Do’s and Don’ts of Influencer Deals

Partnering with influencers can be a game-changer for your brand—but only if the collaboration is done right. Here’s a quick guide to the do’s and don’ts of influencer deals to help you get the most out of every partnership.

✅ Do: Set Clear Expectations

Be upfront about deliverables, timelines, content guidelines, and key messaging. A well-structured brief ensures everyone’s on the same page and helps avoid confusion later on.

❌ Don’t: Micromanage the Creative Process

Influencers know their audience best. While it’s important to provide direction, avoid being overly controlling. Trust them to present your brand in a way that feels natural and authentic.

✅ Do: Put It in Writing

Always have a contract. Outline usage rights, payment terms, deliverables, deadlines, and FTC disclosure requirements. This protects both sides and sets a professional tone.

❌ Don’t: Rely on One-Off Collabs

Long-term relationships often yield better results. Audiences are more likely to trust and engage with brands that influencers promote consistently over time.

✅ Do: Track Performance

Use UTM links, promo codes, or platform analytics to measure ROI. Knowing what works helps refine your future campaigns and maximize your investment.

❌ Don’t: Overlook FTC Guidelines

Transparency builds trust. Ensure influencers clearly disclose sponsored content with #ad, #sponsored, or other appropriate tags. Noncompliance can hurt your brand—and theirs.