For creatorsWorking with brands

What does a brand expect from you as a creator?

TL;DR

Brands look for creators who are reliable, professional and easy to work with. In practice, that means following the brief, delivering good content on time, communicating clearly, handling feedback well and sticking to agreements. You don't need to be perfect or have a big following. Brands mainly want to be able to count on you.

When a brand chooses you for a campaign, they're placing their trust in you. They count on you to represent their product well and to stick to what you've agreed. Creators who do this well are asked again and receive better reviews, which leads to more campaigns.

1. Follow the brief

The brief is your most important guide. Brands expect you to read it carefully and to include everything that's asked for: the key messages, the format, the do's and don'ts. Read How to read a brand brief properly for tips.

2. Deliver on time

Brands often plan their campaigns down to the day. A missed deadline can disrupt their entire planning. Deliver your content on time, and let the brand know as early as possible if you think you won't make it.

3. Make good content

Brands don't expect a professional production, but they do expect care. Good light, clear sound, a sharp image and a product that is clearly visible make the difference. Check your content before you submit it.

4. Communicate clearly

Respond to messages within a reasonable time. Confirm when you've received the product. Ask questions if something is unclear, and let the brand know proactively if something changes. Good communication builds trust.

5. Handle feedback professionally

Sometimes a brand asks for adjustments. That's normal, and it isn't personal criticism. Read the feedback calmly, ask for clarification if needed, and make the changes within the agreed time.

6. Be honest and authentic

Brands choose you because of your style and your audience. They want to see your own take on their product, not a copy of an advertisement. Only make claims you can back up, and be honest about your experience.

7. Stick to agreements

This includes everything you've agreed: the usage rights for your content, any exclusivity with competitors, and clearly labeling sponsored content as advertising on your own channels.

8. Represent the brand well

While you're working with a brand, your content and behavior reflect on them. Avoid content that clashes with the brand's image, and keep the brand's values in mind.

9. Keep information confidential

Some campaigns involve products or news that haven't been announced yet. Don't share details about the campaign or the product before the brand gives permission.

What brands don't expect

You don't need to be perfect or have a big following. Brands also don't expect you to know everything: asking questions is a sign of professionalism, not a weakness. What matters most is that they can rely on you.

Common mistakes

Watch out for not responding to messages, missing deadlines without warning, ignoring parts of the brief, responding defensively to feedback, and posting content before the agreed date.

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Related questions

How do you communicate professionally with a brand?

Good communication makes you a creator brands want to work with again. Respond within a working day, keep your tone friendly and clear, and put all your questions in one message. Confirm when you've received the product, let the brand know straight away if something changes, and record agreements in writing. Use the communication channel within the campaign where possible.

How do you deliver your content the right way?

Check your content against the brief before you deliver it, and do a quick technical check of the format, image, sound and music. Always deliver the original files in the highest quality, name them clearly and send exactly the versions the brand asked for. Deliver on time through the campaign, add a short note, and wait for approval before you post anything on your own channels.

How do you handle feedback and revisions?

Feedback from brands is a normal part of the job, not personal criticism. Read it calmly, ask questions if something isn't clear, and make the changes within the agreed time. When you resubmit, briefly say what you've changed. If feedback goes beyond what was agreed in the brief, raise it politely. And the best way to keep revisions to a minimum is to read the brief carefully from the start.

How do you read a brand brief properly?

The brief tells you exactly what a brand expects from you. Read it in full before you apply, and pay special attention to the deliverables, key messages, do's and don'ts, deadlines, compensation and usage rights. Make your own checklist, ask questions before you start filming, and check your content against the brief once more before you submit it.

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