So, you’ve got under 10K followers on Instagram and you’re wondering if brands would even look your way. Here's the truth: you don’t need a massive following to land brand deals. Many brands are turning to micro and nano influencers for partnerships that feel more authentic and relatable.
Even if you're just starting out, there are several steps you can take right now to turn your Instagram presence into a revenue-generating platform. Want to fast-track your visibility? Some influencers choose to [buy Instagram followers cheap] to boost their profile and appear more appealing to brands. But real engagement is what seals the deal.
Let’s get into the steps that will help you land brand deals with a small Instagram following — organically and effectively.
1. Understand What Brands Are Looking For
Brands aren’t just looking at follower counts anymore. They’re analyzing engagement rates, niche alignment, content quality, and audience trust. A brand would rather work with someone who has 1,000 loyal followers than 100,000 ghost ones.
Key metrics brands care about:
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Engagement rate (likes + comments ÷ followers)
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Niche relevance
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Aesthetic and consistency of your feed
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Authentic voice and personality
Before you pitch yourself, take a moment to audit your profile. Does your bio clearly say who you are and what you do? Are your posts aligned with the kind of brands you want to attract?
2. Choose a Focused Niche
You’re more likely to catch a brand’s attention if your content serves a specific audience or community. Broad lifestyle content is harder to pitch compared to niche content like vegan recipes, minimalist fashion, or travel hacks for solo moms.
Examples of focused niches that attract brand deals:
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Budget-friendly beauty routines
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Plant-based lifestyle
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Tech tips for creators
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Thrifted fashion finds
By narrowing your focus, you make it easier for brands to say, “Yes, this person’s audience aligns perfectly with ours.”
3. Build a Strong Content Strategy
No matter how small your following is, your content is your portfolio. Your Instagram grid should showcase your ability to tell stories, promote products naturally, and keep followers engaged.
What you should be posting:
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High-quality photos and videos
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Honest product reviews
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Tips, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content
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Personal stories that connect with your audience
Use tools like Canva or Lightroom to elevate your visuals. And make sure to use trending audio in Reels to boost reach.
4. Engage Like a Pro
If you want engagement, give engagement. Brands love influencers who actively build community by replying to comments, participating in conversations, and sharing user-generated content.
Try this:
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Spend 15 minutes a day commenting on posts in your niche.
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Reply to every comment on your content.
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Use Instagram Stories to run polls or ask questions.
The more involved you are, the more your followers (and brands) will notice.
5. Optimize Your Profile for Brand Collaborations
Your profile is your pitch deck. A cluttered or vague profile can turn brands away, no matter how great your content is.
Checklist for a brand-ready profile:
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Clear, keyword-optimized bio (e.g., “Vegan food creator | Easy recipes | DM for collabs”)
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Link in bio to a media kit or contact info
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Highlight reel for “Collabs” showcasing past partnerships or mock content
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Professional profile picture and username
This makes it easy for a brand to say, “They’re ready for collaboration.”
6. Create a Media Kit — Even With Zero Brand Deals
Even if you’ve never worked with a brand before, having a media kit positions you as serious and professional. It shows initiative and gives brands all the info they need to evaluate a potential partnership.
Include in your media kit:
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Short bio and niche focus
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Instagram insights (engagement rate, top demographics)
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Past partnerships or mock collaborations
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Rates and deliverables
You can create one using free tools like Canva. Make sure it’s clean, visual, and under 2MB in size for easy sharing.
7. Start With Barter Deals to Build Credibility
When you’re new, don’t hesitate to accept gifted collaborations (aka barter deals) to build your portfolio. It’s a great way to show future paying brands that you’ve done quality sponsored content before.
But — always be clear on the value exchange and set terms before agreeing.
8. Pitch Brands Strategically
Don’t wait for brands to come to you. Pitch them. But don’t send generic messages. Customize each pitch to reflect the brand’s values and how you can help them.
Template you can customize:
"Hi [Brand Name], I’m [Your Name], a creator focused on [Your Niche]. I’ve followed your brand for a while and love your [specific product]. I’d love to discuss a potential collaboration where I can showcase your product through authentic content that resonates with my audience. I’ve attached my media kit for more info — looking forward to hearing from you!"
Pitch 3-5 brands a week. Be consistent and don’t take rejections personally.
9. Tag Brands and Use Branded Hashtags
Every time you feature a product you genuinely love, tag the brand and use their branded hashtag. Many brands repost user-generated content, which could lead to a partnership.
Pro tips:
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Post content using the product naturally
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Mention them in the caption (don’t just tag)
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Use their specific hashtags (check their feed)
You might land a repost or even a DM from the brand’s marketing team.
10. Leverage Influencer Platforms
There are influencer marketing platforms specifically for small creators. These sites connect you with brands looking for collaborations, often with no minimum follower count.
Best platforms for small influencers:
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Aspire
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Collabstr
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BrandSnob
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Influence.co
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Upfluence
Sign up, complete your profile, and actively apply to campaigns that align with your niche.
11. Be Consistent and Stay Patient
Success won’t happen overnight. Brands want to see consistent effort, steady growth, and authentic engagement. Keep posting, improving your content, and refining your pitch.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth — one happy brand can lead to multiple deals through referrals.
And don’t forget, even someone who goes by buy followers might stumble onto your page and become your next unexpected brand partner — stranger things have happened on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get brand deals with under 1,000 followers?
Yes! Focus on high engagement and niche content. Nano-influencers are often chosen for their authenticity.
2. Do I need a media kit to pitch brands?
While not mandatory, a media kit boosts your professionalism and makes it easier for brands to evaluate you.
3. How much should I charge as a small influencer?
Rates vary, but you can start with $25–$100 per post under 5K followers. Adjust based on deliverables and engagement.
4. Are influencer platforms worth it?
Yes, especially for beginners. Many platforms offer brand deals with no minimum follower count.
5. Should I buy followers to attract brands?
No — fake followers hurt your engagement rate. If you do, use it sparingly and combine it with genuine growth strategies.
6. How long does it take to land your first brand deal?
It varies. Some get lucky in weeks; others take months. Stay consistent and keep improving your approach.