How To Navigate Brand Negotiations as a Brand New UGC Creator
Let’s start with a surfing analogy. You are about to paddle out. You want to join the lineup for your chance of catching an amazing wave, but you need to paddle past breaking waves to get there. For surfing newbies facing breaking waves can be really intimidating. UGC creators might not be staring down the roaring ocean when they take on content creation, but there’s still one big wave to get past first: brand negotiations.
If you have no previous sales or marketing experience it can be hard to know where to begin. Arguably one of the most helpful resources for understanding the skill of negotiating is former FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference – he might have been dealing with high stakes negotiations, but his core principles and approach to communication can be applied to pretty much any life situation.
As a UGC content creator the more you understand how to approach negotiations, the more confident you will feel when your first collaboration opportunities arise.
So to help get you started with understanding how to negotiate with brands, we’ve put together our recommended list of considerations.
1: Know Your Worth
Assess your content's value, audience reach, and engagement metrics.
Research industry standards and compare your stats to set reasonable rates.
2. Brand Alignment
Ensure the brand aligns with your content niche and values.
Authenticity is key; collaborate with brands that resonate with your audience.
3. Define Objectives
Clarify the goals and expectations of the collaboration.
Determine the scope, deliverables, and timeline.
4. Audience Relevance
Confirm that the brand's products or services are relevant and beneficial to your audience.
5. Contracts and Agreements
Always use written agreements that outline terms, compensation, and rights.
Include clauses for exclusivity, usage rights, and termination conditions.
6. Negotiate Compensation
Be prepared to negotiate, but have a bottom line in mind.
Consider various forms of compensation (money, products, affiliate commissions).
7. Disclosure and Transparency
Adhere to legal and ethical guidelines regarding sponsored content disclosure.
Maintain transparency with your audience about paid partnerships.
8. Content Control
Discuss creative freedom and the extent to which the brand can influence your content.
Find a balance that ensures brand messaging while maintaining your style.
9. Timely Communication
Establish open lines of communication with the brand representative.
Address questions, concerns, and revisions promptly.
10. Quality Assurance
Set quality standards for your content to maintain your reputation.
Discuss approval processes and revisions with the brand.
11. Payment Terms
Define payment terms, including when and how you'll be compensated.
Specify any milestones or deliverables tied to payment.
12. Long-Term Relationships
Consider the potential for ongoing collaborations and partnerships.
Building strong, lasting relationships can be more valuable than one-off deals.
13. Legal and Tax Implications
Understand tax obligations and legal responsibilities as a content creator.
Seek professional advice if needed.
14. Deliver on Promises
Fulfill your commitments as outlined in the agreement.
Over-delivering can lead to positive referrals and repeat business.
15. Feedback and Evaluation
After the collaboration, seek feedback from the brand.
Evaluate the success of the partnership and learn from the experience.
16. Maintain Independence
Preserve your authenticity and brand identity even when collaborating.
Avoid partnerships that compromise your values or creative integrity.
17. Plan for Contingencies
Have a plan in case the collaboration doesn't go as expected.
Consider exit strategies and dispute resolution mechanisms.
18. Record Keeping
Keep records of all correspondence, agreements, and payments.
This helps in case of disputes or tax audits.
19. Stay Informed
Stay updated on industry trends, guidelines, and best practices.
Adapt your negotiation strategy as the landscape evolves.
20. Self-Care
Balance your workload to avoid burnout.
Prioritize your mental and physical health throughout collaborations.
Is It Possible To Find Brand Collaborations Without Negotiating?
If you would rather find brand collaborations without the hassle of negotiating, or you would like to bulk up your portfolio first, then platforms such as YEAY can help you find instant collaboration opportunities.
This Is How It Works:
1. Brands put out content briefs based on their needs - some brands will be looking for content from more established influencers who can then share the content with their own social communities, while others will be looking for a broader pool of regular creators because they want a mix of UGC to use in marketing campaigns. So even if you are just getting started with UGC there will be opportunities.
2. The brief will clearly specify the payment for the requested content, and the additional payment for sharing the content on social media, if that is required.
3. Creators on the YEAY app receive instant notifications once a new relevant content brief is up.
4. Creators who choose to accept the request, follow the brief and upload content within the deadline are then paid on content delivery, with payment for sharing content paid on provision of the correct sharing link.
Just as great surfers study the waves, great content creators need to study the art of negotiating to approach brand collaborations with confidence. For those that aren’t ready to negotiate or simply want to find opportunities without a lot of back and forth with brands, tools such as YEAY can be great for securing collaborations in a fast and simple way.