10 Things Micro Influencers Need To Know

As an influencer marketing agency, we work with micro influencers on a very regular basis across a wide range of dynamic projects and brands.

We see exactly what makes a great micro influencer - so with this, we’ve devised 10 things all micro influencers should keep in mind when collaborating…

1. Put your email address in your bio

Even if your email address is linked to your profile, brands want a quick, easy way of reaching out to you - having your email clearly on your profile makes the process simpler for everyone. Bear in mind that influencer marketing agencies usually use desktop versions of social platforms across Instagram/YouTube/TikTok.

2. State your location

We’re not saying geo-tag every specific place you go, but stating where you’re based on your profile can be a huge help for brands. Most campaigns are identified by country, or some are even as regional specific as the city or town. Whilst some guess work can be done, simply popping your location in your bio takes that extra step out of a brand reaching out to you.

3. Always follow ASA/CMA guidelines

The ASA guidelines are constantly evolving to adapt to social. If an item has been sent to you free of charge, you’ll need to state #gifted in your caption, or #ad if the post is sponsored by the brand. Using #ad applies even if no monetary agreement has been changed. You must put #ad if a brand has had any editorial control over your content i.e. providing you with key messages, a discount code, a link, to how you shoot the content or when you post. Even if you post additional content outside of the contract, the ASA advise you still state these disclosures. Make sure you keep up to date with any changes on their website.

4. Don’t be afraid to question your contract

Whenever you’re sent over a contract, be sure to read it very thoroughly before you sign anything. If any clauses are unclear or there’s something you’re unsure of, be sure to shout up! Question any clauses before signing. Think of yourself as a brand. Consider how usage terms of how they use their content across different media might affect your brand/image long term.

5. Be open to negotiation

Having a set fee in mind is always ideal, but be willing to be flexible with a brands budget, or open to discussing other ways you could work with them in a mutually beneficial way. For example, if there’s product/travel incentives to the collaboration or an affiliates scheme that means you earn a commission every time you link the brand.

6. Manage expectations

Ensuring you meet all deadlines and keeping the brand or agency in the loop is a great way to build a trusted reputation. If you’re unreliable or communicate poorly, they probably won’t want to work with you again. If you are hoping for this to become a full-time career, treat the process like you would approach a job.

7. Attention to detail

Although brands or agencies will most likely approve your content before it goes live - ensure your captions are spelt correctly, your swipe up links are working and all your agreed deliverables are ticked off. We’ve seen some influencers tag competitor brands in content sent to us for approval before. Luckily, this is what the approval stage is for. Be mindful that how much effort you put into your captions and imagery will definitely leave a lasting impression. Whether we like it or not, comparison happens very naturally.

8. Be creative and have fun!

Even though brands sometimes have specific ideas on how your content should look - always give suggestions or ideas on how you could put a spin on it. Not only will this feel more organic, it will consequently perform stronger on your platform. Almost see yourself as an extension to their creative team. After all, you’ve built your audience yourself, you know what your audience will enjoy more so than anyone. A good influencer marketing manager will respect your creative input and collaborate with you. Oh, yes - and have fun!

9. Establish your payment terms

Establish clear payment terms upfront before agreeing to any work to ensure that expectations are managed on both sides. Invoices can sometimes take a while to be processed internally, so the sooner you send over your payment details the sooner you’ll receive your fee.

10. Keep in touch

After you’ve collaborated with a brand or agency, be sure to keep in touch via email or engage with their social media pages to stay on their radar. Most likely, you’ll spring to mind when they’re executing their next campaign!

Bee Influence are a specialised influencer marketing agency in Manchester. If you’re a micro influencer looking for work, or a brand wanting to incorporate micro influencers into your strategy, drop us an email hello@beeinfluence.co.uk.