my favorite influencer platforms for collaborations

In one of my previous blog posts, I discussed the different platforms that can be used for content creation, so it's only right to share WHERE to get these collaborations when i'm not pitching myself in e-mails or DM's. Don't worry, I'll give you all the tea on how to pitch yourself to brands in another post, but let's focus on the FREE and easy platforms to use for now.

I've had the opportunity to make a pretty good amount of money from my collaborations in 2022 alone, and it's all because of these platforms that I'm about to share. Of course, I personally enjoy taking gifted collaborations here and there, so this post will include platforms for gifted campaigns as well as PAID campaigns because obviously no one wants to work for free. So, here are my favorite influencer platforms for collaborations, based on my experiences!

Photo by: Sandra Olaniyi

1. Aspire IQ

Aspire is the ROI engine behind creators, communities, and commerce. This platforms is the world's largest sponsorship marketplace plus the leading set of SaaS tools for ROI-focused brands.

I've had the opportunity to do 5 collaborations with Aspire, my most recent being a Pinterest collaboration. Aspire IQ is my absolute favorite platform to use to find collaborations because of how easy it is to connect with brands that I like, and apply for collaborations that fit my brand the best.

One thing that this platform does very well is, it takes care of all of the metrics and analytical data for you automatically, which is a plus. By connecting your social media accounts, Aspire creates a profile for you that includes your demographics, engagement rates, follower-to-like ratio, and additional specifics per platform.

Through Aspire I've worked with Pinterest, Palmers, L'Oreal, and Panoxyl. I've made a total of over $3k from the platform alone, all while being on and off because I don't use it as often as I should due to time constraints.

This platform is by far the best one I've used, and the company makes sure that creators are getting paid and on time. You don't need to worry about invoices using Aspire, since the company handles all of that for you and makes sure that you get paid usually within 30 days.

2. Skeepers formerly known as Octoly

Skeepers, also known as Octoly, is a platform that I've used for gifted campaigns for the past two years. Although gifted campaigns are obviously not paid, I find that these collaborations allow me to try out new products and form relationships with brands that I would want to work with in the future.

I've worked with Fenty Beauty, Dermalogica, YSL, Elemis London, Charlotte Tilbury, etc. I always think that gifted campaigns are a great way to start in this industry, and network with as many brands as you'd like. Skeepers makes this process easy, you just connect your social media accounts to the platform and they notify you of what brand collaborations are available for each platform.

When doing gifted campaigns, I tend to share my entire experience with my followers to remain authentic and show why I love or didn't love a product. If I'm going to share something as an influencer, I want to be as transparent as possible for those who considering purchasing it based on my opinion. I remember for my Dermalogica collaboration I actually suffered an allergic reaction and quickly shared with my followers about what happened to my skin and to be careful if they have sensitive skin as well. Just because a campaign is gifted doesn't mean that you shouldn't treat it the same way you'd treat a paid collaboration, so that's just something to remember as a creator.

3. Collectively

Collectively is the platform I've made the most money on so far, and have gotten the best collaborations EVER. I've worked with major brands like Prada Beauty, Maison Margiela Fragrances, Mugler, Giorgio Armani, and many others. Collectively offers both paid and gifted collaborations without the requirement to post, but with big names like Prada, Margiela, or Mugler, I post anyway to show my love for the brand and build a relationship with them.

Collectively is also very easy to use and follows a different route compared to the other platforms I've shared in this post. Collectively send emails out to their creators about collaboration inquiries, and allows you to fill out a Google form with your information to receive gifting or potential paid collaborations based on what is in the system and how you fit as a creator. Since my first collaboration with Armani I've been asked to partner with the brand an additional two times, based on how the initial collaboration went. Collectively does a great job of helping creators form strong relationships with brands, and continues to support them in their creative efforts as well. This has by far been one of the best platforms I’ve used, and it’s super easy and OPEN TO ALL! To join their influencer network click here and fill out the form!

I know that many influencers and creators gate keep platforms that they use, but I'm all about helping everyone get the same opportunities that I have. After doing research and joining so many platforms I found that it wasn't as hard as everyone made it seem. It's all about chasing after what you want and working hard to show these brands that you can represent them and build a connection with them. Do you know of any platforms like these that are easy to use for creators? Please let me know down below!