I’ve written lots about how creators can monetize their social media — from normal to platform-specific recommendation.
However just a few months in the past, I made a decision it was time to cease simply speaking about it and truly put my theories to the take a look at — beginning with LinkedIn.
Truthfully, I had no clue if sponsored content material would even work on LinkedIn — or if manufacturers would care. So, I made a decision to seek out out publicly, and my group instantly responded with useful suggestions.
Nevertheless, I wouldn’t take any significant motion till January of 2025, with what I referred to as my #LinkedIncome Journey. I shared my aim to make $20,000 in 2025 from LinkedIn model partnerships, and inside two weeks, I obtained my first official LinkedIn model partnership. It was an enormous win, however extra importantly, it confirmed me precisely what works (and what does not).
I discovered firsthand from trial and error, insightful conversations with established LinkedIn creators, and in-depth discussions with model consultants and influencer advertising and marketing company professionals.
Now, I am sharing every little thing I want somebody had instructed me in the beginning.
On this article, you will get a clear, behind-the-scenes take a look at:
- Precisely how I landed my first LinkedIn model partnership (even with zero prior sponsored content material expertise).
- Step-by-step steering knowledgeable by seasoned creators who’ve efficiently monetized LinkedIn.
- Sensible insights from the manufacturers and companies actively in search of creators on LinkedIn proper now.
Prepared to show your LinkedIn right into a significant income stream? Let’s dive in.
How I landed my first LinkedIn model partnership
Let me begin by saying this: LinkedIn was actually the primary platform I ever monetized.
Till this experiment, I’d by no means made cash from sponsored posts or model partnerships — not on Instagram, TikTok, or anyplace else. So after I determined to attempt monetizing my LinkedIn content material, I didn’t have something: no media equipment, no portfolio of previous offers, and undoubtedly no thought what to cost.
However what I did have was current content material and a newfound love of video. I’d already been speaking brazenly about merchandise and instruments I genuinely liked with out being paid for it. So after I obtained my first partnership, it felt inevitable. Right here’s the way it occurred:
I shared an natural shoutout about Spiral, a instrument I genuinely loved. Once they reached out for suggestions, I proactively proposed a sponsored submit — and secured my first deal.
As an alternative of merely replying with the suggestions and calling it a day, I made a decision to take a danger. I despatched them my trustworthy insights, then added a easy however direct query on the finish: “Would you be enthusiastic about partnering with me for a sponsored LinkedIn submit?” Hitting ship on that electronic mail felt nerve-wracking, however the response was fast and optimistic.
We transparently mentioned deliverables, timelines, and compensation. It helped me make clear our viewers overlap and why the model would profit from partnering with me. We shortly landed on a deal that labored for each side.
Similar to that, my first LinkedIn model partnership was locked in — and it began with one genuine, unpaid submit and a easy electronic mail follow-up.
So what’s the lesson right here?
You don’t want expertise to start out — real, natural content material about merchandise you already use is highly effective. Since I obtained my first partnership, I’ve created a media equipment, gotten paid, and secured two extra.
Now that you’ve got seen precisely how I landed my first model deal, let’s break down the method into clear, sensible steps that anybody (together with you!) can replicate.
7 steps to touchdown your individual LinkedIn model partnership
Whether or not you have by no means monetized your content material earlier than (like me!) otherwise you’re simply new to LinkedIn partnerships particularly, these steps will set you up for fulfillment.
Step 1: Make clear your area of interest so manufacturers can discover you and vice versa
All of it begins right here.
There are two sides to this: Audiences scroll previous creators who aren’t crystal clear about who they’re chatting with — so will manufacturers.
Even with out a big follower rely, the clearer your positioning, the extra seemingly manufacturers are to shortly establish you as an excellent match — and vice versa.
“Extra manufacturers are opening as much as the thought of working with smaller creators (10-20k followers) to succeed in a way more focused viewers,” shared Tara Knight, Head of Operations at Creator Match.
This method aligns with what I’ve heard from creators who’ve efficiently monetized their LinkedIn. Jayde I. Powell, Social Strategist & Content material Creator, instructed me she’s extremely selective about model partnerships exactly as a result of her area of interest is evident:
“Relevance to my viewers is without doubt one of the key elements in my decision-making when deciding whether or not I’ll accomplice with a model or not. I’ve turned down many presents as a result of I’m protecting of the group I’ve constructed.”
After I began, I didn’t attempt to converse to everybody. As an alternative, I centered clearly on creating content material about content material creation, private branding, and distant work in video format — an method that naturally aligned with my profession and private experiences. This readability makes it simple for me to develop submit concepts and suggest instruments and merchandise.
Listed here are some sensible actions you possibly can take right now:
- Clearly state your area of interest in your LinkedIn headline and bio. As an alternative of obscure titles and key phrases, say one thing like “Content material Strategist serving to creators monetize LinkedIn” or “Private Branding Advisor for distant professionals.” Right here’s mine:
- Recurrently create content material centered on particular matters inside your area of interest (at the very least as soon as every week).
- Take note of viewers suggestions — double down on content material that resonates.
I apprehensive about narrowing issues down an excessive amount of at first, however readability is precisely what manufacturers (and audiences) love.
Step 2: Optimize your LinkedIn profile so manufacturers can attain out
As a LinkedIn creator, your LinkedIn profile is not a resume — it’s your pitch to potential model companions.
As Sarah Adam, Head of Partnerships & Influencer Advertising at Wix, shared, “When in search of influencers on LinkedIn, the influencer’s title and career are actually necessary, as they have to align with the audience and temporary. Different metrics like common impressions per submit, engagement charges, and submit frequency are additionally essential.”
Do not stretch your numbers — manufacturers have instruments (like Creator Match’s Chrome extension) to shortly confirm your stats anyway.
Nevertheless, that solely goes to this point — LinkedIn search is just not but marketing-friendly, as AJ Eckstein, founding father of Creator Match, highlighted, saying, “LinkedIn simply isn’t constructed for creator advertising and marketing. Not like Instagram or TikTok, there’s no market, no standardized pricing, no actual instruments to assist manufacturers join with the proper creators… Due to this, manufacturers are guessing which creators to work with.”
This implies your LinkedIn profile must do additional work — it has to obviously showcase your area of interest, your credibility, and precisely how manufacturers can attain you.
Ifeoluwa Akinyemi, Marketing campaign Assistant at Creatorbuzz, identified how irritating hidden contact particulars might be for companies looking for creators: “Having your electronic mail in your profile is such [an] difficulty. Each single time, I’m like, ‘I discovered this individual,’ however they will not reply to LinkedIn messages quick sufficient. If I’ve your electronic mail, it’s really easy. It is best to at all times have your electronic mail there.”
Listed here are some extra tricks to shortly optimize your profile:
- Put an expert electronic mail handle prominently in your LinkedIn contact data or About part. Should you don’t need a flood of messages in your inbox, arrange a separate account only for this.
- Add clear examples of your best-performing content material to the “Featured” part. It is a fast portfolio for potential sponsors.
- Your “About” part ought to clearly state who your viewers is, what matters you cowl, and why your content material resonates.
Fake you’re a busy model supervisor shortly scanning your profile. Can they instantly see who you serve, why you are credible, and how one can contact you? If not, alter accordingly.
Step 3: Create genuine, brand-friendly content material — with out sacrificing your voice
Manufacturers don’t simply need publicity — they need authenticity. The perfect partnerships occur when sponsored content material feels as pure as your common posts.
AJ Eckstein defined this completely, saying, “The perfect model partnerships on LinkedIn don’t really feel like adverts — they really feel like a typical submit from that creator.”
In case your content material out of the blue feels pressured or overly promotional, your viewers (and types) will discover. Sarah Adam emphasised the stability of branding and authenticity: “The content material must be on model for the creator, not on model for the model.”
When speaking about manufacturers, I don’t change my content material model — and I received’t lie and say that I’ve used a product after I haven’t.
Lindsey Gamble, a publication author and LinkedIn creator, says, “I see paid partnerships as integrations slightly than adverts. I construction my content material equally to my natural posts. As an alternative of simply selling a product, I deal with why it issues and the way it genuinely suits inside my common content material model.
Since I began my model partnership journey, I’ve adopted this guidelines to determine whether or not to accomplice with a model:
- Does the submit sound like one thing I would naturally share, even with out the model deal?
- Is my storytelling clear, relatable, and genuinely reflective of your private expertise?
- Will my viewers genuinely discover this helpful, past simply studying a couple of product?
This helps me say no extra simply (even when it hurts). To maintain the stability of sponsored and your common content material, create as if it isn’t sponsored. Purpose for content material you’d naturally submit anyway, then combine the sponsored aspect authentically.
At all times prioritize your relationship together with your viewers over any short-term deal. Authenticity right now secures higher partnerships tomorrow.
Step 4: Proactively pitch manufacturers
You would await manufacturers to return knocking, however you’ll land far more offers for those who knock first. In truth, Tara Knight factors out one thing shocking:
“You would be shocked how few creators really attain out proactively. Manufacturers are often thrilled when a creator makes the primary transfer, particularly in the event that they’re genuinely conversant in the product already.”
On the opposite facet, Lloyd George, an skilled LinkedIn creator, shared this perception from his success with this method: “The quickest approach to get a partnership is to seek out manufacturers you have already talked about organically and straight attain out. Provide them concrete methods your viewers aligns with their objectives.”
That is precisely how I landed my first two LinkedIn model partnerships. Hitting ship was nerve-wracking, however the payoff was instant — a transparent, enthusiastic “sure.”
Right here’s how one can proactively pitch (with out being pushy):
- Establish manufacturers you genuinely like and already discuss organically.
- Begin with easy outreach — electronic mail or LinkedIn messages clearly explaining why your viewers aligns with their model, plus concepts for how one can collaborate.
- Hold your pitch informal, conversational, and clearly centered on mutual worth.
Take the initiative right now. Choose one model you’ve talked about organically, and attain out with a easy DM. You would possibly simply land your first (or subsequent!) partnership sooner than you assume.
Step 5: Negotiate confidently (even when it’s your first time)
Negotiation can really feel awkward — particularly whenever you’re new to model partnerships and apprehensive about shedding a chance. However right here’s a reassuring reality: Most manufacturers really count on you to barter.
Jayde Powell has a easy, efficient method. “I at all times function below the idea that I can get greater than the unique supply. 80% of the time, after I ask if there’s room for an even bigger funds, there may be.”
She additionally shared what she does if a model’s funds is genuinely tight: “If manufacturers can’t improve their fee, I’ll ask for a six-month or year-long subscription to their service, or a reduction on their product, relying on how costly it’s.”
Personally, after I negotiated my first model deal, I had one aim in thoughts: to refill my portfolio. Though I might have appreciated the massive bucks on my first-ever partnership, I used to be extra centered on the advantages that flexibility with pricing would get me, like longer-term partnerships down the road, plus what was successfully a paid announcement that I used to be critical about partnerships.
Listed here are some sensible negotiation suggestions to your first LinkedIn model partnership:
- Even when the preliminary supply is sweet, politely ask if there’s flexibility. It’s typically constructed into the preliminary proposal.
- If the model’s funds is proscribed, suggest alternate options similar to longer subscriptions, product samples, affiliate commissions, or different artistic perks.
- Know your absolute backside line earlier than you negotiate. It helps you method negotiations extra confidently.
- Mess around with pricing for various codecs. In case your fee for a video feels too excessive for the model, supply a textual content submit or carousel as a substitute (which could take much less effort and nonetheless ship nice outcomes).
Now that I’m three partnerships in, I’ve refined my method to negotiation and have been capable of ask for extra primarily based on previous success. I’ve additionally shifted my focus to manufacturers I can see myself collaborating with long-term. Brendan Gahan, founding father of Creator Authority, shared why long-term considering advantages each creators and types:
“Lengthy-term is greatest for all events concerned: creators protect their credibility, manufacturers safe higher charges and profit from economies of scale, and the method turns into extra environment friendly.”
When negotiating, mentioning your openness to a longer-term relationship might be a horny incentive to manufacturers. It might probably allow you to safe higher phrases, elevated credibility, and ongoing earnings stability.
Step 6: Execute professionally so you possibly can safe future offers
Your first partnership is thrilling, however manufacturers actually discover the small issues — like fast responses, hitting deadlines, and being simple to work with.
Sarah Adam defined how essential this professionalism is for repeat partnerships. “Past content material high quality, professionalism is essential. If influencers miss deadlines, don’t adhere to briefs, or are unresponsive, it impacts our probability of partnering once more sooner or later.”
AJ Eckstein bolstered this concept from the company perspective: “Professionalism is vital. We’re at all times extra inclined to return to creators who talk clearly, meet their deadlines, and genuinely appear invested within the success of the marketing campaign.”
After I secured my first LinkedIn model partnership, I made a deliberate effort to impress the model not simply via nice content material but in addition by being simple {and professional} to work with. I responded shortly to emails, clearly clarified expectations upfront, delivered precisely what I promised (plus somewhat additional), and proactively shared the outcomes.
This is precisely how one can make sure that your professionalism shines via in your first model deal:
- Affirm deliverables, timelines, approvals, and fee phrases clearly earlier than beginning any content material.
- Reply to all communications (emails or LinkedIn messages) inside 24-48 hours — even when it is simply to acknowledge receipt and allow them to know whenever you’ll reply totally.
- Observe the agreed-upon temporary intently, however don’t be afraid to politely counsel concepts primarily based in your data of your viewers. Manufacturers often admire considerate enter.
- At all times ship on time (and even barely early). If there’s a difficulty, talk proactively — by no means depart a model guessing.
- After posting, instantly observe and share engagement metrics, key insights, and viewers suggestions. Manufacturers admire creators who clearly exhibit the worth of their content material.
Deal with every partnership prefer it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship — as a result of typically, it’s. Nice execution builds belief, and belief turns one-off initiatives into ongoing alternatives.
Step 7: Use previous success to draw extra partnerships
Each profitable model partnership you safe is a chance to draw the following one. How? By clearly showcasing the affect of your content material and proactively highlighting your successes to different potential manufacturers.
Gigi Robinson, a Creator Financial system Skilled & Speaker, emphasised the ability of clearly documenting your wins: “At all times have a transparent report of your previous collaborations—manufacturers need tangible proof you could ship. Displaying clear outcomes makes your future pitches much more compelling.”
Lloyd George agrees, stating that leveraging preliminary wins is a robust approach to construct momentum. “Create early examples — even when initially smaller — to show your worth clearly. These examples grow to be your basis for negotiating greater offers down the highway.”
After I landed my first LinkedIn model partnership, I did not maintain quiet about it. As an alternative, I proactively shared the outcomes of that partnership publicly on LinkedIn – getting me much more content material and views on the unique submit. This instantly put me on the radar of different manufacturers and companies who shortly noticed the potential in working collectively.
Right here’s precisely how one can virtually use your successes:
- Summarize your sponsored content material outcomes clearly (impressions, engagement charges, and viewers suggestions). Even a easy PDF or slide can grow to be a helpful asset in future pitches.
- Share temporary posts publicly on LinkedIn, celebrating profitable partnerships and clearly exhibiting your outcomes (at all times get the model’s permission first). This alerts to different manufacturers that you simply’re open and efficient at sponsored content material.
- Embrace latest sponsored submit examples and efficiency metrics. A present, clear, and detailed media equipment makes your future pitches irresistible.
- Each new outreach ought to reference latest partnership successes and metrics — manufacturers love seeing confirmed outcomes.
By no means assume manufacturers will robotically see your worth. Proactively showcasing your partnership outcomes makes securing your subsequent model deal a lot simpler.
5 frequent errors to keep away from (based on the consultants)
Securing model partnerships on LinkedIn will get simpler over time — however provided that you know the way to keep away from the frequent pitfalls that journey up even skilled creators.
Listed here are the most important errors creators make, straight from the consultants who’ve seen them firsthand (and sensible tricks to keep away from them):
1. Ignoring clear pink flags about model alignment: Jayde Powell discovered this early: “Early on, I made the error of partnering with manufacturers that weren’t aligned with my viewers. These posts hardly ever carried out nicely, and worse, risked eroding my viewers’s belief.” At all times ask your self in case your viewers genuinely aligns with the model’s values earlier than saying sure.
2. Poor communication (sluggish responses, unclear expectations): Sarah Adam from Wix defined: “Lack of clear communication, sluggish responses, or lacking deadlines considerably impacts whether or not we work with a creator once more. Professionalism issues simply as a lot as the standard of content material.” At all times reply shortly, clearly outline expectations upfront, and proactively talk.
3. Focusing solely on follower counts or chasing virality: Brendan Gahan shared: “Follower counts have gotten much less related. Manufacturers right now care extra about engagement high quality, relevance, and area of interest credibility.” Prioritize content material high quality and engagement — numbers alone will not impress manufacturers.
4. Undervaluing your self (or failing to barter): Lindsey Gamble warned: “I as soon as proposed extra content material than I used to be compensated for simply to safe the partnership. It closed the deal, however I unintentionally set a low precedent. Watch out about providing an excessive amount of early on—you don’t need to undervalue your work long-term.”
5. Not clearly documenting or showcasing your success: Gigi Robinson emphasised: “Manufacturers need tangible proof you ship outcomes. With out clearly documented case research or media kits, you’re making future negotiations a lot tougher.” Summarize your sponsored submit outcomes and maintain an up to date, easy-to-share media equipment.
What’s subsequent for LinkedIn model partnerships – and me?
Model partnerships on LinkedIn are evolving at lightning pace. From my expertise and conversations with creators, model leaders, and influencer advertising and marketing professionals, listed below are three clear developments shaping profitable model partnerships in 2025 (and past).
1. Manufacturers are critically investing in LinkedIn creators: The momentum is barely growing, and AJ Eckstein has seen this shift clearly: “We’re seeing budgets improve considerably for LinkedIn influencer advertising and marketing. Manufacturers are realizing the standard of engagement and the viewers’s shopping for energy right here.”
2. Video is changing into a must have format on LinkedIn: Manufacturers are more and more prioritizing creators who produce compelling video content material. Lindsey Gamble shared, “…video content material has been a robust negotiation lever…As LinkedIn has pushed video extra, I’ve elevated my video efforts, each to align with the algorithm and to supply sponsored video content material for these manufacturers that need that kind of content material for his or her partnerships.”
3. Lengthy-term partnerships matter greater than ever: Manufacturers aren’t simply in search of one-off promotions anymore—they need sustained, genuine relationships with creators. Sarah Adam at Wix summed up this shift clearly: “We’re prioritizing long-term relationships as a result of it creates extra genuine connections with the viewers, builds belief, and results in considerably higher outcomes.”
As for me, I’m firmly seated on the prepare as I ship in my third video for a LinkedIn model partnership right now and three extra pitches this week. Issues are choosing up for me, and I’ll proceed to gather data and achieve expertise to share with you.
Take a step in direction of your first model partnership
Should you’re seeking to monetize your LinkedIn, right here’s a problem for you: take one step right now.
I began this journey publicly — and transparently — to see what was potential. Now it is your flip. This is your problem:
- At the moment: Make clear your area of interest and replace your profile to make your focus crystal clear.
- This week: Attain out proactively to at the very least one model you have already talked about organically.
- Subsequent month: Share your progress publicly on LinkedIn — and tag me. I would like to have fun your wins or supply any assist I can.
The query is not whether or not creators can monetize LinkedIn anymore — it is merely whether or not you will take step one.
