If you’re interested in hiring a social media influencer to create Sponsored Content, you might be curious about how that process works. In this blog post, I’ll give you a rough idea of what you can expect.
I have created Sponsored Content on my YouTube channel for brands like Dell, Wacom, Autodesk, Corel, Tourbox, Best Buy, Logitech, Squarespace and more.
These clients reached out to me either directly or through an intermediate Social Media Marketing company. The brands submitted a Project Outline and I responded promptly with my availability.
In many cases, the brand submitted an offer, but other times they asked for my rates. I have my rates and services for sponsored content available as a Media Kit.
I offer several types of sponsored content:
• YouTubeVideo Mention (Non-Exclusive)
A video mention is a short video (typically 3-5 minutes) that briefly introduces the audience to the brand’s product.
The promotion is typically integrated into a related tutorial or topic. For example: I introduce Autodesk Maya in a tutorial about how to model a pen in 3D.
When the video is Non-Exclusive, that means I can still post other sponsored videos, even if they are from the brand’s direct competitors.
• YouTube Video Mention (Exclusive)
An Exclusive video mention is the same as above, with added exclusivity. This means that, for an agreed upon timeframe, I will not post any sponsored content from the brand’s direct competitors.
This exclusivity upgrade adds an additional fee.
• Dedicated Product Video (Non-Exclusive & Exclusive)
A Dedicated video is a video dedicated solely to a brand’s product. For example, a review. These are typically longer at 15-30 minutes.
Here’s an example of a dedicated review for Dell.
I think you already get the idea about non-exclusive VS exclusive videos, so we’ll move on.
• YouTube Community Post
A sponsored post is in text and image format. I share these to my YouTube Community feed. The fee for a post is much lower compared to a video.
Once we have agreed on a rate, deadline and project terms, in most cases both parties will sign a contract. I require a deposit of 50% of my fee upfront before starting on projects. Once that has been paid, I start writing a script for the video.
A script ensures that the creator doesn’t waste time creating something that doesn’t satisfy the brand. Once both parties have agreed on the script, I begin production.
I take time to carefully study the product being promoted. I learn how to work with the product and ask questions if anything is unclear. When I am confident in my review, I will record the video.
Once the first draft of the video has been completed, I submit it to the brand for approval. If revisions are needed, I will apply them based on whatever terms we agreed upon.
Once the final version of the video has been approved, I collect the final 50% payment before making the content live on my YouTube channel.
If requested, I can provide invoices for any payments.
Conclusion
As you learned, the process for getting your product in front of an audience is really simple, if you find the right influencer. If you are interested in how I can help you, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Aaron Rutten | Digital Art Consulting, Private Lessons and Sponsored Content 