Are you wondering how to get NIL brand deals? Proactively reaching out to brands is a great way to get NIL deals you’re passionate about. This process is called pitching.
This post will give you…
- A simple format for writing pitches
- Two simple methods for reaching out to brands
NIL pitch template
In your pitch, you’ll want to include the following pitch elements.
Greeting
Keep it simple. Ex: Hi [brand]
Introduction
Include your name, sport, school, and any defining characteristics that set you apart from other influencers. Establish credibility quickly.
Connection to the brand
Share what you like about the brand to illustrate why you want to work together. Add a personalized detail, such as your favorite product or how long you’ve been using the brand.
Request
Share your partnership idea or ask for more information. Ex: I would love to share a TikTok series showcasing your brand with my community. Could you please share the best contact for discussing a potential partnership?
Closing
End with goodwill. Ex: Best regards, have a great day, thank you, etc.
If you’re reaching out via email, link your social media handles
Feel free to mix up the elements so your message flows nicely. Make sure to…
- Keep the message concise (aim for 4-5 sentences maximum)
- Focus on what the brand will gain from working with you
NIL pitch examples
Hi [salad restaurant]!
I’m Leah Clapper, a student-athlete on the University of Florida gymnastics team and a content creator. I am totally obsessed with superfood salads (I literally eat one before practice every day), and the [restaurant] is one of my favorite lunch spots near campus.
Let me know if you’re interested in an influencer partnership, as I’d love to create some fun Instagram Reels (and/or TikToks) to promote [the restaurant] on my feed.
My food photography experience will also make the content extra special (I sent a few example photos)
I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working together!
Hi [exercise equipment brand]!
I’m Leah Clapper, gymnast at University of Florida. I have posted multiple viral videos doing athletic tricks using your products, and they have acquired millions of views on both Instagram and TikTok (@leahclapper).
I have been using your brand for years, and I’m confident my community would love it too. I have some ideas for additional short-form video content that could bring hype to your products.
Let me know if you’re interested in an influencer partnership, or if there is a good email address to contact!
Cheers, Leah
Brands work with loyal fans
Establish personal connections with a brand before you pitch a partnership. Supporting the brand online can go a long way toward persuading them to work with you. You can…
- Follow the brand
- Comment on their social media posts
- Reply to a few Instagram stories over time
- Post organic content including the brand and tag them. Be careful about doing too much free promotion. The brand won’t pay if they get a bunch of free shoutouts.
When you support the brand, they’ll be more excited about supporting you! Find a balance and use reciprocity bias in your favor.
How to reach out to brands for NIL deals
Direct messages and email are two easy ways to send your pitch message. Before you reach out, make sure your profile makes a great first impression.
Simple option: DM the brand on social media
Send your pitch to the brand’s social media handle. If the brand is interested in working with you, they’ll often respond with an email address you can contact to organize a partnership.
Sometimes, brands have online systems for working with influencers, and you may get a link to apply to a specific upcoming campaign.
Direct option: Email a direct contact
Email is more direct, but finding the right email can take a bit of work.
TIP
Look for a connection: If you know someone who has already worked with the brand, politely ask them for contact information. Alternatively, you can reach out to any agents you may know (such as a teammate’s agent) to see if they can find contact information for you.
If you have no prior connection with the brand, think about digital marketing roles the company may have based on its size. Surf through LinkedIn for people who work at the company with job titles including “influencer marketing” or “social media.”
Common jobs that involve working with influencers include…
- Influencer Marketing Coordinator, Manager, Director, or Specialist
- Social Media Coordinator, Manager, Director, or Strategist
- Digital Media Manager or Supervisor
- Content Manager
See if you can find any company email address online to decode the company’s email structure (ex: firstname.lastname@company.com). If your email bounces back undelivered, you’ll have to guess again.
Following up can make or break an NIL deal
If you don’t hear back from the brand via email or DM, follow up a week later before giving up. If you’re really interested in the deal, follow up twice!
Beware: pitching is often a numbers game. Don’t get discouraged if you you get rejected or never hear back. It happens to even the most well-known athletes and influencers.
Keep moving forward to other brands that might be a better fit!
Occasionally, you can circle back to your dream brands as your platform grows. Brands may change their influencer marketing strategies as well, so the brand may be more interested in working with athletes at a later date.
Agents can pitch for you
Agents can reach out to brands on your behalf and handle the negotiation process. If you’re are a star athlete with a large social media community, consider looking for an agent who’s interested in representing you, but make sure you’re asking the right questions before you sign.
Next step: negotiation
Once you’ve gotten in contact, the next step in how to get NIL brand deals is to discuss the details of the partnership! To learn more about the negotiation process and grab email templates to copy and paste, check out these negotiation tips.
