Micro-influencers, typically having between 1,000 and 100,000 followers, often face a lot of competition when landing brand partnership deals.

That is because there are millions of active influencers across the world, all trying to secure the same opportunities.

So how do you fight to be seen, contracted, and paid well?

Several strategies can help you stand out and have a better chance of securing those partnerships.

Let’s dive into it 👇🏾

✅ Niche down

Just like in a school science fair, where the projects that get the most attention are the ones that are unique and specific, it's crucial for micro-influencers to find their specific niche.

This could be a certain type of fitness, a unique style of cooking, a specific type of technology review, or any other specific topic in your content vertical.

Get specific.

When you're a specialist in a particular area, brands that operate in that area are more likely to see you as a valuable partner.

✅ Quality over quantity 

If you're trying to be the fastest runner, it's not just about how many hours you spend running, but also about the quality of your training.

In the same way, it's not just about how many followers you have, but also about how engaged they are.

Brands are often more interested in the level of engagement an influencer can generate rather than the sheer number of followers they have.

If your followers regularly comment, like, and share your content, brands will see this and understand that you have a close relationship with your audience.

Therefore, fostering a strong relationship with the audience, encouraging interaction, and maintaining high engagement rates can make influencers more appealing to brands.

Consistently producing high-quality, unique, and creative content is also key.

Brands will be more inclined to partner with influencers who can showcase their products or services in a compelling and aesthetically pleasing way.

✅ Authenticity

Be genuine and true to yourself.

Be honest and sincere with your community about your life.

Your audience will trust you more, making you more attractive to brands.

If you're pretending to be someone you're not, eventually, people will figure it out, and the trust will not be there.

✅ Develop a unique selling proposition (USP)

This is like having a unique talent in a talent show.

What makes you, you? Take some time to think about it.

What can you offer that others can't?

Maybe it's your unique style, your specific audience, or your way of presenting content.

The more unique you are, the more you'll stand out to brands.

✅ Professionalism

Just as you'd be careful to hand in a neat, well-written presentation at work, you should ensure that your communication with brands is professional.

This includes responding promptly to emails, meeting deadlines, and being respectful and courteous.

✅ Proactive Individualized Outreach

Don't just wait for brands to come to you.

It's like waiting for a friend to ask you to hang out - sometimes, you have to be the one to make the first move.

Research brands that align with your niche and values, and reach out to them with a well-crafted proposal that speaks to their current marketing efforts.

What products are they currently posting about on social?

What’s the main banner on their website promoting right now?

Who have they partnered with recently?

Dig deeper into your outreach.

It will make you look like a thoughtful, prepared creator who can execute well.

✅ Long-Term Relationships

Building long-term relationships with brands can lead to more stable income and consistent work.

This often involves proving the value of the partnership over time, delivering on promises, and maintaining open and clear communication with the brand.

✅ Personal Branding

Having a strong personal brand that is consistent across all platforms can make an influencer more memorable and recognizable to both audiences and brands.

This involves being clear about what you stand for, what sets you apart, and how you add value.

✅ Master SEO and Hashtags

Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and relevant hashtags to make your content discoverable.

Understand what keywords or phrases your target audience is likely to search for and incorporate them into your content, titles, descriptions, and tags.

✅ Collaborate with Other Influencers That Do Partnerships

Collaboration can help you reach new audiences and increase your visibility.

Consider doing guest posts, shout-outs, or collaborative projects with influencers who share a similar audience but offer complementary content.

✅ Stay Up To Date with Trends

Keep up with the latest social media trends, popular formats, and emerging platforms.

This could mean adopting new content types or exploring new platforms you don’t regularly use (like Clapper or Pinterest), or capitalizing on trending topics.

✅ Offer More Than Just Promotion

Brands are increasingly looking for influencers who can offer more than just promotion.

This could involve creating custom content for the brand's own channels, participating in brand events, or providing consumer insights based on your audience's feedback.

✅ Build a Professional Portfolio

Create a professional media kit or online portfolio showcasing your best work, audience demographics, engagement rates, past collaborations, and testimonials.

This not only makes it easier for brands to assess your suitability but also demonstrates your professionalism.

✅ Consistency is Key

Maintain a regular posting schedule and stick to it.

Brands prefer to work with influencers who are consistent in their content creation and engagement.

✅ Develop Your Skills

Invest in your skill development.

Whether it's photography, video editing, writing, or public speaking, the more skills you have, the more value you can provide to brands.

You could also consider learning more about marketing and analytics to help demonstrate your understanding of the industry.

✅ Get Certified in Social Media Marketing

There are a number of certifications that influencers and content creators can earn to establish their credibility.

For example, Facebook offers a series of "Blueprint" courses and certifications on various aspects of online marketing.

✅ Participate in Industry Events

Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops relevant to your niche.

This can not only help you stay updated with industry trends but also provide networking opportunities with brands and other influencers.

✅ Expand Your Network

Networking isn't just about meeting other influencers; it's also about getting to know people who work at brands that you're interested in partnering with.

LinkedIn and Facebook groups can be great platforms for this.

✅ Use a UGC Management Agency

If you're struggling to get noticed by brands, you might want to consider signing up with a UGC influencer marketing agency.

These agencies often have relationships with a number of brands looking for content creators and can help match you with suitable opportunities.

These agencies focus on your content quality, not your following.

✅ Learn and Adapt

The world of social media is always changing.

You need to keep learning and adapting to new trends and changes on the platform.

This could mean learning new types of content trends or insights about your niche.

Remember, landing brand partnerships isn't just about having the most followers.

It's about being the best fit for the brand and providing value to them.

By focusing on these strategies, you can stand out from the competition and increase your chances of securing brand partnerships.