Negotiating with influencers can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. But remember—negotiation is not conflict. It’s a natural part of influencer marketing that helps both sides find a fair agreement and build a healthy working relationship.
Why Negotiation is Important
Fairness on Both Sides: Influencers want to feel fairly compensated for their work, while you need to stay within budget. Negotiation aligns these priorities.
Clarity of Expectations: Discussing rates and deliverables upfront avoids confusion later.
Relationship Building: A respectful negotiation process makes creators more likely to work with you again in the future.
When to Negotiate
If an influencer’s proposed rate is above your budget.
If you want to adjust the deliverables (e.g., fewer posts, different formats).
If you’re interested in a longer-term partnership and want to package multiple campaigns together.
Best Practices for Negotiating
Do Your Homework
Look at the influencer’s follower size, engagement rate, and content quality.
Compare their proposed rate with typical ranges (e.g., nano creators might start around $100–$300 per post, micro creators around $500–$1,500, etc.).
Be Transparent
If your budget is firm, say so. Influencers appreciate honesty over vague promises.
Add Context
Don’t just say “we can only offer $X.” Explain why: “For this campaign, we’ve set aside $500 for in-feed posts. We’d love to work with you at that rate.”
Use the Platform Tools
When you send a counteroffer in the platform, add a personal note to explain your reasoning. It feels less transactional and more like a collaboration.
Know When to Say No
If an influencer’s rates or requirements don’t align, decline politely. That feedback helps train the system to find better matches in the future.