The Dos and Don’ts of Reaching Out to Instagram Influencers

Collaborating with Instagram influencers can work wonders for your brand—boosting visibility, engagement, and even sales. But there’s an art to making that first connection. A thoughtful, well-crafted pitch can be the difference between landing a meaningful partnership and being left on read.

If you’re unsure how to reach out to influencers in a way that resonates, don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this blog, we’ll break down the dos and don’ts of reaching out to Instagram influencers, complete with practical tips and examples to help you nail your pitch and build authentic collaborations.

Why Your Pitch Matters

Influencers receive countless messages from brands every week. To stand out, your pitch needs to be clear, personalized, and aligned with their values. A great pitch shows that you’ve done your homework, respect their work, and are genuinely excited about the potential collaboration.

The Dos of Reaching Out to Instagram Influencers

1. Do Your Homework

Before you even think about sending that message, take the time to research the influencer. Understand their niche, audience, and values.

What to Look For:

• Their Content: What kind of posts do they create? Does their style align with your brand?

• Engagement Rates: Are their followers actively liking, commenting, and sharing?

• Previous Collaborations: Have they partnered with brands like yours before?

Example:

If you’re a sustainable clothing brand, you might reach out to an influencer who frequently shares posts about eco-friendly fashion and conscious consumerism.

2. Personalize Your Message

No one likes a generic pitch. Show the influencer that you’ve taken the time to get to know their work. Mention specific posts, campaigns, or qualities that caught your eye.

Example Message:

“Hi [Name], I’ve been following your content for a while, and I absolutely loved your recent post about eco-friendly travel tips. Your passion for sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission at [Brand Name], and I’d love to explore a potential collaboration with you!”

3. Be Clear and Concise

Influencers are busy, so keep your message short and to the point. Clearly outline what you’re proposing and how it benefits both sides.

What to Include:

• Who you are and what your brand stands for.

• Why you think they’re a great fit.

• What you’re offering (e.g., free products, payment, affiliate partnerships).

• What you’re asking for (e.g., a post, Story, or Reel).

Example Message:

“Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], the founder of [Brand Name], a sustainable skincare brand. We’d love to collaborate with you on a campaign to promote our new [Product Name], as your focus on natural beauty resonates with our audience. Would you be interested in creating a Reel or Story to showcase the product? We’d be happy to discuss compensation and provide all the details!”

4. Offer Value

Make it clear what’s in it for them. Whether it’s monetary compensation, free products, or exposure, outline the benefits of partnering with you.

Example:

“As part of this collaboration, we’d send you a PR package of our new collection, as well as a payment of [$X] for creating and sharing the content. We’d also promote your posts across our channels to amplify visibility!”

5. Follow Up (But Don’t Overdo It)

If you don’t hear back, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up after 5–7 days. Keep it friendly and professional.

Example Follow-Up:

“Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up on my last message to see if you’re interested in collaborating with [Brand Name]. I’d love to chat and answer any questions you might have!”

The Don’ts of Reaching Out to Instagram Influencers

1. Don’t Use Generic Templates

Mass messages that lack personalization are a big no. Influencers can tell when a pitch isn’t tailored to them, and it often feels insincere.

Avoid This:

“Hi, we’re looking for influencers to promote our products. Let us know if you’re interested!”

2. Don’t Expect Free Work

Many influencers put significant time and effort into creating high-quality content. Avoid asking for free collaborations unless you’re offering something valuable in return.

Avoid This:

“Hi, we’d love to send you a free product in exchange for a post.”

Instead:

Offer fair compensation or highlight mutual benefits, such as exposure to your audience or long-term partnership opportunities.

3. Don’t Be Pushy

Respect their decision if they decline or don’t respond. Being overly persistent or demanding can damage your reputation.

Avoid This:

“Why haven’t you replied? This is a great opportunity for you!”

4. Don’t Overload Your Pitch

Avoid overwhelming the influencer with too much information in your first message. Keep it simple and save the details for when they express interest.

Avoid This:

“Hi [Name], we’re launching a six-week campaign, and we need three Reels, two Stories, one carousel, and a blog post. Let us know your rates!”

Instead:

Start with a single campaign idea and add details later.

5. Don’t Forget to Check Their Authenticity

Not every influencer with a large following has genuine engagement. Always vet their profile for fake followers or bots.

How to Spot Fake Engagement:

• Low engagement despite a high follower count.

• Generic or spammy comments on their posts.

Pro Tip:

Use tools like HypeAuditor or Ninjalitics to analyze their audience authenticity and engagement rates.

Final Thoughts: Collaboration Starts With Connection

Reaching out to influencers doesn’t have to feel intimidating. By doing your homework, personalizing your pitch, and offering genuine value, you can create authentic partnerships that benefit both your brand and the influencer.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to land a one-time collaboration—it’s to build long-lasting relationships that resonate with their audience and expand your community.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your biggest takeaway from these tips? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us in your next influencer collaboration—we’d love to see how you’re building connections!