How Brand Deals Actually Work (8 Steps)

Summary

This video script outlines eight essential steps for creators to successfully collaborate with brands on sponsorships. It emphasizes the importance of starting with a pitch, negotiating value over price, securing a contract, and meticulously planning the concept before production. The script also stresses the significance of meeting deadlines, managing feedback loops, ensuring proper publication, and invoicing correctly. Each step is designed to build a strong partnership and protect the creator's interests, turning what may seem daunting into a structured and manageable process.

Takeaways

• 🔑 The sponsorship process with brands typically follows eight simple steps, ensuring a structured approach to partnerships.
• 💡 The initial pitch is crucial as it sets the stage for the relationship, and it's okay to propose multiple ideas until both parties agree.
• 🤝 Negotiation is about showcasing the value you bring to the brand, with monetary compensation being a secondary but essential consideration.
• 📜 A written contract is vital to memorialize all terms, including deliverables, usage rights, exclusivity, and payment terms, providing legal clarity.
• 💡 The concept phase is about getting brand approval on the content plan before investing time and resources into production.
• 🎬 Production should adhere to agreed timelines to avoid inconveniencing the brand and to maintain a professional reputation.
• ⏳ Feedback from the brand can involve multiple rounds and stakeholders, requiring creators to be patient and flexible.
• 📢 Post-publication, it's important to promptly address any issues identified by the brand to ensure a successful campaign.
• 💰 Invoicing should be done professionally, with an understanding of payment terms to avoid any financial surprises post-campaign.

Q & A

What are the eight steps mentioned for every sponsorship with a brand?

The eight steps are: 1) The pitch, 2) The negotiation, 3) The contract, 4) The concept, 5) The production, 6) The feedback, 7) The publication, and 8) The invoice.

Why is the pitch considered the starting point in a sponsorship?

The pitch is the starting point because it initiates the relationship with the brand, whether it's a cold DM or a brand reaching out, and it sets the stage for all further discussions.

How should creators approach the pitching phase with brands?

Creators should approach the pitching phase as a collaborative effort to ensure both parties are excited about the content, not as a one-shot deal, and be open to changes from the initial proposal.

What is the significance of the negotiation step in the sponsorship process?

The negotiation step is significant because it establishes the value provided to the brand and positions the monetary compensation as a secondary consideration, fostering a sense of partnership.

Why is having a contract essential in a brand partnership?

A contract is essential to memorialize all discussed terms, including deliverables, usage rights, exclusivity, payment terms, and creative briefs, providing legal protection and clarity for both parties.

What should creators do before starting the content production?

Creators should provide the brand with a detailed concept for approval to ensure the content aligns with the brand's expectations before investing time and resources in production.

How important is adhering to the agreed timeline during content production?

Adhering to the timeline is crucial as it respects the brand's and agency's processes and avoids causing delays in their overall campaign, which can have cascading effects.

What should creators expect during the feedback phase of content creation?

Creators should expect a thorough review process involving multiple stakeholders within the brand or agency, which may take several weeks, and be prepared to make revisions accordingly.

Why is it critical to communicate with the brand after posting sponsored content?

After posting, it's critical to communicate with the brand to quickly address any minor details that may have been overlooked or to make immediate corrections to ensure the partnership's success.

What should creators be aware of regarding payment after completing a sponsored post?

Creators should be aware of the payment terms outlined in the contract, which may include net 30 or net 60 terms, and ensure they manage their finances accordingly until payment is received.

How does the speaker suggest creators approach the negotiation process with brands?

The speaker suggests creators approach negotiations by leading with the value they provide, positioning the monetary aspect as secondary, and considering the negotiation as a partnership rather than a confrontation.