How to Get Brand Deals on TikTok & Instagram in 2025

Many people assume you need millions of followers to land a brand partnership. The truth? Brands in 2025 are often more excited to work with micro influencers – content creators with small but highly engaged audiences. In fact, roughly 70% of brands prefer collaborating with nano- or micro-influencers over mega influencers. Why the shift? Micro creators bring authenticity, higher engagement, and cost-effective content that today’s consumers respond to. Even e-commerce startups and Amazon sellers are using micro influencer partnerships as a cornerstone of their marketing.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get brand deals step by step – whether you’re an aspiring content creator or an e-commerce brand/Amazon seller looking to collaborate with influencers. You’ll learn what makes micro influencers so valuable, how to position yourself to attract brand deals, and actionable strategies (from pitching brands to leveraging UGC) to drive real ROI. Let’s dive in!

Why Micro Influencers Are Key to Brand Deals in 2025

Brands big and small are embracing micro influencers in their influencer marketing strategies. Here’s why these “small” creators can deliver big results for brand collaborations:

• • Sky-High Engagement: Smaller creators often generate much higher engagement rates relative to their follower count. For example, on Instagram, micro-influencers (~10k–50k followers) average around 3.8% engagement per post, compared to roughly 1% for accounts with millions of followers. A highly engaged niche audience means a micro influencer’s posts spark more likes, comments, and conversation – gold for brands seeking active interest in their products.

     

  • Authenticity & Trust: Micro influencers are seen as everyday people and peers, so their recommendations feel more genuine than a celebrity ad. Audiences tend to trust influencers’ recommendations far more than traditional ads – one study found 69% of consumers trust influencer opinions over brand-produced content. This trust translates into higher credibility and real influence when a micro creator talks about a product they truly love.

     

  • Affordable, Strong ROI: Partnering with micro influencers is budget-friendly, making it attractive for brands with limited marketing spend. Rather than paying one superstar a huge fee, a brand can sponsor dozens of micro influencers for the same cost and flood social media with niche content. The ROI can be excellent – smaller creators often provide better value per dollar by driving more engagement and conversions. (In fact, 44% of companies say the biggest advantage of working with smaller influencers is their lower cost and ease of building long-term relationships.)

     

  • UGC Content Engine: Micro influencers double as content creators, producing authentic photos, videos, unboxings, and reviews that brands can repurpose. This user-generated content (UGC) is marketing gold. Influencer posts feel unscripted and relatable, and brands often reuse that content in ads, emails, or product pages for added social proof. For example, an army of micro influencers posting about your product creates a trove of real-life visuals and testimonials to bolster your website or Amazon listing.

     

  • Hyper-Targeted Audiences: Need to reach vegan runners in Germany, or DIY tech enthusiasts in their 40s? There’s likely a micro influencer for that. Because these creators focus on specific niches, brands can pinpoint exactly the demographics and interests they want. This kind of hyper-targeting means collaborations hit the bull’s-eye – a huge advantage for direct-to-consumer brands with specialized products or Amazon sellers in crowded categories.

In short, micro and nano influencers have become the secret sauce of influencer marketing in 2025, prized for their engagement, authenticity, and efficiency. Now, let’s explore how you can tap into that power – whether you’re a creator aiming to snag brand deals, or a brand looking to partner with creators.

How to Get Brand Deals in 2025: Step-by-Step Strategy

Ready to start landing those collaborations? Below is a step-by-step framework for securing brand deals, from honing your personal brand to sealing the deal with sponsors. Follow these steps to build your influence and attract the right partnerships.

1. Carve Out Your Niche and Personal Brand

Be specific about who you are and what content you create. Brands look for influencers who align with a particular category or lifestyle that complements their product. Rather than posting a bit of everything, focus on a clear niche that you’re passionate about – whether it’s budget fashion hauls, vegan baking, tech gadget reviews, or any micro topic in between.

How this helps: When you establish yourself in a niche, you become more credible in that area. For example, an athletic apparel startup would rather sponsor a small fitness vlogger with a dedicated following than a random generalist. Your niche expertise signals to brands that you have an audience who cares about that subject (and thus might care about the brand’s product). It also makes you easier to discover – when brands or influencer agencies search for creators in “organic skincare” or “motorcycle DIY,” you want to be the one who clearly fits the bill.

Develop a consistent personal brand around that niche. This includes your visual style, tone, and values. Are you the eco-conscious, relatable mom who reviews sustainable products? Or the edgy gamer who mixes humor into tech reviews? Lean into what makes you unique. A strong personal brand (logo, color scheme, tagline, etc.) isn’t just for big influencers – it helps even at the micro level by making you look professional and memorable. When a brand glances at your profile or media kit, they should immediately get a sense of your identity and audience.

Finally, remember that passion shows. Choose a niche you genuinely enjoy, because authenticity is key in influencer marketing. If you’re genuinely excited about your content, your followers (and potential brand partners) will feel that energy. And on the flip side, don’t be afraid to say no to brand offers outside your niche – promoting something unrelated can confuse your audience and weaken your personal brand. Stay focused on what you want to be known for.

2. Build an Engaged Audience (Quality Over Quantity)

When it comes to getting brand deals, engagement is often more important than follower count. Brands would rather work with a creator who has 5,000 followers and a lively, interactive community than one with 50,000 followers but a silent audience. So, your goal as a micro influencer is to cultivate a loyal, engaged following. Here’s how:

• • Stay active and consistent: Post content on a regular schedule so your followers know you’re present. Show up in Stories, livestreams, or whatever format your platform offers. An active feed signals to brands that you take your role seriously. Also be responsive – reply to comments, answer DMs, and engage with your community. Showing you care about your followers builds trust (and it boosts your engagement rate, since those conversations count!). As one influencer marketing manager put it, your audience engagement is essentially your “currency” to trade in for brand deals.

     

  • Keep it real: Authenticity is your superpower as a micro influencer. Share your honest opinions and let your personality shine. People follow you because they relate to you, not because you’re a polished celebrity. Brands value this relatability. Only promote products you truly like and that fit your persona – if you start pushing random items for cash, your followers will sense it and disengage (which hurts you and the brand). On the flip side, when your audience sees you genuinely love a product, they’re more likely to trust your endorsement. Maintaining that trust is critical.

     

  • Encourage interaction: Don’t be a one-way broadcaster; actively invite your followers to join the conversation. Ask questions in your captions (“What do you guys think of this look?”), run polls or Q&As in Stories, host small giveaways or challenges. The more you get people talking and participating, the stronger your community grows. High engagement not only pleases the algorithms (getting your content seen by more people), but it attracts brands. Businesses scouting for influencers will notice if your comments section is full of thoughtful replies vs. tumbleweeds. An active, passionate audience is exactly what brands want to tap into.

Remember, even if your numbers are modest, a tight-knit audience can create outsized impact. Micro influencers often see engagement rates multiple times higher than bigger accounts – you might be getting 5% of your followers liking/commenting while a mega influencer struggles to get 1%. Play to that strength. Show off your engagement (e.g. include your average engagement rate in your media kit). It tells brands, “I may be small, but my followers listen to me,” which can be more valuable than sheer reach.

3. Make Your Profile Brand-Ready (Optimize Bio, Media Kit & More)

Before you start approaching brands, make sure your online presence is polished and professional. Think of your social media profiles as your storefront – brands will take a quick look to decide if they want to “shop” (work with you). A few ways to optimize your profile and overall presentation:

• • Upgrade to a creator or business account (on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, etc.). This unlocks analytics and messaging tools, and shows brands you’re serious. Ensure your bio clearly states who you are (niche/interest) and includes contact info (business email) or a link to your portfolio. A confusing or blank bio is a missed opportunity. Instead, use that space to make a strong first impression (“Fashion micro influencer 🌿 | 8K followers | DM for collabs or email [youremail]”).

     

  • Curate your feed and highlights. Brands often scroll through your recent posts to gauge content quality. Pin or highlight the content that best represents your style and niche. If you have past sponsored posts or examples of product reviews, make sure those are easy to find (you can create an “#ad” highlight on IG, for example). Delete any old content that might be off-brand or low-quality. You want a cohesive look – not necessarily all professional photos (authenticity is great), but at least a consistent vibe and decent image/video resolution.

     

  • Create a media kit. This is like a resume for influencers. It’s typically a PDF or webpage that you can send to potential brand partners. Your media kit should include: a short bio, your audience demographics (age, location, interests – many of these stats are available in your account insights), follower count, engagement rate, and examples of your best content. If you’ve done any collaborations or can showcase results (e.g. “my post yielded 1,000 swipe-ups” or testimonials from a small brand you worked with), include that too. Also list the platforms you’re active on and your contact details. Keep the design clean and on-brand with your style. Tip: Tools like Canva have free media kit templates to get you started.

     

  • Show professionalism in communication. If you have a business email, check it regularly and respond promptly to inquiries. When you reach out or reply to brands, write in a friendly but professional tone, use proper sentences (avoid text-speak or emojis overload), and proofread your messages. Brands will gauge what it might be like to work with you – being organized, polite, and clear in communication can set you apart. On that note, consider creating a simple portfolio website or using LinkedIn/Behance to showcase your work and testimonials. It’s not required, but having a central hub with your story, content examples, and contact info can impress more formal brands.

Taking these steps will put you in the top tier of “micro influencers who have their act together.” In fact, influencer platforms note that creators with complete, info-rich profiles are far more likely to be contacted by brands for campaigns. The easier you make it for a brand to evaluate you, the better your chances of scoring a deal. Before moving on, do a quick audit: if a brand manager clicks on your TikTok or Instagram right now, will they immediately understand what you’re about, see quality content, and find a way to contact you? If yes, you’re ready to start pitching!

4. Research and Target the Right Brands

Not all brand deals are created equal – your success will come from finding the right fit between you (the influencer) and the company. It’s time to play matchmaker and identify brands that make sense for your niche, style, and audience. Here are some research tips to zero in on the best targets:

• • Make a list of products you love (and already use). The easiest brand deals often start with brands you’re genuinely passionate about. If you already rave about a product in your content – say, a particular kitchen gadget or a skincare line – that’s a perfect lead. Pitching a brand whose stuff you use daily gives you authentic credibility (“I’d love to partner – I’ve been using your serum for 2 years and tell all my friends about it!”). Your enthusiasm will shine through, and the brand will see you’re a true fan, not just chasing a paycheck. (Bonus: if you’re already a customer, you understand the product and the typical consumer, which the brand will appreciate. Companies love when influencers are actual users of their product – it makes the promotion so much more genuine.)

     

  • Study other influencers in your niche. See which brands are already doing collaborations with creators at your level. If you’re a micro fashion blogger, for example, and you notice several similar bloggers working with a particular jewelry startup, that’s a big clue that the company is open to micro-influencer partnerships. Make a list of brands that have worked with accounts in your size range (you might spot these through sponsored posts disclosures like #ad, or by scanning influencer marketing platforms). You can even (tactfully) reach out to fellow creators to ask about their experience or if they have a contact person for a brand – many influencers are friendly and might share a referral or at least intel on how they got the deal.

     

  • Start small and local. It’s tempting to shoot for your dream companies right away, but mega brands often receive thousands of collaboration requests and have strict requirements (they might only work with influencers above a certain follower count). Increase your odds by targeting smaller or emerging brands, indie companies, or local businesses in your niche. These brands are more likely to be looking for affordable ways to get the word out – i.e., micro influencers like you. For instance, a new organic coffee scrub brand on Etsy might be thrilled to send you product and pay a small fee for a post, whereas a giant like Starbucks likely won’t notice a DM. By getting a few small brand collaborations under your belt, you not only gain experience (and freebies!), but you build a track record you can show bigger sponsors later. Tip: Don’t overlook startups on crowdfunding platforms or Amazon marketplace sellers with cool products – they often actively seek out micro creators to generate buzz.

     

  • Consider overlap niches. You don’t have to limit yourself only to brands in your exact category, as long as the crossover makes sense. For example, if you’re a travel vlogger focused on budget trips, you could naturally partner with a backpack or luggage company, even if you mostly talk about destinations and not gear. Or if you’re a fitness influencer, collaborations with healthy snack brands, athletic wear, or even a tech gadget like a fitness tracker are plausible. Think about your audience’s interests: what else might they buy? Align with brands that share your audience’s lifestyle and values. Just ensure you can tie it back to your content in an authentic way when you pitch (“My followers are interested in eco-friendly living, and your sustainable water bottles would resonate great in my hiking vlog content”).

     

  • Join influencer marketplaces. Save yourself time by using platforms that connect brands with influencers. There are many marketplaces (Aspire, Tribe, Impact, and more) where companies post campaigns or search for creators. Sign up on a few that cater to your platform/niche and create a profile. For example, Stack Influence is a micro-influencer platform that links e-commerce brands with everyday creators for product gifting campaigns. Many such platforms use product-for-post or commission-based deals ideal for micro influencers. They essentially handle the matchmaking: brands list what they need, and you can apply if you fit. This can be a great way to get your first deals with less legwork. (Plus, some marketplaces manage payments securely and outline campaign details upfront, which simplifies the process for you.)

     

  • Network and listen for opportunities. Sometimes the grapevine is the best source of leads. Join online communities or groups for influencers – Facebook groups, subreddits like r/InfluencerMarketing, Discord servers for creators, etc. Often, people share tips about brands looking for influencers or warn about ones to avoid. Engaging in these communities can also put you on the radar of influencer agencies or brand reps lurking there. Additionally, attend local events, expos, or webinars related to your niche or influencer marketing. If a marketing agency or brand hosts a free workshop for creators, join in – you never know who you might meet. Building genuine relationships in the industry can lead to referrals. Sometimes, if a brand declines one influencer, they might ask “Know anyone else who’d be a fit?” – you want to be the friendly name that gets passed along.

By doing targeted research and outreach, you’ll maximize your hit rate when pitching. It’s much better to send 10 well-researched, personalized collaboration proposals to perfect-fit brands than 100 generic DMs to every company under the sun. In the next step, we’ll cover how to approach and pitch those brands to actually secure the deal.

5. Reach Out and Pitch Brands Like a Pro

You’ve identified some ideal brand partners – now it’s time to make the first move and propose a collaboration. Reaching out to brands can be nerve-wracking, but remember: companies want user-generated buzz, and many will be happy you took the initiative. (In fact, only about 5% of brands actively go out recruiting creators – the vast majority rely on influencers to approach them. So don’t be shy – your pitch could be doing them a favor by offering valuable exposure!)

When contacting a brand, whether by email or a well-crafted DM, keep these tips in mind:

• • Personalize your message. Avoid copy-pasting the same script to 50 brands. Brands can spot a generic pitch a mile away, and it’s an instant turn-off. Instead, write a brief note that shows you know and care about their brand. Start with a genuine compliment or statement (e.g. “I’m a huge fan of your skincare line – the aloe night mask has done wonders for my skin!”). Mention why you feel you’re a great fit (your niche/audience aligns with their market, you’ve been using their product, etc.). This doesn’t need to be an essay – even 2–3 tailored sentences at the start can make your pitch stand out among the robotic mass emails they get.

     

  • Highlight your value, not just your follower count. In your pitch, introduce who you are (name, the fact that you’re a content creator in X niche) and give key stats that matter to the brand. Besides mentioning your follower count, emphasize your engagement rate or any metrics that show you can drive results. For example: “I have ~8,000 followers on Instagram with a 5% engagement rate on average, and my audience loves beauty and self-care content.” If you’ve done a successful collaboration or relevant project before, note that (“I recently posted an unpaid review of [Similar Product] and it got over 50 comments – my followers really trust my skincare recommendations.”). Essentially, show that partnering with you would be beneficial for them. Also, clarify what you’re proposing: a single Instagram Reel review? A series of TikToks? UGC photos for them to use in ads? Suggest an idea that fits their brand and your style.

     

  • Keep it concise and professional. Brand managers are busy. A few short paragraphs (or a short email with bullet points) is more likely to be read than a novel. Be friendly and enthusiastic, but also get to the point. Something like: who you are, why you love their brand/are a fit, and what you’re proposing/what value you offer. End with a polite call-to-action, e.g. “If this sounds like a good fit, I’d love to discuss how I can help promote [Brand]! I’ve attached my media kit for more details. Hope to hear from you – thank you for your time!” Also, double-check grammar and spelling – an error-free message shows professionalism. Use a clear subject line in emails (e.g. “Collaboration Opportunity – [Your Name] x [Brand Name]”). And of course, if you have a media kit or examples of your work, attach or link them for easy reference.

     

  • Be prepared to negotiate respectfully. If a brand replies with interest, congrats! Now you’ll discuss details like deliverables (what content you’ll create), timelines, and compensation. Know your worth but stay flexible. For micro influencers, compensation can range from free product only, to product + small fee, to performance-based (like commission or pay per post). If the brand doesn’t offer monetary payment and you really want the partnership, consider the other benefits (free products you love, experience, a foot in the door for future paid gigs, etc.). It’s okay to start with gifted collaborations early on, but if you do have a rate in mind, don’t be afraid to (politely) state it once you’re discussing specifics. For example, “My usual rate for an Instagram Reel is $100, which includes 1 dedicated post and 3 Stories.” Or if they ask for a lot (multiple posts, rights to reuse your content, etc.), you can negotiate accordingly (“For an ambassador role with 3 posts/month, my rate would be…”). Always get the agreement in writing (an email recap is fine, or a simple contract) to avoid misunderstandings. Stay professional even if negotiations get detailed – this is business, after all!

     

  • Don’t get discouraged by silence or rejection. It’s normal to send out lots of pitches and only hear back from a few. Brands might not respond for many reasons – budget timing, mismatched needs, or just an overcrowded inbox. If you don’t hear back in 1-2 weeks, a gentle follow-up can sometimes help (keep it very short and friendly). If still nothing, move on gracefully. And if a brand says no or “not now,” thank them for their time and maybe ask to keep in touch. Handling rejection graciously might leave the door open for future opportunities. Keep refining your pitch approach, and remember that persistence pays off. Each “no” brings you closer to the eventual “yes” that’s a perfect fit.

Pitching brands gets easier with practice. Over time, you’ll develop relationships and might even have brands start coming to you as your profile grows. But even then, proactive outreach remains a great way to find new partnerships. Stay courteous, authentic, and value-focused in your approach – you’re well on your way to landing those coveted brand deals.

6. Start with Affiliate, Ambassador & UGC Deals as Stepping Stones

If you’re a newer or smaller creator, you might not land a big sponsored campaign right off the bat – and that’s okay. There are other types of brand partnerships that are easier to obtain and can lead to paid sponsorships down the road. Specifically, look into affiliate programs, brand ambassadorships, and content-for-product (UGC creation) deals. These are often lower-barrier ways to work with brands that can help you prove yourself. Let’s break down these collaboration types:

Affiliate Program

You sign up to promote a brand’s products with a unique referral link or discount code. You then earn a commission on any sales you drive. Many e-commerce companies (and almost all Amazon sellers via Amazon Associates) offer open affiliate programs. It’s free for you to join. A commission for each sale (commonly 5–15% of the purchase). You typically don’t get upfront pay, but this performance-based model lets you prove your influence. If you can show that your content led to, say, 50 sales in a month, that’s powerful evidence to ask the brand (or other brands) for a paid deal later. Plus, you earn money as you learn what marketing tactics work.

Brand Ambassador

A longer-term relationship where you officially represent the brand as a “brand ambassador.” Ambassadors are usually expected to post about the brand periodically or incorporate it into their lifestyle regularly. In exchange, brands provide perks like free products, exclusive discounts, early access to new launches, and sometimes modest payments or commissions. Ambassadorships often last a few months to a year. Free products and perks (and sometimes a small regular payment or commission on referrals). Being an ambassador gives you a resume-worthy partnership to show other brands. It also deepens your connection with the company – if you perform well, you might graduate to larger campaigns. Even if largely unpaid, an ambassadorship is a great way to get your foot in the door and build credibility as an influencer. Treat it professionally (meet any posting commitments, align with the brand’s image) so you can leverage that experience.

UGC Content Creation

User-Generated Content (UGC) creation deals are when a brand sends you product just to create content for them, not necessarily to post on your own channel. For example, a company might mail you a new gadget and ask for a few high-quality photos of you using it, or a short video review, which they will use in their social media or ads. You act as a content creator behind the scenes. These deals might be paid in free product (or a small fee), and you usually won’t be publicly tagged (since the content might be posted on the brand’s accounts). Free product (and sometimes a one-time fee). More importantly, you build your portfolio and relationship with the brand. UGC gigs let you practice your creative skills without the pressure of public performance metrics. If the brand loves your content, they may come back for more or even hire you for ongoing work. Plus, you now have polished examples of product photography/videography that you can show future clients. In the era of brands needing lots of social content, being a good UGC creator is a huge selling point. It’s also an avenue even nano-influencers can excel in, since it’s not about your follower count at all, but your creative output.

Each of these collaboration types is essentially a win-win scenario for you and the brand at a smaller scale. The brand takes minimal risk (since they’re often just gifting product or paying per sale), and you gain experience, content, and credibility. Use these opportunities to deliver great results – share your affiliate stats, proudly list your ambassador roles, and save copies of the UGC you create. All of that can become proof to convince brands (maybe even that same brand) to hire you for bigger paid campaigns.

For instance, imagine you join a new apparel brand’s affiliate program and over 3 months your trackable link yields $1,000 in sales – you could then approach the brand’s marketing team showing those numbers and propose an official sponsored partnership (you’ve basically already proven you can drive ROI!). Or say you’re a brand ambassador for a small makeup company and consistently create beautiful looks with their products – later on, when a bigger cosmetics brand asks if you have experience, you can speak to that ambassadorship and what you accomplished.

Bottom line: Don’t be discouraged if your first “brand deals” are unpaid or product-only. Think of them as internships or training gigs in your influencer career. They help you build relationships and a track record. As you accumulate these wins and improve your craft, the paid brand deals will come. Many top influencers started out with nothing more than free t-shirts or referral codes – it’s the hustle and consistency that propelled them to monetized partnerships. Keep at it, and treat every collaboration (no matter how small) as a chance to impress and learn.

Conclusion to How to Get Brand Deals on TikTok & Instagram

In the booming 2025 creator economy, snagging lucrative brand deals is no longer just for celebrities. If you apply the strategies in this guide, how to get brand deals becomes a clear, achievable process. Micro influencers with authentic content and engaged communities are highly sought after by e-commerce brands, Amazon sellers, and DTC companies looking for genuine connections with customers. By focusing on a niche, building trust with your audience, and approaching brand partnerships professionally, you can transform your small social media presence into a revenue-generating venture.

Remember, success in influencer marketing comes down to authenticity and persistence. Brands want partners who truly love their products and will go the extra mile to create value. So continue honing your craft – improve your content quality, stay responsive to your followers, and keep networking within your niche. Even if you start with tiny collabs (or a few free products), those experiences will snowball. Each story you post, each review you share, and each relationship you nurture is a step toward bigger opportunities.

For e-commerce entrepreneurs and Amazon sellers reading this: the same principles apply. Collaborating with micro influencers can drive real ROI through increased engagement, UGC content, and word-of-mouth sales. Don’t overlook these “small” creators – they often punch well above their weight in impact. Whether you use a platform like Stack Influence to run a campaign or reach out to creators directly, embracing micro influencer partnerships can elevate your brand’s presence in a crowded market.

In the end, landing brand deals is about creating win-win relationships. You as a creator get to monetize your passion and grow your platform; the brand gets authentic promotion and new customers. It’s incredibly rewarding when done right. So put yourself out there, stay true to your voice, and keep refining your approach. With time and effort, you’ll be surprised how far a small influence can go – and how many brand deals you can secure – in 2025 and beyond. Happy collaborating!