How to Get Free Products from Brands: A Micro-Influencer’s Guide

Who doesn’t love getting free stuff from their favorite brands? Imagine receiving the latest gadgets, beauty products, or fashion accessories just because a brand wants you to try them out. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! You don’t need a million followers or celebrity status to make it happen. In fact, many companies prefer working with smaller creators – about 44% of brands favor nano-influencers and 25.7% favor micro-influencers over macro or mega celebs. Even if you’re a micro influencer with a few thousand followers (or a passionate content creator just starting out), there are proven ways to score those freebies.

Brands are increasingly embracing product gifting. Free products made up just 4% of influencer compensation in 2022, but jumped to 19% in 2023 (a nearly fivefold increase). Over 59% of brands now prefer offering non-monetary rewards (like free product samples) over direct payments. This means more opportunities than ever for micro influencers to snag free products in exchange for content!

Ready to discover how to get free products from brands? Let’s dive into 8 simple strategies to make it happen – from building your presence to engaging with brands – all presented in a casual, informative way. (Bonus: These tips will not only help you shine in Google searches, but also appeal to AI-powered search engines looking for rich, relevant content.)

1. Build Your Online Presence

First things first – brands need to find you. The best way to get noticed is by having a solid online presence. This doesn’t mean you have to be famous; it’s more about showcasing your interests, hobbies, and personality in an authentic way. Think of your social media profiles as your digital portfolio for brands.

• Polish your profiles

Make sure your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, blog, or whatever platforms you use look professional and reflect your niche. Use a clear profile picture, write an engaging bio (mention you’re a content creator or micro influencer), and ensure your feed has high-quality photos or videos.

• Post engaging content

Share what you love – whether it’s fitness workouts, makeup tutorials, tech gadget reviews, or travel vlogs – and do it consistently. Regular posting (e.g. a few times a week) keeps your audience engaged and shows brands that you’re active.

• Interact with your followers

Respond to comments, ask questions in your captions, and build a community. High engagement can matter more than high follower count. In fact, micro-influencers often have stronger engagement rates than big influencers, which is a huge plus for brands.

Consistency is key. When brands see that you’re passionate, consistent, and authentic online, they’re more likely to want to work with you. So make those profiles shine – show off your unique style and personality. Over time, as you grow your presence, opportunities will start rolling in!

2. Choose the Right Brands

Now that your online presence is on point, it’s time to target the right brands. Not every brand will be a perfect match, so focus on those that align with your niche, interests, and style. By zeroing in on the right companies, you increase your chances of getting a “yes” when you ask for a free product.

Start by making a list of brands that make sense for you:

• Stick to your niche

Are you into fitness? Look for activewear companies, supplement brands, or gym gear makers. Love makeup and skincare? Target indie beauty brands or cosmetic lines. Passionate about tech gadgets? Think of emerging electronics brands or accessory makers. When you approach brands relevant to your content, it’s a win-win – you’ll create more genuine content and their product will naturally fit your audience’s interests.

• Consider e-commerce startups

Don’t overlook smaller e-commerce businesses or Amazon sellers in your niche. Many Amazon marketplace sellers and DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands are eager to get their products in front of new audiences. They often seek user-generated content (UGC) and reviews to build credibility, making them more likely to send out free samples to micro influencers who can showcase their products.

• Research the brand’s influencer activity

See if the brand has worked with influencers before. Do they repost UGC on their social media? Do they have a hashtag for their community? If a brand is already engaging with content creators, they’ll be more open to gifting products. Also, newer brands might be actively looking for influencers to get the word out.

Choosing brands that truly fit your vibe will make your outreach much easier. Your enthusiasm will come through naturally because you already love the space. And when a brand’s style matches yours, your followers are more likely to respond positively to the content you create with that free product. Remember, authenticity is everything in influencer marketing – brands want partners who genuinely enjoy their offerings.

Pro Tip: Start with smaller or newer brands where possible. Big, popular brands get tons of requests, but a small skincare startup or a local fashion boutique might jump at the chance to work with a motivated micro influencer. You’ll have less competition and a higher chance of scoring that freebie!

3. Create a Winning Pitch

Once you’ve identified a few dream brands, it’s time to reach out with a pitch. This step is crucial – your pitch is basically your sales proposal for why the brand should send you a free product. But don’t worry, “salesy” doesn’t mean impersonal. In fact, the best pitches are personal, concise, and focused on mutual benefit.

Here’s how to craft a pitch that stands out in the brand’s inbox:

1. Introduce yourself briefly

Start with a friendly hello and who you are. Mention the content you create (“I’m a micro-influencer who posts budget fashion finds on TikTok and Instagram”) and give a hint of your personality or passion. Keep it to a sentence or two.

2. Highlight your engagement, not just follower count

Brands love to see that you have an active audience, even if it’s small. You might say, “I have 3,000 followers and a highly engaged community that loves skincare – my product review posts often get 100+ saves and comments.” This shows you bring value beyond the numbers.

3. Explain why you love their brand

Be specific about why you’re interested in their products. Authentic flattery works! For example, “I’ve been following your brand for a while – your eco-friendly approach and cute packaging really stand out to me,” or “I’ve heard great things about your new gaming headset from other creators.” This shows it’s not a generic copy-paste email.

4. Describe how you’d showcase the product

Tell them what content you plan to create with their product. Will you do an unboxing video, a how-to tutorial, a styled photoshoot, or a review post on your blog? Be concrete: “If you send me that new serum, I’d love to film a before-and-after 7-day skin test on my TikTok, and share an Instagram Reel showing my skincare routine featuring your product.” This paints a picture of the value you’re offering them in return for the free item.

Remember to personalize each pitch. Brands can tell if they’re getting a cookie-cutter email. Use the brand’s name, maybe reference a specific product or a recent campaign they did, to show you’ve done your homework. This personal touch can make all the difference in landing that free gift.

Finally, don’t be discouraged by no-responses or the occasional rejection. Brands might be busy or have limited stock for gifts. Stay positive, tweak your pitch if needed, and keep reaching out to new prospects. That persistence will pay off (more on patience in a bit).

4. Join Influencer Marketing Platforms

Want to make it really easy for brands to find and send you free products? Consider joining an influencer marketing platform. These are online marketplaces that connect brands with influencers and content creators (like you!). One great example is Stack Influence, a leading micro-influencer platform that specializes in product gifting campaigns. (In fact, Stack Influence is built around the idea of “product seeding,” where brands pay micro influencers with free products – making posts feel genuine and boosting UGC for the brand.)

Platforms like this are basically a matchmaking service for collaborations. Here’s why signing up can boost your freebie chances:

• Brands come to you

On influencer platforms, brands post campaigns or “collabs” looking for influencers to try their products or promote them. You can browse a list of offers instead of cold-emailing brands one by one. For instance, a protein bar company might list that they’re offering a free sample box and a small commission if you post a gym selfie with their bar. You can then apply directly through the platform.

• Streamlined process

These platforms often handle the nitty-gritty, like shipping details and communication. Once you’re accepted into a campaign, you might input your shipping address on the platform and the brand sends the product through the system. Some platforms (like Stack Influence or others) let you track shipments, see campaign guidelines, and even handle posting schedules all in one dashboard. This makes the whole experience more organized for you.

• Profile that showcases your stats

When you join, you’ll create an influencer profile with your social media stats, audience demographics, niche, etc. Brands can discover you by searching the platform’s database. Make sure you fill out your profile completely – add a nice bio, your interests, and connect your social accounts so your follower counts and engagement stats are visible. A complete profile increases your chances of getting picked for freebies.

To get started, sign up on a reputable influencer platform (many are free for influencers). Complete your profile and include your shipping information (so brands can send products seamlessly). Browse the available brand collaborations and start applying to any that fit your style. With platforms, you might find opportunities you wouldn’t have discovered on your own – and managing multiple gifting deals becomes much easier when it’s all in one place.

Examples: Aside from Stack Influence (which focuses on micro influencers and e-commerce brands), there are others like Afluencer, AspireIQ, or Influencer marketplaces on Amazon that connect creators with brands. Being on a couple of these can multiply your chances of getting cool free stuff to review or feature.

5. Apply for Gifting Campaigns and Collabs

Simply being on an influencer platform isn’t enough – you need to actively apply for campaigns (often called “Collabs” or collaborations) to get those free products. Brands across various niches post opportunities, and these listings are often a goldmine for freebies. Don’t be shy about throwing your hat in the ring if you meet the requirements.

When browsing campaigns, here’s how to make the most of them:

• Read the opportunity details

Each listing will usually tell you what the brand is offering (e.g. free product, discount codes, payment, etc.) and what they expect in return (a certain number of posts, a review, UGC rights to your content, etc.). Make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with and fits your niche. If a pet supply brand is offering a free dog toy and you have a dog (and a pet-lover audience), great! If it’s a luxury watch and you run a hiking/outdoors page, maybe skip that one.

• Check the requirements

Some campaigns look specifically for certain follower ranges or locations. For example, a local food delivery service might only want influencers in New York, or a brand might seek Instagram creators with 5k–20k followers. Focus on the opportunities you qualify for to maximize your acceptance rate.

• Apply with a short note

Platforms often let you send a quick message when you apply. This is like a mini-pitch. You might write a sentence or two about why you’re interested or how you’d feature the product. Even if it’s not required, it can help you stand out. For instance: “Hi! I love sustainable fashion and I’ve actually been eyeing your designs – I’d be excited to style your eco-friendly handbag in an OOTD post on my Instagram. Hope to collaborate!”

• Manage and follow up

After applying, keep an eye on your dashboard or email for responses. If accepted, you’ll likely get instructions or a confirmation when the product ships. If a reasonable time passes and you haven’t heard back, you can send a polite message through the platform to check in. However, avoid spamming – brands will choose from many applicants, so sometimes no reply is a no. Just move on to the next opportunity.

The best part of these collab applications is everything is in one place. You can track which campaigns you applied to, coordinate multiple collaborations, and keep communication centralized. It’s a seamless way to connect with brands and start receiving those coveted free products. Some brands might even offer additional perks like a small payment or commissions on sales you drive, but even if not, you’re gaining experience and building relationships (plus fun new products to try!).

6. Engage with Brands on Social Media

Applying for collaborations is great, but you can further boost your visibility to brands by engaging with them on social media. Think of it as gently getting on a brand’s radar even before (or after) you formally reach out. This shows genuine interest and can set you apart from other influencers who might just be names in an inbox.

Here’s how to effectively engage with brands online:

• Follow and interact

Start by following the brands you love (and especially the ones you’ve applied to collaborate with). Regularly like their posts and leave thoughtful comments. For example, if a skincare brand posts about a new serum launch, comment something like, “Been waiting for this launch – the ingredients look amazing 🔥.” Authentic engagement (not just “nice pic!” spam) helps the brand’s social media managers notice you.

• Share their content

If a brand posts something really useful or cool, consider sharing it to your Stories or retweeting it (depending on the platform). Add a little note on why you think it’s interesting. This not only provides value to your followers but also signals to the brand that you care about what they’re doing.

• Tag brands in your posts

When it makes sense, tag brands in your own content. Let’s say you already use a product from that brand or something similar – create a post around it. For instance, if you’re a food content creator and you made a smoothie with Amazon Kitchen ingredients or a blender from Brand X, tag them! A caption might be: “Morning smoothie time 🥤🍌 – thanks @BrandX for the blender that makes my life easier!” Brands often notice when they’re tagged, and they might even reshare your Story or comment. Even if they don’t respond, you’ve shown them you’re a true fan.

• Respond to their audience

Another clever move is to watch for when brands ask questions or polls to their community. Jump in with your answer. If a fashion label asks “Which summer style do you like best?” reply with your pick and why. It’s yet another touchpoint that can make your name/handle familiar to them.

The goal with all this is to become a familiar face (or username) to the brand. When brands see that you’re actively and positively engaging with their content, they’re more likely to remember you when they’re looking for people to send PR packages or freebies to. You start to build a relationship before any formal partnership.

Keep your interactions positive and genuine – don’t overdo it to the point of looking spammy. Even a few meaningful interactions a week can make a difference. Over time, you’ll build a rapport. Some brands might even slide into your DMs to offer a gift or collaboration once they see how enthusiastic and supportive you are.

7. Attend Events and Network with Others

Sometimes, the path to free products isn’t entirely online. Networking in real life (or virtual events) can open doors to unexpected gifting opportunities. Brands love to see real people and genuine enthusiasm, so putting yourself out there can pay off in multiple ways.

Consider these approaches:

• Attend brand events or meetups

Keep an eye out for events hosted by brands in your niche. These could be product launch parties, pop-up shops, workshops, webinars, or influencer meet-and-greets. For example, an e-commerce jewelry brand might host a holiday pop-up in your city – go there, introduce yourself, and connect! In-person, you can often meet brand reps or PR people. If they see you’re a friendly micro influencer who truly likes their stuff, you might walk away with a gift bag or a promise of a future collaboration. Even online events (like a webinar or Instagram Live) can have opportunities – sometimes brands give out freebies to attendees or pick people to send samples to afterward.

• Leverage influencer networking events

There are also events specifically for influencers or content creators (sometimes organized by agencies or platforms). Networking with other influencers can indirectly lead to freebies. How? If you befriend someone who’s a brand ambassador or who regularly gets PR packages, they might recommend you to a brand or give you insider tips. Plus, you might hear about campaigns or gifting programs through word-of-mouth in these circles.

• Collaborate with fellow creators

Partnering up with other micro influencers for content can get you noticed by brands. Suppose you and a few creator friends host a joint giveaway or do a collab video featuring your favorite products. If those products include brands you want to work with, your collaborative content could catch the brand’s attention (especially if all of you tag them). Additionally, bigger influencers sometimes share or tag the products they feature – if you collaborate with someone slightly bigger, a brand might see their post (and thereby see you). It adds credibility by association.

Networking is all about building relationships. It might not yield an immediate free product like “hey, nice to meet you, here’s a free phone case!” – but the connections you foster can lead to gifts down the line. Maybe a marketing rep you chatted with keeps you in mind for the next campaign, or an influencer friend passes your name to a brand that’s a perfect fit. At the very least, you’ll learn a ton from others and become more immersed in the influencer and e-commerce brand community.

And don’t forget: when you do attend events, share it on your social media. Tag the event and the brand if appropriate (“Had a blast at @SkincareCo’s product launch party! 💄✨”). This not only shows brands you’re active and engaged, but it gives you more content to keep your own audience entertained. It’s all part of building your presence and credibility.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

Last but definitely not least: patience and persistence are key. Getting free products from brands isn’t usually an overnight success; it can take time to build up your credentials and connections. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have boxes of goodies pouring through your mail slot after a week of trying. The influencers you see unboxing PR packages on Instagram? Most of them spent months (or years) working toward that.

Here’s how to keep a healthy mindset and stay on track:

• Celebrate small wins

Did a brand agree to send you a free sample after 10 emails sent? Awesome! Did you gain 100 new followers this month through consistent content? That’s progress! Each collab – even if it’s just a free t-shirt or a discounted product – is a step toward building your reputation. Brands often start with micro collaborations to test the waters. Deliver quality content for even the smallest gift, and it could turn into a bigger opportunity later.

• Keep improving your approach

If you’ve been applying to campaigns or emailing brands for a while with no luck, take a step back and review. Could your pitch emails be tweaked? Maybe shorten them or personalize more. Is your media kit or profile up to date? Perhaps your content niche isn’t clear and you need to refine your branding so brands instantly “get” what you’re about. Treat each rejection or non-response as a chance to improve.

• Maintain consistency in posting

While you’re waiting for those yes’s, continue growing your profile organically. The more quality content you put out, the more attractive you become to brands. Plus, if a brand you pitched checks you out a month later and sees you’ve been super active and gained more engagement, they might reconsider. Persistence isn’t just in reaching out, but also in continuing to do what you love (creating content) even when freebies aren’t flowing yet.

• Don’t give up too soon

It might be tempting to quit if you hear nothing back initially. However, remember that many brands plan their gifting campaigns seasonally or quarterly. Your pitch in January might get a reply in March when they budget for Q2 gifts, for example. Also, your growth as a micro influencer can be exponential – the first 1,000 followers are hardest, but after that, things often pick up. Stick with it, and by the time you have, say, 5,000 followers, you might find brands approaching you for collaborations.

Above all, stay authentic and enthusiastic. Genuine excitement is infectious. If you truly love what you’re doing – whether it’s creating beauty tutorials, tech reviews, or funny lifestyle vlogs – that passion will attract both followers and brands over time. Patience doesn’t mean sitting idle; it means continuously putting in effort and trusting that the results will come with consistency. And they will.

Conclusion to How to Get Free Products from Brands

Getting free products from brands is absolutely achievable with the right approach. Let’s recap your game plan: build a strong online presence, focus on the right brands (ones that align with your niche), and craft a compelling pitch that shows your value. Leverage influencer platforms like Stack Influence to find and manage gifting opportunities easily, and don’t hesitate to apply to multiple collabs to increase your odds. Meanwhile, engage with brands on social media so they know you’re a true fan, and get out there – network at events and collaborate with fellow creators to boost your visibility. All along, remember to stay patient and persistent.

Many micro influencers before you have gone from zero to a mailbox full of goodies by using these strategies. You’re building relationships and a personal brand, and that takes a little time – but it’s so worth it. Stick with it, keep creating content you love, and keep putting yourself out there. Soon enough, you’ll be watching those free gifts roll in and stacking up some awesome products to feature in your content.

Now go ahead and start implementing these tips. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the journey of growing as a creator (with plenty of free swag along the way)!