Hi there!

This newsletter is focused on finding out what you really want as an influencer.

Do you want more collaborations? More paid collaborations? Do you want brands to be more specific? Or do you want better products? What is it that you want more of? Or maybe there is something that you don’t like?

Reply to this email and let us know. It will help us not only improve our vision for the newsletter but also the Social Cat influencers’ experience.

For today, our focus is on:

• 👍 Setting the Right Expectations

• 👍 Less-than-ideal scenarios

• 💀  Flip side of the coin

👍 Setting the Right Expectations

Realistic Expectations vs. Common Misconceptions

• Monetary compensation: It's important to understand that not all brand collaborations come with direct monetary compensation. Some collaborations might offer products, services, or exposure as payment.

• Instant success: A single brand collaboration is unlikely to catapult an influencer to instant fame. It's usually a gradual process that involves building relationships with multiple brands over time.

• Creative control: While influencers bring their unique voice and style to collaborations, brands also have a say in the final content. Balancing creative control can sometimes be a negotiation process.

Factors Impacting Collaboration Offers

• Niche: The influencer's niche or area of focus can greatly impact the types of brands that might be interested in collaboration. For example, a beauty influencer might attract cosmetics brands, while a travel influencer might attract tourism boards or travel gear companies.

• Follower count: Generally, influencers with larger followings can command higher rates or more prestigious collaborations. However, brands also value engagement rate, so a smaller but highly engaged following can also be attractive.

• Engagement rate: Brands are increasingly looking at engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) rather than just follower count. An influencer with a smaller but highly engaged audience can often provide more value than one with a larger but less engaged following.

👍 Less-than-ideal scenarios

1. Free products aren't always enough: You might encounter brands that want to pay you solely in product or service exchange. While this can be a great way to try new things, especially when you're starting out, remember that your time, creativity, and platform have value. It's important to assess whether the value of the products or services aligns with the effort you're putting in.
   

2. Know your worth: You might receive offers that are significantly lower than your typical rate or the industry standard. Remember, your unique voice, creativity, and engaged followers are valuable assets to brands. Don't be afraid to negotiate or turn down offers that undervalue your work.
   

3. Be prepared for payment delays: Sometimes, even after a successful collaboration, a brand may delay payment. This can be due to various reasons that are often beyond your control. It's important to be financially prepared for such scenarios and to follow up persistently, yet professionally.
   

4. Watch out for restrictive exclusivity clauses: Some brands might ask you to sign contracts with exclusivity clauses. While these can sometimes come with higher pay, they can also limit your opportunities to work with other brands. Be sure to read contracts carefully and consider the potential long-term impact on your earning potential.
   

5. Don't overcommit for less: A brand might expect you to deliver a large volume of high-quality content for a low price. Remember, every piece of content you create involves time, effort, and often costs (like props or hiring a photographer). Be realistic about what you can deliver without overworking or under-earning.
   

6. Account for hidden costs: Collaborations can sometimes involve additional costs, like travel or buying specific props. When you're calculating your rates or negotiating with brands, don't forget to account for these expenses to ensure you're truly profiting from the collaboration.

💀Flip side of the coin

1. Overestimating follower value: As an influencer, you might believe that a high follower count automatically translates to high monetary value in collaborations. However, brands are increasingly focused on engagement rate, authenticity, and audience alignment. A large but unengaged or irrelevant follower base might not command the rates you expect.
   

2. Ignoring market rates: It's great to know your worth, but it's also important to stay informed about the market rates in your niche and follower range. Demanding rates significantly higher than the market standard without a clear justification can lead to missed opportunities.
   

3. Overpromising and underdelivering: Confidence in your abilities is a good thing, but promising more than you can deliver can harm your reputation. If you commit to creating a certain amount or quality of content, make sure you can deliver on that promise.
   

4. Neglecting long-term relationships for short-term gains: It can be tempting to jump at the highest-paying offer, but it's also important to consider the value of long-term relationships with brands. A slightly lower-paying collaboration that leads to ongoing work might be more beneficial in the long run.
   

5. Underestimating the Value of Non-Monetary Benefits: Not all compensation comes in the form of money. Exposure, high-quality products, or opportunities to work with prestigious brands can also have significant value. Don't discount a collaboration simply because the monetary compensation is lower than expected.

🔥 New brand on Social Cat

Gone Nuts is a natural nut butter company committed to providing healthy, delicious, and affordable alternatives to traditional peanut butters. Founded in 2015 and currently owned by a health enthusiast and mother, the brand prides itself on using five or fewer high-quality, natural ingredients in each jar. Their nut butters, which are gluten-free and contain no added sugars, offer both classic and innovative flavors, making them a versatile choice for various dietary needs.

🔥 Influencer shoutout

Courtney is a digital creator primarily focusing on the beauty industry. She is highly active on social media with over 3,140 posts and a robust following of 19.7K. Her content includes flatlays, unboxings, subscription service reviews, and beauty product reviews, indicating her passion for all things beauty. Courtney is open to collaborations and public relations opportunities, showcasing her interest in expanding her network and influence. In addition to Instagram, she also maintains a presence on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you for reading!

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