Introduction
Every creator dreams of landing their first brand deal. Whether you’re a content creator in Lagos, a TikTok influencer in Nairobi, or a YouTuber in Accra, the excitement of earning through partnerships is unmatched. But how exactly do you start?
The truth is, getting brand deals is not about luck—it’s about strategy. Brands want to work with creators who understand their audience, deliver value, and maintain professionalism. If you’re starting out, this guide will show you step by step how to secure those partnerships, even with a small following.
Why Getting Brand Deals Matters for African Creators
In Africa, creators are redefining marketing. Social media is now where people discover new fashion brands, tech gadgets, music, and even financial products. For brands, creators act as trusted voices. And for creators, deals mean more than money—they build credibility.
For instance, a Nigerian food blogger who promotes a local spice brand isn’t just earning cash. They’re also positioning themselves as an authority in the food niche. This recognition often leads to even bigger opportunities.
Step 1: Build a Solid Online Presence
Before thinking about getting brand deals, your digital presence must be strong. Brands won’t invest in creators who lack consistency.
- Pick a niche. Are you into fashion, tech, food, or lifestyle? Narrow it down.
- Optimize your profile. Use a clear profile picture, a catchy bio, and links to your other platforms.
- Post consistently. Consistency builds trust with your audience and makes you discoverable.
If you’re serious, consider setting up a media kit—a one-page PDF that highlights your stats, audience demographics, and past collaborations.
Learn more about how to build a personal brand
Step 2: Understand Your Audience
Brands pay for access to your audience, not just your content. That means you must understand who follows you and why.
- Check your analytics: age, location, gender, interests.
- Study your top-performing posts to see what resonates most.
- Ask your audience questions through polls and comments.
For example, if you’re a beauty influencer in Ghana and notice most of your followers are young women in Accra, you can pitch skincare or makeup brands targeting that exact group.
Step 3: Start Small With Local Brands
Many new creators make the mistake of chasing big international names like Nike or Samsung. The truth? Your first deal will likely come from a local brand.
- Approach small businesses in your city.
- Offer affordable or even free promotions to prove your value.
- Collect testimonials and screenshots of results.
This approach shows brands that you can drive engagement and sales. Over time, those small wins build your portfolio for bigger deals.
Step 4: Craft a Professional Pitch
Knowing how to pitch is crucial for getting brand deals. A great pitch email should include:
- Introduction: Who you are and what you do.
- Audience Insights: A quick overview of your followers.
- Collaboration Idea: Show them how you can promote their product.
- Call to Action: Ask if they’d like to discuss further.
Keep your pitch short and straight to the point. Brands receive hundreds of requests daily—your clarity is your advantage.
Here’s a helpful guide on writing cold emails
Step 5: Showcase Authentic Content
Brands value authenticity over follower count. If your audience trusts you, even a small reach can convert better than a huge but disengaged one.
- Share your personal experience with products.
- Avoid promoting things you don’t believe in.
- Engage with comments and DMs to build a loyal community.
Remember: brands want to see real engagement, not fake numbers. In Africa, where communities are close-knit, authenticity is everything.
Step 6: Price Your Work Correctly
Pricing can be tricky for beginners. Many creators undervalue themselves, while others overprice and scare brands away.
Here’s a quick pricing guideline:
- Nano-influencers (1k–10k followers): Free products + small cash.
- Micro-influencers (10k–50k followers): Moderate pay + products.
- Mid-tier (50k–500k): Larger cash + exclusive deals.
Don’t just charge for posting. Include content creation, exclusivity rights, and usage of your work in their ads.
Check out this influencer pricing breakdown
Step 7: Deliver Beyond Expectations
If a brand gives you a chance, don’t just meet their expectations—exceed them. Deliver content early, use creative ideas, and send performance reports.
Brands love working with creators who make their lives easier. This increases your chances of repeat deals and referrals.
Step 8: Protect Yourself With Contracts
As you grow, you must take professionalism seriously. Always ask for a written agreement. It should cover:
- Payment terms
- Deliverables
- Deadlines
- Rights to the content
A contract protects you from exploitation and ensures mutual trust.
Step 9: Diversify Your Platforms
Don’t rely on just one platform. If you’re only on TikTok, consider also being on Instagram or YouTube. This makes you more attractive to brands, as they love multi-platform exposure.
Video: Path to Getting Brand Deals
Here’s a visual summary to make it easier to digest:
Step 10: Stay Consistent and Patient
Getting your first deal may take weeks or even months. Don’t get discouraged. Keep creating, keep engaging, and keep pitching.
Patience is part of the journey. Every big influencer you admire once struggled to land their first deal too.
Conclusion
For African creators, the opportunities are massive. Brands—local and international—are looking for fresh voices to connect with younger audiences. If you follow these steps, stay authentic, and remain consistent, getting brand deals will move from dream to reality.
Start today. Your first deal could be closer than you think.
