If you’re a content creator—whether you’re just starting out or have been posting consistently for a while—you’ve probably asked yourself at some point: How do I reach out to brands? Or maybe, What should I say in that first email? Am I even “big enough” to pitch a collaboration?
I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
And let me tell you: you don’t need a million followers, a blue checkmark, or an agent to start pitching yourself professionally. You just need to know how to do it strategically and authentically.
In my latest YouTube video, I sat down with my friend and fellow NYC-based content creator Austen Tosone, who is not only an expert in the beauty and fashion space, but also someone who loves helping other creators figure out how to pitch brands and monetize their platforms.
So whether you’re ready to send your first email, or you’re looking to level up your outreach strategy, this post (and our convo!) is here to guide you through it all. Grab a coffee or tea, settle in, and let’s get into it 💌
🎥 Watch the video here:
Why Pitching Matters—Even If You’re a Small Creator
One of the biggest myths in the creator economy is that you need a massive audience to land brand deals. Not true. Brands are starting to love working with micro and nano influencers, because their audiences are often more engaged and more niche.
But here’s the thing: brands don’t always come knocking first.
You can take the initiative and pitch yourself. And trust me, that confidence and clarity can set you apart in a sea of generic emails and cold DMs.
Tip #1: It All Starts With the Subject Line
Let’s be real—people’s inboxes are chaos. So the very first battle? Getting your email opened.
Austen dropped a great tip in our chat: include the brand’s name or the contact’s name in the subject line. Personalization makes a huge difference. Something like:
- “Coffee with NYC-Based Beauty Creator Austen Tosone?”
- “Would [Brand Name] Be Interested in Partnering With Me?”
You want it to be enticing, specific, and clear. Avoid vague subject lines like “Collab?” or “Hey!”—those are instant skips in a PR manager’s inbox.
Tip #2: Nail Your Introduction
Once they open the email, you’ve got a few seconds to catch their attention.
Introduce yourself clearly and concisely in 1–2 lines. For example:
Hi! I’m Flor, a NYC-based content creator sharing content around lifestyle, books, productivity, and behind-the-scenes of working for yourself.
This mini “elevator pitch” should include:
- Who you are
- Where you’re based (especially if relevant to the brand)
- What type of content you create
- Bonus: What makes your content or perspective unique
And don’t forget to include links to your platforms! Make it easy for them to see who you are and what you’re working on.
Tip #3: Social Proof Is Your Best Friend
I’ll be honest—I hadn’t heard the term “social proof” before Austen introduced me to it in one of her videos, but now I’m obsessed with it.
Social proof is basically evidence that your audience trusts you and engages with your content. This can be:
- Quantitative: Stats, reach, saves, shares, comments, link clicks
- Qualitative: DMs, comments, or messages from your followers saying they bought a product you recommended or loved your styling tips
✨ Austen shared that showing this kind of data helped her land a partnership with Glossier! ✨
Keep a little folder with screenshots of great DMs or comments. They might seem small in the moment, but they can be gold when pitching.
Tip #4: Customize, Customize, Customize
This is where most people go wrong: they send the same copy-pasted email to 50 brands. Don’t do that.
Each pitch should feel personal. Mention something specific about the brand—maybe a recent campaign you loved, a product you already use and recommend, or a shared value (sustainability, inclusivity, clean beauty, etc.).
Brands want to work with creators who genuinely care about their products—not someone who just wants a paycheck.
Tip #5: Suggest a Clear, Creative Idea
You don’t always need to go into full-blown campaign planning mode, but giving the brand an idea of how you envision the partnership can go a long way.
For example:
I’d love to partner on an Instagram Reel showcasing how your tinted moisturizer fits into my 10-minute busy mom makeup routine.
That’s more compelling than just saying “Let me know if you want to work together!”
Final Thoughts: You’re More Ready Than You Think
I know it can feel intimidating. Hitting send on a pitch can make you feel so vulnerable. But the truth is: you are already enough.
You’re creative. You’re putting yourself out there. And brands need creators like you to bring their stories to life.
So don’t wait for permission. Send that email. Start that conversation. And if you need help crafting the perfect pitch? Start with our video above. It’s packed with actionable tips, examples, and encouragement.
Let’s keep showing up—and supporting each other—one pitch at a time 💌
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Let’s Chat!
Have you ever pitched a brand before? What’s holding you back—or what’s worked well for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments or over on Instagram @flopereira 💬
And if this post helped you, feel free to share it with a fellow creator who could use a little boost of confidence today 🤍
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