As a content creator and influencer, you've likely encountered instances where brands express interest in sharing your content or images.

While this can be an exciting opportunity, it's crucial to approach such requests with clarity. Brands often seek permission to share your image to leverage your influence and creativity.

Let’s chat about how to handle brand requests effectively while safeguarding your rights and exploring potential future collaborations.

Understanding Brand Requests

Brand requests to share your image can take various forms, from comments on your posts asking you to respond with a specific hashtag to direct messages expressing interest.

While these requests may seem straightforward, it's essential to read between the lines and clarify their intentions.

• Comment Requests- Brands may ask you to agree to their terms by responding with a designated hashtag. Be cautious about using hashtags without fully understanding the terms, as they could involve the brand gaining ownership of your image, even for paid usage! Eep!

• Direct Messages (DMs)- When a brand reaches out via DMs, it presents an opportunity for direct communication. However, it's essential to initiate a conversation to clarify how they intend to use your image and for what duration.

Protecting Your Rights

Your content and images are your intellectual property, and it's essential to protect your rights when granting permission to brands. Here's how to safeguard your interests:

• Engage in Private Conversations- Instead of agreeing publicly with a hashtag, take the conversation to private messages. This allows you to discuss the details and terms with the brand directly.

• Clarify Usage- Ask the brand for specific details on how they plan to use your image. Will it be for promotional purposes, on their social media, or in advertising? Ensure that you have a clear understanding of their intentions.

• Duration and Ownership- Discuss how long the brand intends to use your image. You should retain ownership of your content unless a clear agreement states otherwise. Be cautious about brands seeking permanent ownership.

Exploring Paid Opportunities

When a brand expresses interest in sharing your image, it's a promising sign that they appreciate your work and style! It’s great. Use this opportunity to explore potential paid collaborations, or to touch base with the team and grow a relationship.

• Express Interest- If you're open to future collaborations, express your interest to the brand. Let them know that you value their appreciation of your work and inquire about any paid opportunities.

• Negotiate Terms- Discuss compensation and terms for future collaborations. Ensure that the terms align with your expectations and the value you bring to the brand.

My Personal Thoughts (What I Do)

9 times out of 10, I happily agree to a organic reposting of my content on the brands grid. I think it’s a fantastic way to engage with a new brand and grow a new relationship.

I politely clarify it’s not for any paid boosting usage (I don’t want them to use my content in paid ads, or on their website) but I’m happy for it to appear on their social media grid, with my account credited and tagged.

I often open up the conversation to either requesting the best PR email to get in touch with or to send my media kit to, so the team knows more about my profile and what I offer.

Times I don’t say yes…well.

There is a handful of times I’ve politely said no or that there’s a small reposting fee.

This is typically saved for when I’ve spend a fair amount of money on the product and have done an extensive trial or detailed content piece.

Especially when the brand has not engaged very much at all. Not trying to be petty- I promise!

Honestly, It tends to feel a bit weird to have a brand repost it for free? Maybe it’s more so that it may even take away opportunity from them engaging in content creation with creators, or give them the wrong idea about engaging with creators.

Example- A popular new launch I dedicated a still image and a reel to. My audience wanted to know more and I was so happy to provide!

The brand reached out to me, seeing the great audience engagement that everyone kindly provided the posts- and wanted to repost my content.

They DM’d me, heart emojis and calling me lovely (can you tell where I’m about to go with this?)

I said, I really appreciate them asking, and as I’ve purchased the product myself (it wasn’t PR, it wasn’t cheap!) a $100 repost fee would apply.

I said I totally understand if it isn’t feesable. Well, they left me on seen and continue to ignore the sharing I do about their brand.

That’s fine though- a not so great interaction with a brand or PR team doesn’t make the products bad. In fact that product is wonderful, and I happily keep sharing about it when it comes up. :)

Anyway. Hope you enjoyed that aside.

My approach can be summed up as; I’d much rather start a fruitful relationships then wrestle around for $100. (And brands rarely budget for organic reposts, I’ve only ever seen 2 say yes to a request like this!)

Let’s sum up!

Brand requests to share your image can be a flattering and exciting moment in your journey as a content creator and influencer.

However, it's essential to approach these requests with caution and professionalism. Protect your rights by engaging in private conversations, clarifying usage and ownership, and ensuring that your content remains your intellectual property.

Use these interactions as a stepping stone to create partnerships. Express your interest in working with the brand in the future and explore paid opportunities.

Remember, your content has value, and by handling brand requests wisely, you can leverage your creativity to build mutually beneficial relationships.