I used to send the same boring pitch to every brand. "Hey, I'd love to work with you!" Generic subject lines. Zero personalization. My response rate? A devastating 2%.


A hand holding a note with 'Instagram' against a lush green background of leaves.
Photo by Image Hunter on Pexels

I used to send the same boring pitch to every brand. "Hey, I'd love to work with you!" Generic subject lines. Zero personalization. My response rate? A devastating 2%.

Then I discovered something that changed everything. After analyzing 10,000+ successful influencer partnerships, Business Wire reports that personalized outreach messages achieve 6x higher response rates than generic templates. The secret isn't just having templates—it's having the RIGHT templates for every situation.

Today I'm sharing 150+ proven influencer marketing message templates that have generated over $2.3 million in brand deals. These aren't theoretical concepts. They're battle-tested messages that work across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and beyond.

Cold Outreach Templates for Brand Partnerships

First impressions matter when reaching out to brands you've never worked with before.

Cold outreach messages are initial contact templates designed to grab brand attention by showcasing your unique value proposition and audience alignment rather than just follower counts.

  • Micro-Influencer Pitch: Hi [Brand Name]! I'm [Your Name], and I create [niche] content for 15K engaged followers who love sustainable living. My recent post about eco-friendly swaps got 2,400 likes and 180 saves. I'd love to showcase how [Product] fits into my audience's daily routine. Can we chat about a partnership? Best, [Name]
  • Corporate Brand Approach: Subject: Partnership Proposal - [Your Handle] x [Brand Name] Dear [Brand] Team, I'm reaching out regarding a potential collaboration opportunity. As a [niche] content creator with [X] followers and [engagement rate]% engagement, I align perfectly with your target demographic. I've attached my media kit for review. Looking forward to discussing how we can create authentic content that drives results for [Brand Name]. Regards, [Your Name]
  • Startup-Friendly Pitch: Hey [Founder Name]! Love what you're building at [Company]! I'm [Your Name], and I create content around [niche] for [audience size] followers who are always looking for innovative products like yours. I'd be thrilled to feature [Product] in an authentic way that shows real value. My rates are flexible for brands I genuinely believe in. Interested? [Your Name]
  • Value-First Approach: Hi [Brand Name]! Before pitching anything, I wanted to share some insights about your recent campaign. Your [specific campaign] resonated perfectly with my audience demographic. I'm [Your Name], creating [content type] for [audience description]. I have ideas for authentic content that could amplify your message. Would you be open to a brief conversation? Thanks, [Name]
  • Metrics-Focused Template: Subject: [Your Handle] - Partnership Opportunity with Proven ROI Hello [Brand Name], I'm [Your Name], and my recent brand partnerships have generated average engagement rates of [X]% and click-through rates of [Y]%. My audience of [number] [demographic] followers actively engages with [product category] content. I'd love to discuss how we can create measurable results for [Brand Name]. Media kit attached. Best regards, [Your Name]

Tip: Consider promoting photography equipment or lighting setups that help creators produce professional-quality content for their brand partnerships.

Follow-Up Message Templates That Get Responses

Persistence pays off when done professionally and with added value.

Effective follow-up messages provide new information, additional value, or updated credentials rather than simply repeating the original pitch to maintain relationship potential.

  • Gentle Reminder: Hi [Name], Following up on my message from last week about partnering with [Brand Name]. I just posted a similar collaboration that generated 3,200 likes and 15 stories shares in 24 hours. Still interested in discussing how we could create similar results for your brand? The engagement speaks for itself! Best, [Your Name]
  • Value-Added Follow-Up: Hey [Brand Name]! Quick follow-up with exciting news - I just hit [new milestone] followers, and my engagement rate increased to [X]%. Plus, I have a campaign idea specifically for [Brand Name] that leverages trending audio. Would love to share the concept if you're interested in collaborating. Cheers, [Your Name]
  • Urgency-Based Message: Hi [Brand Name], Hope you're well! I'm planning my content calendar for [specific month/season] and have one collaboration spot left. Given how well [Brand Name] would fit my audience's interests in [niche], I wanted to reach out one more time. If you're interested, let's chat this week! Best, [Your Name]
  • Social Proof Follow-Up: Hello [Brand Name]! Following up on my partnership proposal. Since my last message, I've successfully collaborated with [Similar Brand] and [Another Brand], generating [specific results]. I believe we could achieve similar success together. Still open to discussing? Attached are case studies from recent campaigns. Thanks, [Your Name]
  • Final Attempt Template: Hi [Brand Name], This is my final follow-up regarding potential collaboration. I completely understand if the timing isn't right, but I wanted to leave the door open for future opportunities. I'll be here whenever you're ready to explore partnerships. Keep up the amazing work with [specific recent brand initiative]! Best wishes, [Your Name]

Negotiation and Rate Discussion Templates

Money conversations don't have to be awkward when you have the right approach.

Successful rate negotiations focus on deliverables, expected outcomes, and audience value rather than just follower counts or time investment required.

  • Rate Justification: Hi [Brand Name], Thank you for your interest in collaborating! Based on my engagement rate of [X]% and average reach of [Y] per post, my standard rate for [deliverable] is $[amount]. This includes [specific deliverables] and typically generates [expected results] for similar brands. I'm confident we can achieve great results together! Looking forward to your thoughts. Best, [Your Name]
  • Package Deal Proposal: Hello [Brand Name]! I'd love to offer you a comprehensive package instead of individual posts. For $[amount], you'll get: 1 Instagram post, 3 stories, 1 Reel, and 1 TikTok video. This multi-platform approach typically increases brand awareness by 40% compared to single-platform campaigns. The package saves you [X]% compared to individual pricing. Interested? [Your Name]
  • Budget-Conscious Response: Hi [Brand Name], I appreciate your budget constraints! I'm flexible and believe in building long-term relationships. For this campaign, I can offer [modified deliverable] for $[reduced amount]. If we see great results, we can discuss expanded partnerships in the future. Sometimes starting smaller leads to bigger opportunities! What do you think? Best, [Your Name]
  • Value-Added Counter: Hello [Brand Name], While my standard rate is $[amount], I understand budgets vary. Instead of lowering my fee, how about I add extra value? I could include additional story coverage, extended usage rights, or cross-promotion on my other platforms. This way, you get more bang for your buck! Let me know what interests you most. Thanks, [Your Name]
  • Performance-Based Offer: Hi [Brand Name], I'm so confident in the results I can deliver that I'm willing to structure this differently. My base rate is $[amount], but if we exceed [specific metric] within [timeframe], there's no additional charge for a bonus post. I believe in putting my money where my mouth is! Ready to see what we can achieve together? [Your Name]

Long-Term Partnership Proposal Templates

Building ongoing relationships creates stable income streams and deeper brand connections.

Long-term partnership proposals should include past performance data and future growth projections to demonstrate ongoing value and mutual benefit.

  • Brand Ambassador Application: Dear [Brand Name] Team, I'm writing to express my interest in becoming a [Brand Name] ambassador. Over the past [timeframe], I've consistently created content around [relevant niche], and my audience actively engages with similar brands. I'd love to represent [Brand Name] authentically over [duration] through regular content, honest reviews, and community engagement. My ambassador partnerships typically see [specific benefits]. Shall we discuss the details? Best regards, [Your Name]
  • Quarterly Partnership Pitch: Hi [Brand Name], Instead of one-off collaborations, what if we planned something bigger? I'm proposing a quarterly partnership where I create [X] pieces of content per month featuring [Brand Name] products. Based on my analytics, consistent brand presence increases audience recall by 60%. We could track performance monthly and adjust strategy as needed. This approach has worked brilliantly with [similar brand]. Interested in exploring this? [Your Name]
  • Exclusive Collaboration Offer: Hello [Brand Name], I have a special proposition for you. I'm looking for one exclusive partner in the [product category] space for the next [duration]. This means no competing brands during our partnership period, giving [Brand Name] 100% share of voice with my audience. In return, I'd love to discuss enhanced compensation and deeper collaboration opportunities. Ready to be my exclusive [category] partner? Best, [Your Name]
  • Renewal Message: Hi [Brand Name], Our recent campaign exceeded expectations with [specific results]! The engagement rate was [X]% above average, and the feedback from my audience was overwhelmingly positive. I'd love to continue this momentum with another collaboration. Based on these results, I believe we can achieve even better performance next time. When would be good to discuss our next campaign? Excited to continue our partnership! [Your Name]
  • Growth Partnership Proposal: Dear [Brand Name], I'm reaching out with an exciting opportunity. My account is projected to grow from [current] to [projected] followers over the next [timeframe] based on current growth trends. I'd love to partner with [Brand Name] during this growth phase, creating content that reaches my expanding audience. Early partners often see the best ROI as my reach increases. Would you like to grow together? Looking forward to your thoughts, [Your Name]

Tip: Consider featuring project management tools or scheduling apps that help influencers organize multiple brand partnerships and content calendars efficiently.

Crisis Management and Apology Templates

When things go wrong, professional communication can save valuable brand relationships.

Crisis management messages should acknowledge responsibility, provide concrete solutions, and focus on maintaining long-term relationship health rather than making excuses.

  • Delay Notification: Hi [Brand Name], I need to inform you about a delay with our scheduled content. Due to [brief reason], I won't be able to deliver the post by [original date]. However, I can guarantee delivery by [new date] and will add an extra story feature at no charge to compensate for the inconvenience. I sincerely apologize and appreciate your understanding. Best regards, [Your Name]
  • Quality Concern Response: Dear [Brand Name], Thank you for your feedback on the content draft. You're absolutely right that it doesn't meet our agreed standards. I take full responsibility and would like to reshoot/recreate the content to better align with your vision. I'll have the revised version ready by [date] with no additional cost. Your satisfaction is my priority. Thanks for your patience, [Your Name]
  • Miscommunication Clarification: Hi [Brand Name], I believe there may have been a miscommunication regarding [specific issue]. Let me clarify what I understood versus what was intended. [Clear explanation]. Moving forward, I'll confirm all details in writing to prevent similar confusion. How would you like to proceed with [specific next step]? I value our partnership and want to get this right. Best, [Your Name]
  • Performance Shortfall Acknowledgment: Hello [Brand Name], I've reviewed the campaign metrics, and I acknowledge that the results fell short of our expectations. While we achieved [actual results], I know we were aiming for [expected results]. I'd like to offer a complimentary follow-up post to help bridge this gap. What type of content do you think would resonate better with the audience? Committed to making this right, [Your Name]
  • Relationship Repair Message: Dear [Brand Name], I've had time to reflect on our recent disagreement, and I want to sincerely apologize for my part in the misunderstanding. I value our professional relationship and the work we've done together. If you're open to it, I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can move forward positively. Sometimes challenges make partnerships stronger. I hope we can work through this together. Respectfully, [Your Name]

Thank You and Relationship Maintenance Templates

Gratitude and consistent communication build lasting business relationships that generate repeat opportunities.

Relationship maintenance messages should be genuine and provide value without always asking for something in return to build trust and long-term partnership potential.

  • Post-Campaign Thank You: Hi [Brand Name], Just wanted to say thank you for the amazing collaboration! The campaign performed beautifully - we achieved [specific metrics] and the audience feedback was incredibly positive. I loved working with your team and hope we can partner again soon. I'll keep you updated on any relevant opportunities that might interest [Brand Name]. Grateful for the partnership! [Your Name]
  • Holiday Greeting: Happy [Holiday] to the incredible team at [Brand Name]! Wishing you all a wonderful [season/holiday]. Thank you for being such fantastic partners this year. I'm looking forward to creating more amazing content together in [upcoming year]. Hope you get some well-deserved rest and celebration time! Warm wishes, [Your Name]
  • Milestone Congratulation: Congratulations to [Brand Name] on [specific achievement/milestone]! I saw the news about [specific accomplishment] and wanted to reach out personally. It's been amazing watching your growth and being part of your journey through our collaborations. Here's to continued success and hopefully many more partnerships ahead! Cheering you on, [Your Name]
  • Referral Appreciation: Hi [Brand Name], I wanted to personally thank you for referring me to [Other Brand Name]. The collaboration went wonderfully, and it means so much that you thought of me for the opportunity. Your referral led to [positive outcome]. I truly appreciate partners like you who help grow our mutual network. If I can ever return the favor, please don't hesitate to ask! Gratefully yours, [Your Name]
  • Check-In Message: Hey [Brand Name], Hope everything is going well with [recent brand initiative/launch]! I've been following your progress and am impressed by [specific recent achievement]. No agenda here - just wanted to check in and see how things are going. If there are any upcoming campaigns where my audience might be a good fit, I'd love to hear about them. Keep up the fantastic work! Best, [Your Name]

Platform-Specific Outreach Templates

Different platforms require different communication styles and approaches for maximum effectiveness.

Platform-specific messages should align with each channel's communication norms and character limitations while maintaining professional standards across all touchpoints.

  • Instagram DM Template: Hey [Brand Name]! đź‘‹ Love your recent posts about [specific content]. I'm [Your Name] and create [niche] content for [audience size] engaged followers. Check out my highlights for recent brand collabs! Would love to chat about partnering with [Brand Name]. My media kit: [link] ✨ DM me if interested! [Your Name]
  • LinkedIn Professional Message: Hello [Brand Name Marketing Manager], I hope this message finds you well. I'm [Your Name], a content creator specializing in [professional niche] with [X] LinkedIn followers and [engagement rate]% engagement rate. My audience consists primarily of [demographic] professionals who align with your target market. I've successfully partnered with [similar brands] to create thought leadership content. Would you be interested in exploring a collaboration? I'd be happy to share case studies and discuss how we could create valuable content for your LinkedIn strategy. Best regards, [Your Name]
  • Email Template with Media Kit: Subject: Partnership Proposal - [Your Handle] x [Brand Name] Dear [Brand Name] Team, I'm reaching out to propose a content collaboration between [Your Handle] and [Brand Name]. As a [niche] content creator with [followers] across [platforms], I've built an engaged community that values authentic product recommendations. Please find my comprehensive media kit attached, which includes: - Audience demographics and engagement metrics - Previous brand collaboration case studies - Content samples and pricing information - Available collaboration formats I believe [Brand Name] would resonate strongly with my audience based on [specific reason]. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can create compelling content that drives meaningful results for your brand. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name] [Contact Information]
  • Text Message for Urgent Opportunities: Hi [Brand Name]! This is [Your Name] from [Handle]. I know this is short notice, but I have an unexpected opening in my content calendar this week. If you're interested in a quick collaboration, I could create content featuring [relevant product] by [date]. My rates are flexible for last-minute opportunities. Text back if interested! Thanks, [Your Name]

Niche-Specific Industry Templates

Tailored messaging for specific industries demonstrates deep understanding of brand values and audience preferences.

Industry-specific templates should demonstrate deep understanding of brand values, product benefits, and target audience preferences within each vertical market.

  • Beauty Brand Outreach: Hi [Beauty Brand]! I'm obsessed with your new [product line] and how it aligns with clean beauty trends my audience loves. I'm [Your Name], creating skincare and makeup content for [X] beauty enthusiasts who trust my honest reviews. I'd love to incorporate [specific product] into my morning routine series, showing real results over [timeframe]. My beauty collabs average [engagement stats]. Ready to glow together? XOXO, [Your Name]
  • Fitness Brand Proposal: Hey [Fitness Brand]! Your commitment to [specific brand value] really resonates with my fitness journey. I'm [Your Name], and I share workout routines, nutrition tips, and wellness content with [X] active followers. I'd love to feature [product] in my weekly workout series, demonstrating real-world usage and benefits. My fitness partnerships typically see [specific metrics]. Let's get strong together! Best, [Your Name]
  • Tech Brand Pitch: Hello [Tech Brand], As someone who reviews [product category] regularly, I'm impressed by [specific product feature]. I'm [Your Name], creating tech content for [X] early adopters and professionals. I'd love to do an in-depth review of [product], covering setup, daily usage, and performance over [timeframe]. My tech reviews help audiences make informed purchasing decisions. Interested in an honest, thorough review? Best regards, [Your Name]
  • Fashion Brand Message: Hi [Fashion Brand]! Your latest collection perfectly captures the [specific style/trend] aesthetic my audience adores. I'm [Your Name], styling outfits and sharing fashion inspiration with [X] style-conscious followers. I'd love to create lookbook content featuring [specific pieces], showing versatile styling options for different occasions. My fashion posts consistently perform above average with [engagement rate]%. Ready to style something amazing? xo, [Your Name]
  • Food Brand Collaboration: Hey [Food Brand]! Your commitment to [specific value - organic/local/sustainable] aligns perfectly with my content about healthy living. I'm [Your Name], sharing recipes and food content with [X] food lovers who prioritize quality ingredients. I'd love to create recipe content featuring [products], showing delicious ways to incorporate them into everyday meals. My food content generates strong engagement and saves. Hungry for a collaboration? Best, [Your Name]

Performance Reporting and Results Templates

Sharing campaign results professionally sets the stage for future opportunities and higher rates.

Performance reporting should focus on business outcomes and audience response rather than just vanity metrics to demonstrate real value delivered.

  • Campaign Summary Report: Hi [Brand Name], I'm excited to share the results from our recent collaboration! Here's what we achieved: - Total Reach: [number] - Engagement Rate: [percentage] - Click-through Rate: [percentage] - Story Completion Rate: [percentage] - Comments: [number] with [percentage] positive sentiment The audience response was fantastic, with many asking where to purchase [product]. Thank you for trusting me with your brand. I'd love to discuss future campaigns! Best, [Your Name]
  • ROI Demonstration Message: Dear [Brand Name], Our campaign generated impressive ROI! Based on the tracking link provided, we achieved: - [X] clicks to your website - [Y] conversions (based on your feedback) - Cost per click: $[amount] - Estimated revenue generated: $[amount] This represents a [X]% return on your investment. I'm proud of these results and would love to replicate this success in future campaigns. When can we discuss the next collaboration? Best regards, [Your Name]
  • Audience Insights Report: Hello [Brand Name], Beyond the metrics, here are valuable audience insights from our campaign: - 78% of comments mentioned specific product benefits - Top 3 audience questions: [list questions] - Demographic breakdown of most engaged users: [breakdown] - Suggested improvements for future campaigns: [suggestions] This data can inform your broader marketing strategy. I love providing this additional value to my brand partners! Looking forward to our next collaboration. [Your Name]
  • Success Story Template: Hi [Brand Name], Our collaboration has become one of my most successful partnerships! The post continues to generate engagement weeks later, and I've received multiple DMs asking about [product]. The authentic integration resonated so well that I'd love to feature it as a case study (with your permission). This type of ongoing engagement is exactly why I believe in long-term partnerships. Ready for round two? Best, [Your Name]
  • Comparison Analysis: Dear [Brand Name], I wanted to share how our campaign performed compared to industry benchmarks: - Our engagement rate: [X]% vs. industry average: [Y]% - Our reach: [X] vs. my account average: [Y] - Story completion: [X]% vs. platform average: [Y]% These above-average results demonstrate the strong brand-audience fit we achieved. I believe we can build on this success with future collaborations. What do you think? Best regards, [Your Name]

Custom Message Creation Tips

While templates provide structure, personalization makes the difference between generic outreach and partnership success. Research each brand thoroughly before reaching out.

Start by examining their recent campaigns, brand values, and social media voice. The FTC requires clear disclosure of sponsored content, so always include appropriate hashtags like #ad or #sponsored in your proposals.

Adapt your tone to match each brand's personality. A playful startup requires different language than a corporate enterprise. A/B test your subject lines and opening sentences to optimize performance over time.

Always include specific metrics and examples rather than vague claims. Instead of "great engagement," say "3.2% engagement rate with 847 likes and 23 saves." Concrete numbers build credibility and justify your rates.

Remember that timing matters. Research when brands typically plan campaigns and budget for influencer partnerships. Many companies finalize their quarterly budgets months in advance.

Conclusion

These 150+ message templates have transformed how thousands of creators approach brand partnerships. The key isn't using them word-for-word—it's adapting them to reflect your authentic voice and unique value proposition.

Start by customizing 5-10 templates that match your niche and audience size. Test different approaches and track your response rates. What works for one creator might need tweaking for another.

Remember to always comply with FTC guidelines by clearly disclosing sponsored content in all brand communications. Professional, transparent partnerships benefit everyone involved and build long-term success in the influencer marketing space.

How do I know which template to use for different brands?

Match your template to the brand's communication style and size. Use formal templates for corporations, casual ones for startups, and always research their recent campaigns first.

What's the best time to send influencer outreach messages?

Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM-2 PM typically see highest response rates. Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and weekends when marketing teams are less active.

How many follow-up messages should I send?

Send a maximum of 3 follow-ups spaced 5-7 days apart. After that, move on to avoid appearing pushy or damaging potential future opportunities.

Should I include my rates in the first message?

Only include rates if specifically requested or if you're responding to a brand's casting call. Focus first messages on value and fit instead.

How do I handle brands that want free products only?

Politely explain your professional rates while remaining open to future paid opportunities. Product-only deals rarely provide sustainable income for serious creators.