If you’re an influencer who is trying to decide whether to use an influencer marketing platform or work directly with brands for your campaigns, it can be a difficult choice. Both options have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to carefully consider your specific goals, needs, and resources before making a decision. Working with an influencer marketing platform can offer convenience and access to a wide range of opportunities, but it may also come with fees or restrictions on content creation. On the other hand, working directly with brands allows for more control and potentially higher payment, but it can be more time-consuming and require more effort to secure campaigns. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of both approaches, to help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
Working with a brand
Advantages of contacting brands directly:
- You may have the opportunity to build a more personal relationship with the brand and its representatives. This can lead to more long-term collaboration opportunities and a better understanding of the brand’s values and goals.
- You may be able to negotiate more favorable terms and higher payment for your work, since you are not sharing the profits with a middleman.
- You have complete control over the content you create and how it is used by the brand.
- You can tailor your pitch to the specific needs and preferences of the brand, rather than fitting into a pre-determined campaign structure.
Disadvantages of contacting brands directly:
- It can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive to identify and reach out to potential brands to work with.
- You may have to spend more time negotiating contracts and handling administrative tasks, such as invoicing and payment collection.
- You may not have access to as many campaign opportunities as you would through a platform.
- You may have to spend more time and effort building relationships and a reputation with brands, which can be challenging for newer or lesser-known influencers.
Working with an influencer platform
Pros of using an influencer marketing platform:
- You have access to a wider pool of brands and campaigns to choose from.
- The platform handles the administrative tasks such as contract negotiations and payment collection, freeing up your time to focus on creating content.
- You may have access to additional resources and support from the platform, such as training materials and industry insights.
- The platform may have a built-in audience or followers, which can help you reach a larger audience.
Cons of using an influencer marketing platform:
- You may have to pay a commission or fee to the platform for their services.
- The platform may have strict guidelines or requirements for content creation, which can limit your creativity and freedom.
- You may have less control over the negotiation of terms and payment for each campaign.
- The platform may not offer as much personalized support or opportunities as working with a brand directly.
Conclusion
If you are unsure which option is best for you, it’s important to do your research and consider factors such as the ease of acquiring clients and payment through an influencer marketing platform, versus having more control over your content and having input in the creative process by working directly with brands. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what works best for your career as an influencer.
