I’m bored so let’s talk about WHY some brands do not pay influencers!

Many brands have resources that allow them to “outsource” digital content meant to advertise whatever they’re focusing on for the season.

These resources, although they require you to have a certain following, don’t necessarily bank on your analytics being that great.

In other words, they get free advertising (meeting a certain quota) without having to compensate participating digital creators.

How?

Through Public Relations or SOCIAL MEDIA “BUILDING” companies!

These companies have a slew of Influencers whom they recruit under the guise of being given the opportunity to collaborate and be in contact with popular businesses and brands. What’s not clarified is that the SMB companies don’t actually provide those opportunities—

They just provide the influencers to the popular brands and businesses. Kind of like selling a nice horse; the salesman and the customer profit but the horse (or influencer) is simply a tool.

So how exactly does this work and how can it be dismantled, if at all?

Basically, you sign up. They say ‘HEY you can “collab” with XYZ’ either they
1. Send you product for content
2. Send you product and low ball on the payment ($100 or less, generally)

See these SMB Companies are paid a large sum for providing content creators, they take a portion of that sum divide it up by the number of influencers they’re contracted to have create content for the brand and use that to pay you (or they don’t pay at all)

Although you’re working for these brands, you are not working with them. Meaning, you wouldn’t be able to tag any partnership you have even if they pay you AND you’re less than 50% likely to be seen and/or shared by them.

This is why so many make a point to say do not accept low balling payments or product for content deals. Companies like this directly contribute to the issue of content creators not being taken seriously, not being hired and not being paid for their work at all.

Obviously not everyone can simply pass up certain opportunities and maybe even $100—I understand. However, this is something we all should look out for and keep in mind because achieving your financial goals is not impossible.

Anyway... I need some @TalentiGelato