Elevate your influencer game: Insights from  Andrea Funk

What do brands look for in influencers?

When brands seek to collaborate with influencers, they are often looking for specific qualities that go beyond mere follower count. From my experience, consistency and authenticity are at the forefront of these expectations. Brands want to see influencers who maintain a steady and genuine presence on their channels. High-quality content is another critical factor; it’s not just about quantity but also the polish and appeal of your posts. Communication plays a pivotal role too—being able to follow brand briefings and deliver excellent content that meets brand standards is crucial. 

Brands value influencers who can seamlessly integrate their products into engaging narratives. It’s about aligning with the brand’s voice and ethos while maintaining your unique style. They appreciate influencers who show dedication to understanding their products and can creatively highlight the brand's values through compelling content.

What are common pitfalls for influencers in brand collaborations, and how can they improve alignment with brand expectations?

Collaborating with brands can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. One common pitfall is balancing the brand’s requirements with content that resonates with your audience. It’s easy to lean too heavily towards one side, but finding that sweet spot where both brand guidelines and audience preferences meet is key.

To enhance content creation and align better with brand expectations, clear communication is essential. Discussing the brief thoroughly with the brand can help clarify any ambiguities and ensure both parties are on the same page. Flexibility is important too—be willing to adapt and find creative solutions that satisfy the brand’s needs while staying true to your style. This not only ensures a successful collaboration but also strengthens your relationship with the brand for future projects.

What strategies have proven effective for you in getting brands to notice and agree your collaboration proposals?

Getting brands to notice and accept your collaboration proposals can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies you can employ. Demonstrating a genuine interest in the brand and explaining why you are the perfect fit can go a long way. It’s helpful to pitch content ideas that show how you would creatively incorporate the brand into your posts. This not only highlights your enthusiasm but also gives the brand a tangible vision of your collaboration.

Having an impressive online portfolio or social media page is essential. Showcase your best work and highlight successful past collaborations. This serves as a testament to your capabilities and helps build trust with potential brand partners. Regularly updating your portfolio with fresh content ensures that it reflects your current style and trends, making it more appealing to brands.

How would you describe your approach to sourcing collaborations and developing your pitch?

I typically work independently when sourcing collaborations, which can be time-consuming but rewarding. I often scour different platforms for new opportunities, keeping an eye out for brands that align with my style and audience. Once I identify a potential fit, I brainstorm how I could contribute to their campaign and craft a personalised pitch.

Although working independently allows for a personal touch, having a team or manager could streamline the process, allowing more time for creativity. If you’re handling collaborations solo, consider setting aside dedicated time for outreach and proposal development to maintain a steady flow of opportunities.

How do you ensure your content consistently meets or exceeds a brand’s expectations? 

To consistently meet or exceed a brand’s expectations, thorough preparation is key. Before creating content, I meticulously review the brief and plan each step. For complex content like reels, creating a written draft and discussing it with the brand beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the final product aligns with their vision.

After creating the content, I perform a final review to ensure all requirements have been met and that the content aligns with the brand’s goals. This attention to detail not only ensures a high standard of work but also demonstrates professionalism and reliability to the brand.

How has Boksi helped you to manage and expand your collaborations?

One of the platform’s standout features is the ability to set and adjust prices easily and negotiate with brands on the platform. The hassle-free payment process and the in-platform portfolio for User-Generated Content (UGC) make it a powerful tool for pitching to brands. Additionally, having my details on my profile streamlines the campaign process, reducing the time spent exchanging basic information and making collaborations more efficient.

Boksi simplifies many aspects of collaboration, allowing me to focus more on creating quality content. The platform’s automated reporting features are particularly beneficial, saving time and effort in tracking performance and delivering results to brands. By leveraging these features, I can manage my collaborations more effectively and seize new opportunities for expansion.

How have you managed to maximise your potential on Boksi?

To fully leverage Boksi, it's crucial to keep your profile and portfolio updated with your best work. Regularly adding new content makes your portfolio more attractive to brands and increases your chances of being selected for collaborations. Additionally, frequently checking the platform for new opportunities allows you to stay ahead of trends and participate in campaigns that align with your interests and strengths.

Analysing which content has been successful on the platform provides valuable insights that can guide your future content creation. Understanding what brands are currently seeking helps you tailor your approach and create more of what is in demand, leading to more successful pitches and a higher rate of accepted proposals.

By staying proactive and regularly updating your portfolio, you can effectively utilize Boksi to showcase your work and seize opportunities quickly. This strategic approach ensures you remain competitive and responsive to the evolving demands of brands on the platform.

Do you have any essential advice for people aspiring to work as an influencer?

For those considering a career as an influencer, focusing on a specific niche and developing a solid video strategy is crucial. Whether it’s comedy, cooking, or another specialty, being unique and engaging will help you stand out. Building a sustainable and successful presence requires consistent effort, a clear understanding of your audience, and a dedication to delivering high-quality content.

Boksi can be a valuable resource in your journey, offering features that simplify collaboration and reporting. Utilising templates for pitching and maintaining updated contact information can streamline the process and enhance your efficiency.

Embracing these strategies and tools will help you thrive in the competitive world of influencer marketing, ensuring long-term success and fruitful partnerships with brands.

By understanding what brands look for, avoiding common pitfalls, and employing effective strategies for pitching and collaboration, influencers can build stronger, more successful partnerships. Tools like Boksi further enhance these efforts, offering streamlined processes and valuable features that simplify management and expansion. With dedication, clear communication, and the right resources, aspiring influencers can achieve lasting success in the dynamic world of influencer marketing.