WAIT! 🚨 Don't Sign the Deal Yet!

Securing a brand deal can be an exciting time for content creators, but it’s crucial to approach these opportunities with a strategic mindset. Here are five essential tips to look out for to optimize the opportunity!

1. Ask for the Available Budget: Far too often creators undersell themselves by providing their typical ‘rates’ instead of asking the brand what their available budget is for the project. You run the risk of lowballing yourself if your ask is below what they already had planned to allocate for the campaign.

2. Clarify the Terms of Edits: Make sure the contract outlines the number of free edits included, the turnaround time after the edit request, and any fees for additional edits. Clear terms prevent scope creep and ensure proper compensation.

   Bonus Tip: Submit your script to the rep before you go into production, to prevent re-recording, or drastic edits to the flow of your content.

3. Understand the Usage Rights: Know where you can expect the brand to post your content, and how long the brand has permission to use the content you provide. Charge accordingly if the brand intends to run ads using your video or plans to use it for an extended period of time.

4. Clarify the Payment Terms: Once you agree on a rate, its best to also clarify the payment timeline. Nothing worse than finalizing production, turning over the deliverables, to then being told you’re being paid Net-60. For longer campaigns, consider negotiating for a portion of the payment upfront for financial security.

5. Review Exclusivity Clauses: Exclusivity typically means you as the creator, won’t have the ability to work with competing brands to the company you’re working with. An example would be if Polestar Cars wanted me to refrain from working with another EV company for 90 days. Since this prevents you from taking on other work, be sure to charge for that!

Landing brand deals can be extremely rewarding, but it’s important to come to terms you’re comfortable with! If you ever need help navigating the space, feel free to reach out, run it through ChatGPT, or consult a lawyer. Now go out and secure the bag!

We’re excited to spotlight Davie Rickenbacker as the Digital Hustler of the Week! Davie is a reality TV star turned content creator who's taking the digital world by storm. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Davie's content is an exciting mix of lifestyle tips, cosplay fashion, reality TV insights, and all things nerd!

You may recognize Davie as he had the world rooting for him becoming a finalist on the hit show Survivor. After gaining an initial following post-Survivor, Davie said, “I transitioned the essence of my on-screen persona to social media. Consistency played a pivotal role; sharing my daily adventures, embracing my nerdy interests, and providing a behind-the-scenes look at my life created a relatable narrative.” Well, it paid off as Davie recently joined creators Lala Milan and Sofi Ibrahim in Snapchat's exclusive 523 Program, cementing his influencer status. This program provides funding, 1:1 mentorship, partner education, community engagement, and more.

This is only the beginning of Davie’s journey, so be sure to follow him on Instagram and Snapchat to keep up his journey and upcoming creator events!