Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend and are preparing to have an even better week.

A few weeks ago, I started an Instagram Live series (Tuesdays @ 2pm) to give insight into my life as a part-time (but really full-time) influencer. As much as I want to create a mentorship for smaller influencers, I knew I didn’t have the time to commit. This is my way of being able to do mentorship at a high level and pour knowledge into other new and upcoming influencers.

This post is all about applying to collaborations. Before I knew how to pitch, or even what pitching was, this was how I was able to secure collaborations with companies like GoDaddy and Reebok.

Influencer marketing sites work as a third party. They provide a bridge between the influencer and brand and are a great way to become familiar with concepts such as payment terms and submitting insights. They’re also helpful into getting into the the collaboration and partnership aspects of the influencer career before stepping into the realm of pitching directly to brands.

Not all platforms are the same so I would suggest to apply to all of these sites. Below is a list of sites that I either have used or am currently using and a few tips about each one of them. Drop any additional ones you use in the comments.

Massive Sway

Collaborations are available to apply
Instagram based collabs (some will also have blog posts in addition to social shares)
Smaller budgets
More collaborations for Lifestyle based influencers

Connect Cohley

Apply directly to campaigns
Smaller budget (they focus more on product/gifting collabs)
A great way to work with some amazing brands if you’re just starting out

Activate Social

Apply directly to campaigns
The better your content, you can get invited to private only collaborations
Compensation is fixed but there are some collaborations where you can insert your rate
Having more than 1 social platform is better for securing the high dollar (4 figure+) collabs

Fohr

A must have for ANY influencer… no matter the niche
Apply to join network (if you are declined, you can re-apply after 30 days). Many times, if you’re new to the influencer space, consider change your profile to a business account a month before you apply as this is a reason why many are declined.
Instead of being able to apply to collaborations, you’re invited to join. The rate is listed on the collabs but it is negotiable.
A great platform for multiple posts instead of a one and done collaboration
If you secure a collaboration, create a relationship with the contact. It helps to secure in collaborations in the future

Hashtag Paid

One of my favorite platforms for getting a collaboration with your given rates
Apply to join network
Get invited to collaborations and pitch why you think you would be a good fit. Here is where you can get some pitching experience.
Easy/fast payment terms.

Aspire IQ

Apply to join network (easy approval)
Apply to collaborations on platform. You can insert a rate but if it’s too high, the site will alert that the brand’s budget is beyond your given rates
Great for smaller (less than 15k) influencers
Several product based collaborations but they have started created more compensation based collabs.

RewardStyle

Another one of my favorites influencer sites
You can make money from adding affiliate links (links that others can use to shop where you earn a commission)
If a collaboration is a good fit, a representative will reach out with deliverables and the given rate (this is also negotiable)
If the brands loves the content from the collaboration, they can bring you on to other collaborations they have down the pipeline. I was able to work with Walmart for 4 other collaborations based off the content I produced from my first collaboration.

Magic Links

Works similar to RewardStyle
Brand collaborations have a smaller budget but come more frequent the more consistent you are using their affiliate links thru your everyday posts.

Whalar

Newer influencer marketing site
Apply to join network
Get invited to collaboration where you have the opportunity to negotiate your rate (not as flexible on the budget as other platforms)
Slower in the approval process
Even slower in the payment process

Koalifyed

Newer site
Apply to platform
Collaborations are sent via email to apply if interested
Can negotiate rate on campaign
Complex approval process for content (went thru several rounds of edits)
NOT MOBILE FRIENDLY

Obvious.ly

Apply to join network
Collaborations are sent via email to apply if interested
Several campaigns have a fixed amount but there are a few that allow you to set your rates
More lifestyle based collaborations
Entire team is very communicative throughout the campaign process

Mavrck

Apply to join network
Collaborations are sent via email to apply if interested
Great influencer network for pitching
Provides the option to give your rates and on what platform you would like to great content
Instagram and Blog focused

I hope this list helps your start or continue your influencer career.

Ready to start working with brands? here are my fave influencer marketing websites