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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 10:57 am
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I came across an email the other day that was sent from a brand asking if I’d like to collaborate/work with them. I have many of these but after reading the email I sent a reply back asking if I could be paid for my content.
I was sent a prompt email a few hours later stating that they were unable to oblige my request because they were a small brand.
Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
This is all too common
I’ve noticed that over the last few years, brands have reached out to me and offered me affiliate links instead of a payment.
I don’t mind affiliate marketing (I post regularly for many brands) but what gets me is if it’s a brand I’m not familiar with I always err on the side of caution.
I also don’t want to jump the gun only to be left high and dry a few months later because the brand closes or is purchased by a larger brand. I’ve had that happen in the past.
Interestingly enough I’ve noticed this tends to be a trend for many brands that are from overseas. I don’t know if it’s just easier for them to offer affiliate links so they don’t have to convert a payment into USD.
Many brands offer free products to start
The email I was sent was from a skincare brand that I wasn’t familiar with. They appeared to sell Asian skincare. But the brand’s email was so cordial stating that if I posted some Social Media content I’d not only learn about their brand. But also share it with my audience. Then the statement offered the affiliate marketing complete with a set percentages for sales.
Again I get that brands want exposure but we can’t all live off of a few dollars from a purchase.
Then some of us don’t want to bombard our social media feeds with excessive ads just to try to make a sale.
User Generated Content is the rage
I get that UGC is a thing. It’s been a thing for years but now it’s what brands want more of. It saves them time and money if they can just use your content instead. I’m all for sharing my content but I don’t want to give it away for free.
I think the content creator should at least get some credit and payment for their work.
Don’t be afraid to ask for payment
I used to be excited by any offer I had. But now I’m asking for payment. I’m not going ot lie most brands reply with similar excuses. Such as not having a budget or that they only offer affiliate links. If this doesn’t suit you don’t have any obligation to work or collaborate with them.
I also like to look up the websites via WHOIS because it tells you how old the brand or at least the URL is. Many brands may change names over the years but it offers some public info. For instance, the brand that reached out to me has been active since 2019 but changed/updated its URL in 2023.
I think the biggest thing you can do as a content creator is to advocate for yourself. Too many brands are offering affiliate links which are great but may not always be everyone’s ideal payment option.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
