TEMPLATES & TOOLS

TEMPLATES & TOOLS

You've learned the strategy. Now it's time to put it into action.

This is your Creator Academy Resource Library, filled with ready-to-use templates, scripts, examples, checklists, and trackers designed to make building your creator business easier.

Use these resources to pitch brands, connect with PR, price partnerships, stay organized, present yourself professionally, and manage opportunities as they come in.

Don't just read them. Copy them, customize them, and use them.

And remember to come back often. These tools are here for you as your creator business grows.

YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK

Your Creator Academy Workbook is your central system for organizing the business side of being a creator. Throughout Creator Academy, you'll use your workbook to organize your contacts, rates, campaigns, payments, content ideas, and performance.

Inside you'll find:

PR Contacts
Keep track of PR professionals, agencies, brands, interactions, and follow-ups.

Creator Rates
Create and update your personal rates for different services and deliverables.

Campaign Pricing
Build out the full value of a brand partnership before sending your quote.

Payments
Track invoices, payment terms, due dates, and payments received.

Brand Campaigns
Organize deliverables, deadlines, contracts, usage rights, exclusivity, and payment details.

Content Calendar
Plan upcoming content and keep track of what you're creating.

Idea Bank
Save content ideas, hooks, formats, and inspiration before you forget them.

Content Performance
Track your results and identify the content, topics, and formats that work best for you.

Your workbook is designed to grow with your creator business, so keep updating it as you gain contacts, create content, land partnerships, and get paid.

→ MAKE A COPY OF THE CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK

Already made your copy? Keep using the same workbook throughout Creator Academy. You don't need to create a new one.

Stop staring at a blank email wondering what to say. Use these ready-to-customize templates to introduce yourself, pitch collaborations, request invitations, follow up, and turn conversations into opportunities.
BRAND COLLABORATION PITCH
Use this when you want to reach out to a brand you genuinely like and propose working together.
SUBJECT: Collaboration Idea: [Your Name/Creator Name] x [Brand Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [your niche] creator based in [location, if relevant], creating content for an audience interested in [brief audience description].
I've been a fan of [Brand Name] and especially love [specific product, campaign, or genuine connection to the brand]. I think it would be a great fit for my audience.
I'd love to explore a potential collaboration featuring [brief content idea]. I create [Reels/TikToks/UGC/etc.], and you can see examples of my work here: [portfolio/media kit link].
If you're currently working with creators, I'd love to discuss any upcoming opportunities.
Thank you!
[Your Name]
[Social Handle]
[Email]
[Portfolio/Media Kit]
TIP: Don't send this word-for-word to 100 brands. The strongest pitches include a specific reason you chose that brand.
PAID PARTNERSHIP PITCH
Use this when you have a specific sponsored-content idea and want to make it clear that you're proposing a paid collaboration.
SUBJECT: Partnership Idea for [Brand Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [niche] creator reaching an audience of [brief description of audience].
I'd love to partner with [Brand Name] on a sponsored campaign around [specific idea/product/occasion].
My idea is to create [briefly describe content] that would [explain why it would be useful, entertaining, or relevant to your audience].
You can view my recent work and audience information here: [media kit/portfolio].
I'd love to discuss your upcoming paid creator opportunities and see if there could be a fit.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Social Handle]
[Email]
[Portfolio/Media Kit]
PR INTRODUCTION EMAIL
Use this to introduce yourself to a PR agency or publicist before you need something from them.
SUBJECT: Introduction: [Your Name / Creator Name]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to introduce myself! I'm [Your Name], a [niche] creator based in [location] covering [topics].
I regularly share [events/products/restaurants/travel/beauty/etc.] with an audience interested in [brief description].
I'd love to stay on your radar for relevant upcoming events, launches, gifting opportunities, and campaigns for the brands you represent.
You can find my content here: [social link], and my media kit is available here: [link].
Looking forward to staying in touch!
Best,
[Your Name]
PR LIST REQUEST
Already know the agency or publicist? Use this when you'd like to be considered for future opportunities.
SUBJECT: Creator List Request: [Your Name / Creator Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [niche] creator based in [location] covering [topics].
I'd love to be considered for your creator/media list for relevant upcoming events, launches, gifting opportunities, and brand campaigns.
My audience is primarily [brief relevant audience information], and you can view my work here: [link].
I've also included my media kit here: [link].
Thank you for considering me, and I hope we have a chance to work together!
Best,
[Your Name]
EVENT INVITATION REQUEST
Use this when you discover an upcoming event that genuinely fits your content and audience.
SUBJECT: Creator Inquiry: [Event Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [niche] creator based in [location], and I recently saw the announcement for [Event Name].
I'd love to attend and potentially cover the event for my audience. I regularly create content around [relevant topic], and I think this would be a great fit.
You can see examples of my coverage here: [link].
If you're working with creators for the event, I'd love to be considered.
Thank you!
[Your Name]
[Social Handle]
[Media Kit/Portfolio]
TIP: Don't promise coverage unless you're actually prepared to deliver it.
GIFTING REQUEST
Use this when you're genuinely interested in trying a brand's product and potentially featuring it organically.
SUBJECT: Creator Gifting Inquiry: [Your Name] x [Brand]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [niche] creator sharing [type of content] with an audience interested in [topic].
I've been following [Brand Name] and would love to try [specific product/product line].
If you're currently working with creators on gifting or seeding, I'd love to be considered for your list.
You can view my content here: [link].
Thank you!
[Your Name]
[Social Handle]
IMPORTANT: Receiving a gift does not automatically mean you're agreeing to guaranteed content. If the brand requires specific deliverables in exchange, clarify those expectations before accepting.
RESTAURANT / EXPERIENCE PITCH
SUBJECT: Creator Collaboration: [Your Name] x [Restaurant/Experience]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [location]-based creator sharing [restaurants/things to do/local experiences/etc.] with an audience looking for places to discover.
I'd love to feature [Restaurant/Experience Name] in an upcoming piece of content. I especially think [specific menu item, opening, experience, seasonal offering, etc.] would resonate with my audience.
You can see examples of my recent [restaurant/experience] coverage here: [link].
If you're currently partnering with creators, I'd love to discuss a potential collaboration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Social Handle]
[Media Kit/Portfolio]
HOTEL / TRAVEL PITCH
SUBJECT: Creator Partnership Inquiry: [Hotel Name] x [Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [travel/lifestyle/etc.] creator, and I'll be visiting [destination] from [dates].
I'd love to explore a potential partnership with [Hotel Name]. My audience is interested in [travel/destination/luxury/family travel/etc.], and I have an idea for [brief content concept].
You can view examples of my travel content here: [link] and my media kit here: [link].
If you're currently considering creator partnerships, I'd be happy to discuss potential deliverables and availability.
Best,
[Your Name]
UGC PITCH
SUBJECT: UGC Content for [Brand Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a content creator specializing in [niche/style].
I'd love to create UGC for [Brand Name]. I have a few ideas for [product/service], including [brief example of concept].
You can view examples of my UGC here: [portfolio link].
If you're currently looking for creators to produce content for your organic or paid channels, I'd love to discuss your upcoming needs, deliverables, and budget.
Best,
[Your Name]
REMEMBER: With UGC, you're primarily selling your content creation skills, not the size of your audience.
FOLLOW-UP EMAIL
If you haven't heard back, a short follow-up is enough.
SUBJECT: Re: [Original Subject]
Hi [Name],
Just following up on my email below in case it got buried. I'd still love to explore a potential collaboration with [Brand Name].
Please let me know if there might be a fit for any current or upcoming opportunities.
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
“DO YOU HAVE BUDGET?” RESPONSE
If a brand offers gifting or an unpaid collaboration but is requesting specific content:
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for thinking of me! I'd definitely be interested in exploring this.
For partnerships requiring guaranteed deliverables, I typically work on a paid basis. Is there a creator budget available for this campaign?
If so, I'd be happy to discuss the deliverables and put together an appropriate package.
Best,
[Your Name]
GIFTING-TO-PAID RESPONSE
Hi [Name],
Thank you for reaching out! I'd love to try [Product].
I'm happy to consider gifted products for potential organic coverage when they're a natural fit for my content. If you're looking for guaranteed posts or specific deliverables, I'd be happy to discuss a paid partnership as well.
Please let me know what you have in mind!
Best,
[Your Name]
RECONNECT WITH AN OLD CONTACT
Don't only contact people when you need something.
SUBJECT: Checking In
Hi [Name],
Hope you're doing well! It's been a little while since we worked together on [campaign/event/brand], so I wanted to say hello and see what you've been working on.
I've been busy with [one brief relevant update], and I'd love to stay on your radar for anything that might be a good fit in the future.
Hope all is well!
Best,
[Your Name]
MAKE THESE TEMPLATES YOUR OWN
These are starting points, not scripts you have to follow word-for-word.
Change the language so it sounds like you. Add something specific about the brand. Remove anything that isn't relevant. Keep your strongest information near the top.
Most importantly:
Don't make your pitch feel like a template, even when you started with one.
Your media kit and portfolio make it easy for brands to understand who you are, who you reach, what you create, and why they should work with you. Use these examples and resources to create professional materials you can send with pitches and partnership inquiries.
MEDIA KIT EXAMPLES
Not sure what a creator media kit should actually look like?
Take a look at real examples to see how other creators organize their:
Creator bio
Social platforms
Audience demographics
Analytics & performance
Content examples
Past partnerships
Services
Contact information
Use them for inspiration, but make your media kit reflect your own brand, audience, and strengths.
→ VIEW MEDIA KIT EXAMPLES
CREATE YOUR MEDIA KIT
You don't have to start with a blank page.
Choose a customizable template and replace the sample information with your own:
Photos
Branding
Creator bio
Social platforms
Audience demographics
Analytics
Content examples
Past partnerships
Contact information
Keep it clean, easy to scan, and focused on the information a potential partner actually needs.
→ CREATE YOUR MEDIA KIT
TIP: Update your media kit as you grow. New audience numbers, stronger analytics, successful campaigns, and new partnerships can all make your media kit more valuable.
CREATE YOUR PORTFOLIO
Your media kit explains your value.
Your portfolio shows what you can create.
Use a portfolio template to showcase your strongest work, such as:
Sponsored content
Organic brand content
UGC
Reels & short-form video
Photography
Event coverage
Campaign results
Testimonials
Lead with the work that best represents the opportunities you want to receive.
→ CREATE YOUR PORTFOLIO
MEDIA KIT CHECKLIST
Before sending your media kit, make sure it includes:
☐ Your name and creator brand
☐ A professional photo
☐ A short creator bio
☐ Social handles
☐ Current follower or subscriber counts
☐ Relevant audience demographics
☐ Strong, accurate performance metrics
☐ Content examples
☐ Relevant past partnerships, if applicable
☐ Strong campaign results, if available
☐ Professional contact information
☐ Working portfolio and social links
☐ Current information and analytics
DON'T WAIT UNTIL EVERYTHING IS PERFECT
If you're just starting, you may not have major brand partnerships, testimonials, or impressive campaign case studies yet.
That's okay.
Start with your strongest organic or sample content and the information you do have. Then keep improving your materials as your creator business grows.
Your media kit and portfolio aren't something you create once. They should grow with your creator business.
PR relationships become much easier to manage when you have one place to keep track of everyone.
Use the PR Contacts tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to organize:
Contact name
PR agency or company
Email address
Brands represented
Location or market
How you connected
Last contact date
Events, gifting, or campaigns
Follow-up date
Notes
Update your tracker whenever you make a new connection or have a meaningful interaction. Over time, it becomes a valuable record of your PR network and relationship history.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → PR CONTACTS TAB
When a brand opportunity comes in, use these tools to help you evaluate the offer, price the partnership, negotiate the details, and make sure you actually get paid.
CREATOR RATE SHEET
Your rates will evolve as your audience, experience, content quality, results, and demand grow.
Use the Creator Rates tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to keep your current starting rates organized for the different services and deliverables you offer.
You can track rates for:
Instagram Reels
TikTok videos
Feed posts and carousels
Story packages
UGC videos
Additional platforms
Raw footage
Additional versions or hooks
Think of this as your internal rate sheet, not necessarily something you need to send directly to brands. It gives you a starting point when an opportunity comes in so you aren't deciding what to charge from scratch every time.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → CREATOR RATES TAB
CAMPAIGN PRICING WORKSHEET
A brand partnership may include much more than the content itself.
Use the Campaign Pricing tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to build out the full value of an opportunity before sending your quote.
The worksheet gives you space to account for:
Base content or posting
Additional content
Additional platforms
Additional versions or hooks
Raw footage
Paid usage
Whitelisting or allowlisting
Exclusivity
Extended licensing
Rush fees
Other additions
The worksheet automatically totals the campaign so you can see the full value of the deal before deciding what to quote.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → CAMPAIGN PRICING TAB
BRAND OFFER EVALUATION CHECKLIST
Before you agree to a partnership, make sure you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.
Ask:
☐ Is this brand a good fit for my audience and content?
☐ What exactly am I being asked to create?
☐ Where will the content be posted?
☐ What is the compensation?
☐ How much time and work will this require?
☐ Does the brand want usage rights?
☐ Will the content be used in paid advertising?
☐ Is whitelisting or allowlisting included?
☐ Is there an exclusivity requirement?
☐ How long do usage and exclusivity last?
☐ Are raw files required?
☐ How many revisions are included?
☐ What are the deadlines?
☐ What are the payment terms?
☐ Is there a contract?
A deal that sounds great at first can look very different once you understand the full scope.
INVOICE TEMPLATE
Once you've completed paid work, you'll typically need to send the brand or agency an invoice.
A basic creator invoice should include:
Your name or business name
Your contact information
Invoice number
Invoice date
Brand or agency name
Description of services
Amount due
Payment terms
Payment instructions
Keep your invoices professional, clearly labeled, and easy for the brand's accounting team to process.
I personally use Wave to create and manage invoices for my business. You can use Wave, another invoicing platform, or your own invoice template. The important thing is having a consistent system for invoicing and tracking payments.
→ CREATE AN INVOICE WITH WAVE

PAYMENT TRACKER
Getting the deal is only part of the process. You also need to make sure you actually get paid.
Use the Payments tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to keep track of:
Brand or agency
Campaign
Contact
Invoice number
Invoice amount
Invoice date
Payment terms
Expected payment date
Payment status
Date paid
Payment method
Notes
Update it whenever you send an invoice or receive payment. This gives you one place to see what's been paid, what's still pending, and what may be overdue.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → PAYMENTS TAB
LATE PAYMENT FOLLOW-UP
If a payment deadline passes, follow up professionally.
You can send:
Subject: Invoice Follow-Up — [Invoice Number]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up regarding Invoice [Number] for [Campaign/Project], which was due on [Date].
Could you please let me know the status of the payment or if you need anything else from me to process it?
Thank you!
[Your Name]
Keep the tone professional and assume good intent at first. Large companies and agencies often have accounting processes that are completely separate from the person who hired you.
If payment continues to be delayed, continue documenting your follow-ups and refer back to the payment terms in your agreement.
KEEP YOUR MONEY SYSTEM SIMPLE
You don't need complicated accounting software on day one.
At minimum, have a system for knowing:
What you quoted
What you agreed to
What you invoiced
When payment is due
What you've been paid
What is still outstanding
The more partnerships you take on, the more important this becomes.
Treat your creator work like a business before it feels like a big business.
Once brand deals start coming in, organization matters. Use these tools to keep track of campaigns, deadlines, deliverables, results, and everything you need to complete a partnership professionally.
BRAND CAMPAIGN TRACKER
Once you're managing more than one partnership, it's easy for deadlines, deliverables, usage terms, and payment details to get lost in your inbox.
Use the Brand Campaigns tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to track:
Brand or agency
Contact name and email
Campaign name
Deliverables
Rate
Contract status
Draft deadline
Posting date
Usage rights and expiration
Exclusivity period
Invoice status
Payment due date
Payment received
Notes
Update the tracker as soon as a partnership is confirmed and keep it current throughout the campaign.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → BRAND CAMPAIGNS TAB
CAMPAIGN BRIEF CHECKLIST
Before you start creating, make sure you understand the brief.
Confirm:
☐ Campaign goal
☐ Required deliverables
☐ Content format
☐ Key messages or talking points
☐ Required tags, hashtags, links, or promo codes
☐ Products or features that must appear
☐ Things you should not say or show
☐ Draft deadline
☐ Posting date
☐ Approval process
☐ Number of revisions
☐ Disclosure requirements
☐ Usage rights
☐ Exclusivity requirements
☐ Payment terms
If anything is unclear, ask before you create.
CONTENT DELIVERABLES CHECKLIST
Before submitting or publishing sponsored content, double-check:
☐ All required deliverables are complete
☐ Brand name and product names are correct
☐ Required talking points are included
☐ Required tags and hashtags are included
☐ Links or promo codes work
☐ Sponsorship or gifted relationship is clearly disclosed
☐ Content matches the agreed format
☐ Video length meets requirements
☐ Audio and text are easy to understand
☐ Content was submitted by the deadline
☐ Final approved version is saved
☐ Live content links are saved after posting
Small details matter when you're working professionally.
CAMPAIGN ANALYTICS REPORT
After your content goes live, a brand may ask you to send campaign results.
Create a simple report that includes the metrics available and relevant to that campaign, such as:
Views
Reach
Impressions
Likes
Comments
Shares
Saves
Watch time
Story views
Link clicks
Conversions, when available
Include screenshots from your platform analytics when appropriate.
Don't worry if every metric isn't available. Report the information you actually have and never inflate your results.
→ USE CAMPAIGN ANALYTICS REPORT TEMPLATE
CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
A strong campaign can become proof of what you can do for future brands.
Turn your best partnerships into simple case studies using this structure:
THE BRAND
Who did you work with?
THE GOAL
What was the campaign trying to accomplish?
THE CONTENT
What did you create?
THE RESULTS
What happened? Include relevant metrics and outcomes.
THE TAKEAWAY
What made the campaign successful?
Add a content image, screenshot, or testimonial when appropriate.
Your strongest case studies can later be added to your portfolio, media kit, website, or pitches.
→ USE CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
ASK FOR A TESTIMONIAL
If a collaboration went particularly well, consider asking the brand or PR contact for a short testimonial.
You can say:
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to work together on [Campaign]. I really enjoyed partnering with your team.
I'm updating my creator portfolio and would love to include a short testimonial about your experience working with me, if you're comfortable providing one.
Thank you again!
[Your Name]
Save strong testimonials so you can use them later in your portfolio or media kit, with permission.
SAVE EVERYTHING
After a campaign is complete, keep a record of the important pieces:
Brief → Contract → Content → Analytics → Invoice → Results → Testimonial
Over time, you're not just completing campaigns.
You're building a track record.
For now, leave the Campaign Analytics Report and Case Study Template buttons as placeholders. Those are the two separate templates we still need to create.
Great content gets easier when you have a system. Use these tools to plan what to post, capture the right footage, organize your ideas, and figure out which content is worth creating again.
CONTENT PLANNING CALENDAR
Consistency gets easier when you know what you're planning to create instead of deciding what to post at the last minute.
Use the Content Calendar tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to organize:
Planned post date
Platform
Content idea or title
Content pillar
Format
Hook
Location or brand
Content status
Actual post date
Content link
Notes
You don't need to plan every post weeks in advance. Use the calendar in whatever way helps you stay consistent without making content feel like a chore.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → CONTENT CALENDAR TAB
CONTENT IDEA BANK
Great content ideas rarely arrive exactly when you're ready to create.
Use the Idea Bank tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to save ideas whenever they come to you.
Track:
Content idea
Content pillar
Platform
Format
Possible hook
Seasonal or evergreen
Priority
Notes
Don't worry about whether every idea is good enough to post. Capture it first. You can decide what to create later.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → IDEA BANK TAB
REEL SHOT LIST
When you're filming a Reel, try to capture a mix of shots so you have options when you edit.
Depending on the content, consider getting:
☐ Establishing or wide shot
☐ Medium shots
☐ Close-up details
☐ Movement or action
☐ Your reaction
☐ You interacting with the product, place, or experience
☐ Product or brand details
☐ Signs, menus, packaging, or important information
☐ Vertical shots with room for text
☐ A strong opening shot
☐ A potential ending shot
☐ Extra B-roll
Film more than you think you'll need. It's much easier to delete an extra clip than recreate a moment you forgot to capture.
EVENT CONTENT SHOT LIST
Events move quickly, so having a mental shot list can help you leave with enough footage to tell the full story.
Try to capture:
☐ Exterior or entrance
☐ Event signage
☐ Venue overview
☐ Decor and atmosphere
☐ Products or activations
☐ Food and drinks
☐ Entertainment or performances
☐ Interactive moments
☐ Brand details
☐ Guests or crowd atmosphere when appropriate
☐ Yourself at the event
☐ Close-up details
☐ A strong opening shot for your Reel
☐ Extra B-roll
Before you leave, quickly look through your footage.
Ask yourself:
“If I had to make the Reel right now, do I have everything I need?”
HOOK BANK
When you're stuck on how to start a Reel, try adapting one of these:
You need to know about this...
I can't believe more people don't know about this...
Here's what you need to know before you go...
Save this for later...
Put this on your [city/restaurant/travel/etc.] list...
If you love [topic], you need to see this...
I found one of the coolest...
This might be the best...
Nobody tells you this about...
Before you book/buy/go, know this...
Things I wish I knew before...
Is this actually worth it?
I tried it so you don't have to...
Here's exactly what happened...
Three things you need to know about...
Use these as starting points, not scripts you have to copy word for word.
The best hook is the one that makes someone think:
“I want to know what happens next.”
CONTENT PERFORMANCE TRACKER
Don't judge your content based on one post.
Use the Content Performance tab in your Creator Academy Workbook to track results over time and look for patterns.
You can record:
Post date
Platform
Content or topic
Content pillar
Format
Hook
Views
Reach
Likes
Comments
Shares
Saves
Watch time
Followers gained, when available
Content link
Notes about what worked
Over time, look for patterns.
Which topics consistently perform well? Which hooks get attention? What gets saved or shared? Which formats lead to followers?
Then use that information to help decide what to create more of.
FIND IT IN YOUR CREATOR ACADEMY WORKBOOK → CONTENT PERFORMANCE TAB
PROFILE AUDIT CHECKLIST
Every few months, look at your profile as if you're seeing it for the first time.
Ask:
☐ Is it immediately clear what I create?
☐ Is my profile photo recognizable?
☐ Does my bio explain why someone should follow me?
☐ Is my contact information easy to find?
☐ Does my link work?
☐ Are my strongest or most useful posts easy to find?
☐ Does my recent content reflect the niche I want to be known for?
☐ Would a brand or PR professional understand what I do?
☐ Does my profile still reflect where I want my creator brand to go?
Your profile doesn't have to stay the same forever.
Update it as your creator brand evolves.
BUILD A SYSTEM YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE
You don't need to use every tool every day.
Your system might be as simple as:
Save ideas → Plan content → Create → Post → Track results → Repeat what works
The goal isn't to make content creation more complicated.
The goal is to make it easier to keep going.
Sometimes you don't need another full lesson. You just need a quick answer. Use these guides when you're about to post, quote a brand, review an offer, or need a reminder of important creator terms and best practices.
FTC DISCLOSURE CHEAT SHEET
If you have a material connection to a brand, your audience should be able to clearly understand that relationship.
That can include situations where you:
Were paid
Received a free product
Received a free meal, hotel stay, ticket, or experience
Earn an affiliate commission
Have another material relationship with the brand
Your disclosure should be clear and easy to notice, not hidden where people are unlikely to see it.
Common disclosures include:
#ad
Sponsored by [Brand]
Paid partnership with [Brand]
Gifted by [Brand]
I received this product for free from [Brand]
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link.
For video content, make the disclosure clear in the content itself when appropriate rather than relying only on a caption someone may never read.
Platform disclosure tools can be useful, but don't assume they automatically satisfy every disclosure obligation.
When in doubt:
Make the relationship obvious.
→ VIEW FTC INFLUENCER DISCLOSURE GUIDE
CREATOR TERMS GLOSSARY
GIFTED: A brand sends you a product without paying you.
COMPED: A product, meal, service, ticket, stay, or experience is provided at no cost.
IN-KIND / EXCHANGE: You receive something of value instead of cash, often in exchange for agreed deliverables.
PAID PARTNERSHIP: You're paid to create or publish content for a brand.
UGC: User-generated-style content you create for a brand to use, often without posting it to your own audience.
AFFILIATE: You may earn a commission when someone purchases or takes another qualifying action through your tracked link or code.
DELIVERABLES: The specific content you're agreeing to create.
USAGE RIGHTS: The terms that define how, where, and for how long a brand can use your content.
ORGANIC USAGE: Brand use of your content on its own non-paid channels, depending on the agreement.
PAID USAGE: Your content is used in advertising.
WHITELISTING / ALLOWLISTING: A brand receives authorized advertising access that allows ads to run through or in connection with your creator identity or account, depending on the platform.
EXCLUSIVITY: An agreement restricting you from working with certain competing brands for a defined period.
RAW FOOTAGE: Unedited files captured during content creation.
NET 30: Payment terms that generally allow 30 days for payment based on the starting point specified in the agreement.
BRAND DEAL RED FLAGS
Slow down and ask questions if a deal includes:
⚠️ Perpetual or “in perpetuity” usage
⚠️ Broad ownership of everything you create
⚠️ Unlimited revisions
⚠️ Long or overly broad exclusivity
⚠️ Unclear deliverables
⚠️ No clear payment terms
⚠️ Requests for passwords or verification codes
⚠️ Suspicious links or downloads
⚠️ Requests to purchase something first with a promise of reimbursement
⚠️ A company that won't clearly identify itself
⚠️ Pressure to sign immediately without reviewing the agreement
Not every unusual request is a scam or bad deal.
But don't agree to something you don't understand.
BEFORE YOU QUOTE A RATE
Ask:
☐ What are the deliverables?
☐ Which platforms?
☐ Am I posting it, creating UGC, or both?
☐ What's the timeline?
☐ Are drafts or approvals required?
☐ How many revisions?
☐ Does the brand want organic usage?
☐ Paid usage?
☐ Whitelisting / allowlisting?
☐ For how long?
☐ Is there exclusivity?
☐ Do they need raw footage?
☐ Do they need alternate versions or hooks?
☐ What's the campaign budget?
Then quote.
Price the whole deal, not just the post.
BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT
Check:
☐ Compensation
☐ Deliverables
☐ Deadlines
☐ Approval process
☐ Revisions
☐ Usage rights
☐ Usage duration
☐ Whitelisting / allowlisting
☐ Exclusivity
☐ Ownership
☐ Cancellation terms
☐ Payment terms
☐ Any unusual obligations
If you don't understand something important, ask before signing. For significant legal questions, consider professional legal advice.
AFTER A BRAND DEAL
Don't just post and move on.
☐ Save your final content
☐ Save your analytics
☐ Send required campaign results
☐ Send your invoice
☐ Record the payment due date
☐ Update your Payments tracker
☐ Follow up if payment is late
☐ Save the contract and campaign brief
☐ Record usage-rights expiration dates
☐ Update your Brand Campaigns tracker
☐ Thank your contact
☐ Save strong results for your portfolio
☐ Ask for a testimonial when appropriate
☐ Stay in touch
One successful campaign can become:
A case study.
A testimonial.
A portfolio example.
A repeat client.
A referral.
A higher rate on your next campaign.
Don't waste the opportunity after the content goes live.

YOU DID IT!

You've made it through Creator Academy.

You now have the tools to build your brand, create stronger content, grow your audience, get on PR lists, work with brands, pitch yourself, negotiate paid opportunities, and present yourself professionally.

But remember: you don't have to do everything at once.

Keep creating. Keep testing. Keep building relationships. And come back to these lessons and resources whenever you need them.

Your creator business will evolve, and Creator Academy is here for you as it does.

WANT MORE SUPPORT?

Creator Academy gives you everything you need to put these strategies into action. But if you'd like additional help, we also offer optional premium resources and personalized support.

PR & BRAND CONTACT DIRECTORY
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→ ACCESS THE PR & BRAND CONTACT DIRECTORY

1:1 CREATOR STRATEGY SESSION
Want personalized advice? Book a private session to talk through your account, growth strategy, brand opportunities, pitching, monetization, or whatever you're currently working on.

→ BOOK A 1:1 CREATOR STRATEGY SESSION

You don't need millions of followers to create real opportunities. You need a clear brand, great content, the right strategy, and the confidence to put yourself out there.