Getting brand deals as a small Indian creator
8 min read
Brands work with small creators because their audiences trust them. You don't need a huge following; you need a clear niche, honest numbers and a professional pitch. Here is the whole process.
1. Make a media kit
- One line on who you are and who watches you.
- Your real numbers: followers, average reel views from your last 10 reels, and engagement rate.
- Audience basics: top cities, age range and gender split from your Instagram insights.
- Two or three of your best reels, linked.
- How to reach you.
2. Price it
Price from average views, not followers. Add more for usage rights (the brand runs your reel as an ad) and exclusivity (you can't work with competitors for a while). Our rate card calculator gives a starting range; treat it as an opening number, not a rule.
3. Pitch
- Pick brands you already use. Mention how.
- Suggest one specific reel idea, not “let's collaborate”.
- Attach the media kit and keep the email under 120 words.
- Follow up once after a week. Then move on.
4. Agree in writing
Before you shoot, confirm by email: deliverables, posting date, whether the brand approves the script, usage rights, payment amount, payment date and GST if applicable.
5. Disclose it
ASCI guidelines require paid partnerships to be clearly labelled. Use Instagram's paid partnership label and say it on screen or in the first lines, for example with #ad or #paidpartnership. It protects you and keeps your audience's trust.
6. Invoice and follow up
Send an invoice when you deliver, with the agreed amount, your PAN, GSTIN if you're registered, and bank or UPI details. Track every deal until it's paid.
ReelBaaz does all of this in one place: media kit, rate card, pitch email and DM, sponsored scripts with disclosure, and a deal tracker. See how.