Negotiation Skills Every Creator needs to Know
Negotiating brand deals can feel like navigating a minefield, but with the right skills, you can turn those potential explosions into fireworks of success. Here’s your go-to guide for negotiating like a pro and getting what you’re worth—without losing your sanity, pride or your sense of humor.
Know Your Worth queen 👸
First things first: you’re fabulous, and your content is gold. Brands want a piece of your magic, so don’t sell yourself short. Here’s how to flaunt your worth:
Research: Dive into what similar creators in your niche are charging. Think of it as a digital scavenger hunt, but the prize is money!
Metrics: Show off your stats like they’re cat memes—everyone loves a good cat meme, and everyone loves impressive metrics. Engagement rates, follower growth, past successes—lay it all out.
Confidence: Walk into that negotiation like you own the place, because, let’s face it, this brand NEEDS your content.
Push Back Like a Pro
When a brand hits you with an initial offer, remember it’s just the opening act.
Counter Offers: If the offer’s not hitting the right note, counter with your own. Explain why you believe your rate is justified. The initial offer is not the final song, there’s always room for an encore!
Non-Monetary Benefits: Sometimes brands throw in extra goodies like exposure, exclusive products, or long-term partnerships. Weigh these perks up and establish if they’re worth it.
UGC and Whitelisting: The Secret Sauce
User-Generated Content (UGC) and whitelisting are like the secret menu at McDonalds —they can get you extra goodies if you know how to ask.
UGC: Brands crave authentic content. Offer to create UGC they can plaster all over their channels and charge a premium because your authenticity is priceless.
Whitelisting: This is where you let brands promote your content through their paid channels. It’s like letting them ride your coattails to sick content—charge accordingly.
Spell Out Those Contract Terms
Contracts can be trickier than assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions. Make sure everything’s crystal clear:
Deliverables: List out exactly what you’ll deliver. No one likes surprises unless they come with cake 🍰
Timelines: Set realistic timelines. You’re not a content-creating robot—give yourself enough time to produce your best work.
Payment Terms: Net 30 days is standard, but feel free to ask for a portion upfront or split payments. Remember you’re not running a charity here.
Usage Rights: Define how the brand can use your content. Watch out for terms like “perpetuity”—that’s a fancy way of saying “forever,” which is longer than any contract should last.
Communicate Like a Champ
Effective communication is key.
Email Etiquette: Be polite, concise, and clear. Structure your emails well—think of them as mini-masterpieces of persuasion.
Phone/Video Calls: When chatting live, prep like you’re going into an interview. Know your points, stay calm, and maybe have a glass of water handy (or a beer, we don’t judge).
Document Everything: Keep records of all communications. People forget things & can try and spin your words— don’t be afraid to call someone out if they get something wrong.
Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, the best move is to moonwalk out of a bad deal. Here’s how to know when it’s time to say, “Thanks, but no thanks”:
Red Flags: Watch out for unrealistic demands, delayed payments, or brands that make your spidey senses tingle in a bad way.
Backup Plans: Always have other opportunities lined up. It’s eating out—you don’t want to settle for the first restaurant if there’s a better one around the corner.
Summary
Negotiating brand deals doesn’t have to be a drama-filled saga. With a dash of confidence and some solid tactics, you can secure deals that reflect your true worth. Stand your ground, negotiate smart, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not the right fit. And remember, if you’re ever in over your head, consulting a professional is always a good idea. Now go forth and conquer those brand deals!
