3 Negotiation Strategies for Sponsored Partnerships
As an Instagram Influencer, I know from experience that these strategies work. Here’s how to close your dream client:
- Start a conversation with them via Insta Story + Instagram Direct Messages.
I know I love a brand when I see that my Instagram feed shares a similar aesthetic to theirs. To start a conversation with a prospect I want to work with, I use Instagram. I showcase products I’ve bought from their store on my Instagram and tag them in my Insta Story. This tag will automatically show up as a direct message to the brand on Instagram. I then message “Love [brand name]! Do you have an email I can write to regarding a potential collab?”

This is surprisingly effective in starting a conversation with the client. More often than not, they send me the email address of the person who manages influencer sponsorships.
This works because brands are already busy searching for influencers common to their aesthetic, and our Instagram is a great indicator of whether we’re a match or not.
2. Take courage to request for a paid collaboration over the phone. Clients love gifting per post, but very few offer to pay. If this is your situation, the best way to connect is over the phone. In your email, request for a 30 mins conference call to discuss the collaboration. Here are some points to consider during your call:
- Compliment your client. You’re pleased at the opportunity to collaborate. Remind them of the high quality post you’ve shared about them on your Insta Story.
- Ask questions to know what services they’re looking for in a collaboration and listen to understand if they have a budget for influencer collaborations. Before offering your services, get an idea of what your client is looking for so your client feels heard and their budget is understood. By listening first, you can also better craft a response to them.
- Share why you’re worth it! If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to explain how a collaboration with you allows them to reach a highly engaged following. How? Read the section on Know our value in How to Price our Social Reach.
- Given your busy schedule, you can only accept paid collaborations. If they have budget, let them know you’re happy to discuss a potential collaboration that fits within their budget. You can send them your media kit via email post conference call. Here is our 5 Guides for a Kickass Influencer Media Kit. Since the client is a busy person and likely interacts with many other influencers, be sure to bullet point what was discussed on the conference call in the email to refresh the client’s memory.
- Don’t expect to seal the deal during the conference call. Good negotiations take time. Give the client time to review your media kit, consider your offer, and get back to you in a few days.
3. If you’ve agreed on a collaboration, be sure to discuss timeline, payment term and payment method. Note this information in your invoice to them once you’ve come to an agreement.
- How soon to complete post(s) upon receiving the products. Industry standard is roughly 2 weeks.
- Payment term and method. Most influencers offer bank transfer and PayPal for international clients. Payment term is typically within 30 days of promotion completion.
To my fellow Influencers, if you found this article helpful and want to be a part of our greater conversation, join Influencers’ Alliance.

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