Demystifying Rate Negotiations: How to Respond When Brands Ask for Your Rates

I love starting my day with a cup of coffee, some sunshine and a new brand deal in my inbox. But if you’re new to influencer marketing, reading and navigating your first (few) brand deals can be nerve racking.

There are plenty of tips I could give to help you through the process, but today we’ll focus on one of my favorites: rate negotiations. Because how you respond to that very first rate inquiry can literally make or break your deal.

And I know talking about money makes a lot of people nervous. So let’s get into it.

The way you negotiate your rates isn’t just about numbers—it’s about confidence, positioning, and knowing your worth. It’s about making sure you get paid what you deserve without leaving money on the table or locking yourself into a bad deal.

I can tell you this: Brands expect you to negotiate. And if you don’t? You’re probably leaving money behind.

So let’s talk about how to handle this like the pro I know you are.

[Below this paywall is content for my paid subscribers - a video about how to be successful when reaching out to brands AS WELL AS (!), my well practiced advice on how to negotiate. I’d welcome you as a paid subscriber so you too can read that info. I’d love the support of my work.]