# How do you set up your first creator campaign?

> Setting up your first creator campaign requires defining clear KPIs, creating a detailed brief, sourcing and verifying creators, managing contracts and deliverables, and analyzing performance to optimize future iterations.

- Canonical: https://www.influentials.com/en-us/knowledge/for-brands/how-to-set-up-your-first-creator-campaign
- Locale: en-us
- Hub: brands
- Published: 2026-08-18
- Updated: 2026-08-18

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Launching a creator or UGC campaign for the first time can feel overwhelming, but following a structured approach ensures you maximize your return on investment. Whether your goal is brand awareness, content production, or direct conversions, here is a step-by-step guide to launching your first campaign successfully.

## Step 1: Define Clear Campaign Goals and KPIs

Before reaching out to creators, determine what success looks like for your brand:

- **Brand Awareness:** Focus on reach, impressions, and video views.
- **Content Generation (UGC):** Focus on asset volume, hooks, and performance in paid ads.
- **Direct Sales & Conversions:** Focus on click-through rates (CTR), promo code usage, and Cost Per Acquisition (CPA).

## Step 2: Build a Clear Creative Brief

A strong brief provides guidance while allowing creators the creative freedom to remain authentic. Include:

- Brand background and campaign objectives.
- Clear do's and don'ts (e.g., brand colors, key messaging).
- Deliverable specifications (e.g., 1x 60-second video, 9:16 vertical format).
- Deadlines for draft submission and final publication.

## Step 3: Source and Verify Creators

Find creators whose target audience aligns with your brand values. Check engagement rates, audience demographics, and past content quality. You can source creators through manual outreach, open briefs on creator marketplaces, or specialized platforms like Influentials.

## Step 4: Contracting and Usage Rights

Protect your brand by setting up clear agreements before sending products or payments. Ensure your contract specifies:

- Licensing and usage rights (organic social, website, paid ads).
- Whitelisting / ad licensing permissions.
- Exclusivity clauses and payment terms.

## Step 5: Review, Launch, and Analyze

Review submitted drafts against your brief, approve final assets, and track campaign performance once live. Use gathered insights to refine your next campaign strategy.

Want to put this into practice? See how [Influentials helps brands](https://www.influentials.com/for-brands) run creator and UGC campaigns, or [book a demo](https://www.influentials.com/book-a-demo) to talk it through.