How to Land Your First Instagram Sponsorship (Even with a Small Following)

Understanding What Brands Look for in Small Influencers

Brands today are increasingly interested in collaborating with smaller, highly engaged accounts because authenticity and audience trust often hold more weight than sheer follower numbers. They’ve found that influencers with tight-knit, niche audiences can achieve powerful results, driving real interest and action from followers.

Our own experience with our couples travel account, @two_peas_abroad, is a perfect example. When we were just at 3,000 followers, we secured our first brand deal, a 3-day weekend at a high-end resort. Why? Because we could clearly demonstrate the loyalty and engagement of our audience. We drove over 500,000 views for them within a week and led to confirmed bookings for the resort. It was a win-win that didn’t require a massive following but instead a strong, loyal audience connection.

For brands, this loyalty and engagement often mean better results than casting a wider net. Smaller influencers tend to have higher engagement rates, and their followers are often more receptive to recommendations, which leads to conversions. Brands today recognize that authenticity sells, and when you’re a small influencer, your authenticity is one of your most valuable assets. The key is to position this value clearly to brands and show them how a loyal, targeted audience can drive real results.

Identifying the Right Brands to Approach

To land your first sponsorship, focus on brands that naturally align with your niche and values - ones that feel like an authentic fit with your content. Start by researching brands your followers would actually enjoy. Look at their Instagram feed, website, and hashtag to see if they work with influencers and how they collaborate.

Stay selective. It’s tempting to say yes to any brand, but think about how each partnership will impact your credibility. For us at @two_peas_abroad, sticking to partnerships that matched our travel and “life abroad” niche helped us maintain our followers' trust and boost engagement. Your audience is your biggest asset, so choose brands that add value to them, not just your wallet.

Creating a Standout Media Kit (Without Overcomplicating)

When reaching out to brands, a media kit is your best friend. Think of it as a digital resume that shows brands exactly why you’re a great fit. Keep it simple - no need to overcomplicate. Include these essentials:

• Follower Demographics: Highlight the age, location, and interests of your audience. Brands want to know that your followers match their target customers.
• Engagement Stats: Include metrics like average likes, comments, and reach per post. Engagement matters more than follower count for most brands.
• Brand Alignment: Show how your values match theirs. Mention any similar content or products you’ve featured.

For structure, try a one-page PDF with these sections clearly labeled. If you’re not a designer, tools like Canva have ready-made media kit templates. Remember, brands just want a quick overview - they don’t need a novel. Keep it simple and easy to scan.

How to Write an Effective Outreach Message

When messaging a brand, keep it short and relevant. Aim for a structure that gets to the point quickly:

• Brief Intro: Start by introducing yourself and why you love the brand.
• Audience Overview: Mention your follower demographics and engagement briefly. Example: “My audience is mainly 25-34-year-olds interested in travel and budget tips.”
• Value Proposition: State clearly what you bring to the table. For instance, “I’d love to create a reel series showcasing your product as a must-have for travel lovers.”

Avoid common pitfalls like generic messages that could be sent to anyone, or making it all about you. Show the brand how this collaboration will be mutually beneficial.

Getting Ready for Brand Rejections – and Why They Can Be Good

Rejection is part of the game in influencer marketing. It’s easy to take it personally, but remember that brands get tons of pitches. Rejections often mean they’re being selective, which is a good thing - it protects both their brand and yours.

A “no” today could be a “yes” down the line, so stay professional and thank them for considering you. Plus, rejections help you refine your pitch for future brands and ensure that the partnerships you do secure are a great fit. Think of each rejection as a step toward the right collaboration.

Evaluating Offers: Only Say Yes to What’s Right for Your Audience

When an offer comes your way, ask yourself a few key questions to ensure it’s the right fit:

• Does this product or service resonate with my followers? Think about whether your audience would actually find value in the brand.
• Does it align with my personal brand? Consistency is key to keeping your brand identity strong.
• Will this sponsorship feel authentic? Avoid deals that feel forced or overly salesy - your audience will notice.

For example, we at @two_peas_abroad have turned down partnerships that didn’t match our travel-focused content. Saying yes only to brands that resonate with our followers has helped us keep their trust and engagement high. Always remember that your audience’s trust is worth more than a quick payout.

Maintaining Transparency with Your Followers During Sponsorships

When you land a sponsorship, transparency is crucial. On Instagram, this means marking your post as an ad with clear disclosures like #ad or #sponsored and tagging the brand directly. Trying to hide the fact that content is sponsored is not only against platform guidelines but also risks damaging the trust you’ve built with your audience. It’s bad faith, and both your followers and potential future sponsors will notice.

Instead, embrace your sponsorships! If a brand aligns with your content, your audience will appreciate the relevance and authenticity. Be proud to showcase brands that fit your values - this shows other companies that you’re selective and focused, which is incredibly attractive to future sponsors. A relevant sponsorship is also a form of social proof; when other brands see you sharing quality partnerships, it signals that you’re a trusted creator worth collaborating with.

Conclusion: Your First Sponsorship Is Within Reach

Landing your first Instagram sponsorship, even with a small following, is absolutely achievable when you know where to focus your efforts. By understanding what brands value in smaller influencers, selectively approaching the right partners, and communicating your unique value, you can make an impression that stands out.

Remember, the key is to stay authentic and prioritize your audience’s trust over everything else. Building thoughtful partnerships, crafting a solid media kit, and reaching out with genuine interest all contribute to lasting success. So go ahead - start small, think big, and keep your followers’ trust front and center. With the right approach, your first brand collaboration could be just around the corner.

Ready to start building those partnerships? Remember, every connection you make today could be a step toward a future of exciting, impactful collaborations.