The different types of Instagram collaborations

These days, social media influencing is serious business, and brands are using influencers more than ever to promote their products and services. 

If you are keen to get into the world of influencing, then it is important that you know the different types of collaborations and what they involve. 

Sponsored content

What is it

Sponsored content is one of the most common types of collaborations. Usually, an influencer is paid by a brand to post about their product/service on their feed/story. 

What do you get as an influencer?

You'll get paid for your content and you'll likely receive the product/service for free as well. 

What do you give as an influencer?

What you'll need to give in return for payment is dependent on the brand and the agreement in place. But, normally you'll need to do a post or two and maybe a story as well. 

How to get this type of collaboration

To get this type of collab, you're going to need to have a decent following (1,000+ followers) and your followers will need to be quite engaged in your content. On top of this, you'll need to be in alignment with the brand, so it's a good idea to match your feed and posts to the type of brands you want to attract, and potentially try to go for a gifting collab first. The best way to be noticed by a brand is to create a post that features their product and matches their Insta theme (make sure you tag them). If you do this, you might get a reshare which could then lead to a gifting collab and even  some paid work!

Example


Gifting collab

What is it

A gifting collab is kind of like a sponsored post, but without the money. When a brand sends their products out to you for free, they are hoping that you'll do a post about them and how much you love their product as a sort-of 'thank you'.

Gifting collabs are a great way to get into the world of influencing because they allow you to build up your followers, and show other brands that you are capable of creating great content. Often, if a brand loves what you do in a gifting collab, they will be happy to pay you in the future if they want to work with you again (win!).

What do you get as an influencer?

You'll get some free stuff! On top of this, you'll get the chance to be featured by the brand, which can build your following and really kickstart your influencing career. Often, landing the first collab is the hardest, so getting a gifting collab is an AWESOME achievement. 

What do you give as an influencer? 

Though it's not normally something the brand can demand unless there is a contract involved, it is expected that you'll do some sort of post in return for their gift. 

How to get this type of collaboration

The way to get this type of collab is exactly the same as how you get a paid collab. Firstly, you're going to need to have a decent following (1,000+ followers) and your followers will need to be quite engaged in your content. On top of this, you'll need to be in alignment with the brand, so it's a good idea to match your feed and posts to the type of brands you want to attract, and potentially try to go for a gifting collab first. The best way to be noticed by a brand is to create a post that features their product and matches their Insta theme (make sure you tag them). If you do this, you might get a reshare which could then lead to some gifts coming your way!

Example


Sponsored blog/vlog post

What is it

A sponsored blog/vlog is basically when a brand reaches out to an influencer with a request to feature their product/service in one of their posts.

What do you get as an influencer?

You'll get paid for your content and you'll likely receive the product/service for free as well. 

What do you give as an influencer? 

You'll need to feature the brand in an upcoming blog or vlog (depending on your existing platform). This feature might be a full length post, or a more subtle recommendation, depending on the agreement in place.

How to get this type of collaboration

Getting this type of collab is a bit trickier than other collabs because you need to have an existing blog/vlog with a decent following. Once you've got this established, you'll notice that the brands will start pouring in with requests!

Example


Takeover

What is it?

A takeover is when a brand asks an influencer to take over their Instagram for a set amount of time. This could involve posting stories, reels, posts, or any other type of content! Sometimes the brand gives full access to their account and sometimes they get they'll get you to send the content through that they then repost on your behalf.

What do you get as an influencer?

Depending on the brand, you may get paid for your time or you might get free products. But, regardless, this type of collaboration is a emerging influencer's dream because it allows you to tap into the audience of the brand and hopefully gain a heap of new followers.

What do you give as an influencer?

You will need to give your time and Insta skills as you take over the account!

How to get this type of collaboration

To get a takeover, the best plan of attack is to show off your personality and character through your Instagram. Then, make sure you're targeting the brands who have done takeovers before, and engage with them frequently. Tag them in your posts (with their product of course), and make sure they know who you are!

Brand ambassador

What is it

Being asked to be a brand ambassador is a massive win as an influencer. If you are a brand ambassador, it means a brand wants to have an ongoing relationship with you and feature you everywhere!

What do you get as an influencer?

You'll get some free stuff and you might even get paid as well! On top of this, you'll get the chance to be featured by the brand, which can build your following and really kickstart your influencing career. 

What do you give as an influencer? 

Every brand ambassador relationship is different, but you'll generally need to promote the brand on an ongoing basis, and potentially attend their events.

How to get this type of collaboration

The process to become a brand ambassador is very similar to how you get a takeover. The best plan of attack is to show off your personality and character through your Instagram. Then, make sure you're targeting the brands who have other brand ambassadors, and engage with them frequently. Tag them in your posts (with their product of course), and make sure they know who you are!

Example


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