail] was so helpful!

I'm [Your Name] from [Brand], and we create [product description]. I think our [product] would be perfect for your audience.

Would you be open to chatting about a potential collaboration? Happy to send more details if you're interested!

[Your Name]

DM Template 2: Product Gifting

Hi [Name]!

Your [niche] content is amazing - I especially loved [specific post]!

I'd love to send you our [product] to try (no strings attached!). If you love it and want to share with your community, that would be awesome, but totally up to you.

Would you be interested? I can DM you the details!

Best,
[Your Name] from [Brand]

DM Best Practices:

• Keep initial message under 100 words
• Send during their active hours (check when they post stories)
• Don't send links in first message (Instagram flags as spam)
• Use emojis sparingly for personality
• Wait 3-5 days before follow-up DM
• Move to email for detailed discussions

YouTube Outreach

• Email preferred: Most YouTubers prefer email for business
• Reference specific videos: Show you actually watch their content (mention view counts, specific moments)
• Consider video responses: Some creators prefer video pitches (record short Loom video)
• Longer lead times: YouTube content takes 2-4 weeks to produce, plan accordingly
• Integration opportunities: Discuss sponsored segments, product placements, dedicated videos

YouTube-Specific Considerations:

• Production costs are higher (offer appropriate compensation)
• Video content has longer lifespan (higher value)
• Comment section management expectations
• Video description link placement
• Thumbnail and title considerations

TikTok Outreach

• Move fast: TikTok trends move quickly (respond within 24-48 hours)
• Be casual: Match their platform's informal tone
• Focus on creativity: Give them creative freedom (TikTok audiences spot scripted content)
• Consider trending sounds: Reference current trends they use effectively
• Short-form value: TikTok partnerships typically cost less than YouTube
• Cross-platform potential: Many TikTok creators also have strong Instagram presence

TikTok Outreach Tips:

• Check if they have link in bio (indicates business readiness)
• Look for "#ad" in previous content (shows partnership experience)
• Understand their niche and content style deeply
• Be flexible with content format and approach
• Fast turnaround expectations (1-2 weeks typical)

LinkedIn Outreach

• Professional tone: More formal than other platforms - create compelling profiles with our Professional Biography Generator
• Business focus: Emphasize professional benefits and B2B value
• Connection requests: Always connect before messaging (include personalized note)
• B2B appropriate: Better for business/professional content and thought leadership
• Long-term relationships: LinkedIn partnerships often focus on ongoing ambassador roles

LinkedIn Best Practices:

• Reference their articles or posts
• Emphasize professional development opportunities
• Discuss thought leadership and industry positioning
• Consider speaking opportunities and events
• Focus on career advancement benefits

Red Flags to Avoid in Outreach

Message Red Flags

• Copy-pasting influencer names incorrectly
• Mentioning competitor brands or wrong products
• Making unrealistic demands for free work
• Being pushy or demanding immediate responses
• Not disclosing this is a business inquiry

Brand Behavior Red Flags

• Asking for free work in exchange for "exposure"
• Demanding excessive content for low compensation
• Not respecting creative control or brand voice
• Late payments or changing terms after agreement
• Micromanaging content creation process

Legal and Disclosure Requirements

FTC Guidelines

• Clear disclosure required for all paid partnerships
• #ad or #sponsored must be prominent and clear
• Material connections must be disclosed
• Influencer responsibility to disclose properly

Contract Elements

• Deliverables and timeline clearly defined
• Compensation and payment terms specified
• Usage rights for created content
• Performance metrics if applicable
• Termination clauses for both parties

Measuring Outreach Success

Response Rate Metrics

• Open rates: 20-30% is typical for cold outreach
• Response rates: 5-10% response rate is good
• Conversion rates: 2-5% turning into partnerships
• Follow-up effectiveness: Track which follow-ups work

Partnership Success Metrics

• Engagement rates on sponsored content - track with analytics tools
• Click-through rates to your website - use UTM parameters to track influencer traffic
• Conversion rates from influencer traffic
• Brand awareness lift from partnerships
• Long-term relationship development

Tools for Influencer Outreach

Free Tools

• Gmail templates for consistent messaging
• Google Sheets for tracking outreach
• Social media platforms for research
• Google Alerts for monitoring mentions

Paid Tools

• HypeAuditor - Influencer analytics and fake follower detection
• Upfluence - Influencer discovery and outreach management
• AspireIQ - Influencer relationship management platform
• Creator.co - Influencer marketplace and campaign management

Outreach Timing Strategy

Best Days and Times to Send

Research-Backed Optimal Times:

Best Days:

• Tuesday-Thursday: Highest response rates (people settled into work week rhythm)
• Avoid Monday: Inbox overload from weekend accumulation
• Avoid Friday afternoon: Weekend mode, lower attention to business emails

Best Times to Send:

• 10-11 AM local time: After morning routine, before lunch rush
• 2-3 PM local time: Afternoon lull, checking emails between tasks
• Avoid early morning (before 8 AM): May get buried by later emails
• Avoid late evening (after 7 PM): Appears less professional

Time Zone Considerations:

• Check influencer's location from their profile
• Use scheduling tools to send at optimal local time
• For international influencers, research cultural business norms

Follow-Up Timing Precision

Optimal Follow-Up Schedule:

First Follow-Up: 5-7 Days After Initial Email

• Why: Gives adequate time to see and respond
• What to say: Brief reminder with added value or context

Second Follow-Up: 10-14 Days After First Follow-Up

• Why: Respects their time, shows persistence without being pushy
• What to say: Acknowledge their busy schedule, offer easy out

Final Follow-Up: 3-4 Weeks After Initial Contact

• Why: Last respectful attempt before moving on
• What to say: Gracefully close the loop, leave door open for future

When to Stop:

• After 3 total follow-ups (initial + 2 follow-ups)
• If they explicitly decline
• If you get no response after 6 weeks total
• Move on professionally without burning bridges

Response Rate Benchmarks and Expectations

Industry-Standard Metrics

Realistic Response Rates:

Cold Outreach Performance:

• Email open rate: 20-40%
• Email response rate: 5-15%
• Positive responses: 2-8% of total sent
• Conversion to partnership: 1-5% of total sent

What This Means: If you send 100 outreach emails, expect:

• 20-40 people to open it
• 5-15 people to respond
• 2-8 positive interested responses
• 1-5 actual partnerships

Improving Your Odds:

Highly Personalized Messages:

• Generic outreach: 5% response rate
• Personalized outreach: 15% response rate
• Result: 3x better performance

Warm Introductions:

• Cold outreach: 5% response rate
• Warm introduction: 25% response rate
• Result: 5x better performance

Previous Brand Interactions:

• No prior interaction: 5% response rate
• Previous engagement: 50%+ response rate
• Result: 10x better performance

Setting Realistic Expectations

Volume Planning:

To secure 10 influencer partnerships:

• Send 200-300 initial outreach messages
• Expect 10-45 responses
• Anticipate 4-24 interested parties
• Close 10 actual partnerships

Quality Over Quantity: Better to send 50 highly personalized, well-researched messages than 500 generic templates.

Bad Outreach Examples (Learn from Mistakes)

Example 1: Too Generic and Impersonal

❌ Bad Example:

Subject: Collaboration Opportunity

Hi,

We are a growing brand looking for influencers to promote our products. We think you would be a great fit for our brand.

Let us know if you're interested in working together.

Thanks,
Marketing Team

What's Wrong:

• No personalization (could be sent to anyone)
• Doesn't mention specific content or why they're a good fit
• No information about the brand or products
• Generic subject line
• Focuses on brand needs, not influencer benefits
• No clear next steps

✅ Better Approach: Reference specific content, explain clear value proposition, show brand knowledge, use personal tone, and include concrete next steps.

Example 2: Unrealistic Expectations

❌ Bad Example:

Subject: Quick Partnership Opportunity - Need Response Today

Hi [Name],

We'd love to work with you! We need 5 Instagram posts, 10 stories, and 3 TikTok videos by next week.

We can offer you free products (worth $50) in exchange.

Please confirm ASAP as we need to move fast!

Best,
[Brand]

What's Wrong:

• Demanding timeline with no advance notice
• Excessive deliverables for minimal compensation
• No creative freedom or input
• False urgency pressure tactics
• No respect for creator's time or value
• Transactional, not relationship-focused

✅ Better Approach: Offer fair compensation, reasonable timeline, creative freedom, and frame as partnership not transaction.

Example 3: Lack of Research

❌ Bad Example:

Subject: Collaboration with [Competitor Brand]

Hi Sarah,

I loved your recent post about [completely different niche topic]. We think you'd be perfect to promote our [product that conflicts with their stated values].

Looking forward to working with you!

John

What's Wrong:

• Mentioned competitor brand in subject (copy-paste error)
• Wrong name or mixed up details
• Suggested product conflicts with their content/values
• No actual knowledge of their content
• Shows lack of care and attention

✅ Better Approach: Triple-check all personalization details, ensure brand alignment, demonstrate genuine content knowledge, and proofread thoroughly.

Outreach Management and Tracking Systems

Free Tracking Solutions

Google Sheets Tracker Template:

Create a spreadsheet with these columns:

• Influencer Name: Full name
• Handle/Username: Platform handle
• Platform: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
• Email: Contact email address
• Follower Count: Current followers
• Engagement Rate: Calculated or estimated
• Niche: Their content category
• Date Contacted: Initial outreach date
• Follow-Up 1: Date of first follow-up
• Follow-Up 2: Date of second follow-up
• Status: No response, Interested, Declined, Partnership agreed, Completed
• Notes: Important details, conversation highlights
• Content Delivered: What they created
• Performance: Results from partnership

Gmail Organization Tips:

Labels System:

• "Influencer Outreach - Sent"
• "Influencer Outreach - Responded"
• "Influencer Outreach - Interested"
• "Influencer Outreach - Declined"
• "Influencer Outreach - Active Partnerships"

Filters and Automation:

• Auto-label emails from influencer domains
• Star important conversations
• Use templates for common responses
• Schedule follow-ups with Boomerang (free tier)

Streak CRM (Free Tier):

• Gmail-integrated CRM
• Pipeline tracking
• Email tracking (open/click notifications)
• Scheduled sending
• Email templates
• Free for up to 500 contacts

Paid Management Tools

Pitchbox ($195+/month): Best For: Agencies and brands doing high-volume outreach Features:

• Automated follow-up sequences
• Email finder and verification
• Campaign analytics
• Team collaboration
• Customizable templates
• Integrates with major email platforms

BuzzStream ($299+/month): Best For: Relationship-focused influencer management Features:

• Relationship CRM
• Email outreach and tracking
• Social profile research
• Link building tools
• Team workflows
• Reporting and analytics

AspireIQ ($1,000+/month): Best For: End-to-end influencer marketing Features:

• Influencer discovery
• Outreach management
• Contract and payment processing
• Content approval workflows
• Campaign tracking
• Performance analytics

When Paid Tools Are Worth It:

• Sending 100+ outreach emails monthly
• Managing 20+ active influencer relationships
• Team collaboration needed
• Budget allows for $200+/month tools
• Time savings justify cost

Advanced Outreach Tactics

The "Soft Ask" Approach

Strategy: Build relationships before asking for anything, creating organic partnerships.

Implementation:

Phase 1: Product Seeding (No Strings Attached)

• Send products influencers would genuinely love
• Include personal note expressing admiration
• Explicitly state: "No expectations - just wanted you to try it!"
• Don't mention posting or content creation

Phase 2: Monitor Organic Sharing

• Watch if they post about product naturally
• Engage with any organic posts
• Build relationship through authentic interaction
• Still make no asks

Phase 3: Paid Partnership Proposal

• If they posted organically: "Loved your post about our product! Would you be interested in a paid partnership?"
• If they didn't post: Wait 2-3 weeks, then send paid opportunity
• Lower pressure, higher success rate

Why This Works:

• Removes transactional pressure
• Allows authentic product experience
• Builds goodwill and trust
• Organic posts validate product-creator fit
• Higher quality partnerships result

The "Collaboration" Frame

Instead of "Sponsored Post": Frame partnerships as creative collaborations, not advertising transactions.

Language Shifts:

❌ Transactional Language:

• "Sponsored post"
• "We need you to..."
• "Our requirements are..."
• "Deliverables include..."

✅ Collaborative Language:

• "Creative partnership"
• "We'd love to collaborate on..."
• "How would you envision..."
• "What ideas do you have..."

Collaboration Opportunities:

Co-Creation:

• Involve influencer in product development
• Get their input on design, features, or packaging
• Create limited edition collaborations
• Develop signature collections

Exclusive Launches:

• Give influencers first access to new products
• Let them announce launches to their audience
• Create influencer-exclusive products or variants

Long-Term Ambassador Roles:

• Ongoing partnerships, not one-off posts
• Quarterly or annual agreements
• Deeper brand integration
• Higher compensation, better content

Why This Works: Creators want to be partners, not billboards. Collaborative framing respects their creativity and expertise.

Warm Introduction Strategy

Building Relationships Before Asking:

Phase 1: Engagement (2-3 Weeks)

• Like and thoughtfully comment on their posts
• Share their content to your stories (if appropriate)
• Reply to their stories with value-adding comments
• Engage consistently but not excessively (2-3 times/week)

Phase 2: Value Contribution

• Answer questions they pose in content
• Share helpful resources related to their niche
• Introduce them to relevant connections
• Provide value without expecting anything

Phase 3: Introduction

• DM or email now has context
• Reference previous interactions
• Transition naturally to partnership discussion
• Much warmer reception

Example Warm Outreach:

Hi [Name],

I've been following your content for a few weeks (you might have seen me commenting on your posts about [topic]!). Your approach to [specific thing] is really impressive.

I'm [Name] from [Brand], and after seeing how well [specific content type] resonates with your audience, I think there could be a great partnership opportunity.

Would you be open to chatting about a collaboration? I have some ideas that I think would work really well with your content style.

Best,
[Your Name]

Scaling Your Outreach System

Building a Sustainable Outreach Process

Step 1: Research and List Building

• Dedicate 1-2 hours weekly to influencer research
• Build target list of 50-100 potential partners
• Organize by tier (nano, micro, mid-tier)
• Segment by niche and priority

Step 2: Personalization at Scale

• Create flexible templates with customization points
• Research 5-10 specific details per influencer
• Use spreadsheet to track personalization data
• Batch similar influencers for efficiency

Step 3: Batch Sending

• Send 10-20 emails per day (not all at once)
• Spread throughout optimal sending times
• Don't exceed 25 cold emails daily (avoid spam flags)
• Use scheduling tools for consistency

Step 4: Follow-Up Automation

• Set calendar reminders for follow-ups
• Use tools like Boomerang or Mixmax
• Follow systematic schedule (5-7 days, 10-14 days)
• Track in spreadsheet for accountability

Step 5: Continuous Optimization

• Track open rates, response rates, conversion rates
• A/B test subject lines and email structures
• Refine based on what works
• Double down on successful approaches

Team Delegation Strategy

If You Have Team Members:

Junior Team Member: Research & List Building

• Find potential influencers
• Gather contact information
• Create initial profiles
• Organize in tracking system

Mid-Level: Initial Outreach & Follow-Ups

• Send personalized outreach emails
• Manage follow-up sequences
• Field initial responses
• Qualify interested influencers

Senior/You: Negotiation & Relationship Building

• Handle partnership negotiations
• Discuss compensation and deliverables
• Build long-term relationships
• Make final partnership decisions

Benefits:

• Leverage time effectively
• Focus your energy on high-value activities
• Scale outreach volume significantly
• Develop team skills and experience

Common Questions About Influencer Outreach

How Much Should I Pay Influencers?

• Nano influencers (1K-10K): $10-100 per post
• Micro influencers (10K-100K): $100-500 per post
• Mid-tier influencers (100K-1M): $500-5,000 per post
• Macro influencers (1M+): $5,000+ per post

Rates vary by industry, engagement, and deliverables

Should I Send Free Products First?

• Yes for smaller influencers who might try before committing
• No for larger influencers who expect payment for content
• Always be clear about expectations upfront
• Don't expect content just for free products

How Many Influencers Should I Contact?

• Start small with 10-20 highly targeted influencers
• Quality over quantity - better to have fewer good partnerships
• Scale gradually as you learn what works
• Track everything to improve your approach

Conclusion

Successful influencer outreach is about building genuine relationships, not just getting content created. Take time to research influencers thoroughly, personalize your messages, and focus on mutual value rather than just your own goals.

Start with a small group of well-researched influencers, perfect your outreach process, and gradually scale up as you learn what resonates. Remember: influencers are people first, content creators second. Treat them professionally, respect their time, and focus on building long-term partnerships rather than one-off transactions.

The best influencer partnerships feel natural to their audience because they're built on authentic alignment between the influencer's values and your brand's mission. Develop a comprehensive content strategy for influencer collaborations that creates authentic content resonating with both audiences. Learn more about building successful brand ambassador programs, create compelling outreach with our Professional Biography Generator, and track campaign performance with social media analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find an influencer's contact information?

Check their Instagram bio, YouTube About page, personal website, or LinkedIn profile for business contact details. Many influencers list email addresses or contact links directly in their social media profiles. You can also try influencer platforms like AspireIQ, Upfluence, or Creator.co for contact information.

What should I include in my first message to an influencer?

Start with a personal connection referencing their specific content, briefly introduce yourself and your brand, clearly state what value you're offering them, make a reasonable ask, and end professionally with next steps. Keep it concise and focus on what's in it for them, not just what you want.

How much should I pay influencers for sponsored content?

Nano influencers (1K-10K followers) typically charge $10-100 per post, micro influencers (10K-100K) charge $100-500 per post, mid-tier influencers (100K-1M) charge $500-5,000 per post, and macro influencers (1M+) charge $5,000+ per post. Rates vary based on engagement, industry, and deliverables.

How long should I wait before following up with an influencer?

Wait one week before your first follow-up, then two weeks before your second follow-up, and one month before your final follow-up. Most influencers are busy and get many requests, so be patient but persistent. Keep follow-ups brief and respectful.

Should I send free products to influencers without asking for content?

Yes for smaller influencers who might want to try products before committing to partnerships, but larger influencers typically expect payment for content creation. Always be clear about your expectations upfront and don't assume that sending free products automatically means they'll create content.

What makes an influencer outreach email effective?

Effective outreach emails are personalized with specific references to their content, have clear subject lines, focus on mutual benefits rather than just your needs, are concise and respectful of their time, and include a clear but reasonable ask. Avoid generic copy-paste messages that sound like spam.

How many influencers should I contact for a campaign?

Start small with 10-20 highly targeted influencers who align well with your brand. Quality is more important than quantity - it's better to have fewer genuine partnerships than many weak ones. Track your results and gradually scale up as you learn what works for your brand.

What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when contacting influencers?

Avoid generic copy-paste emails with wrong names, focusing only on what you want instead of mutual benefits, not researching their content or audience, making unrealistic demands for free work, being pushy with responses, and not respecting their creative control and authentic voice.