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 check — 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 search out out publicly, and my group instantly responded with useful suggestions.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t take any significant motion till January of 2025, with what I referred to as my #LinkedIncome Journey. I shared my purpose 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 company professionals.
Now, I am sharing every little thing I want somebody had advised me originally.
On this article, you may 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 steerage 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 wherever else. So once I determined to attempt monetizing my LinkedIn content material, I didn’t have something: no media package, no portfolio of previous offers, and positively 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 overtly about merchandise and instruments I genuinely cherished with out being paid for it. So once 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 a substitute of merely replying with the suggestions and calling it a day, I made a decision to take a threat. I despatched them my trustworthy insights, then added a easy however direct query on the finish: “Would you be considering partnering with me for a sponsored LinkedIn submit?” Hitting ship on that electronic mail felt nerve-wracking, however the response was fast and constructive.
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 begin — real, natural content material about merchandise you already use is highly effective. Since I obtained my first partnership, I’ve created a media package, 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 personal 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 achievement.
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 talking to — so will manufacturers.
Even with out a big follower rely, the clearer your positioning, the extra doubtless manufacturers are to shortly establish you as an excellent match — and vice versa.
“Extra manufacturers are opening as much as the concept of working with smaller creators (10-20k followers) to achieve a way more focused viewers,” shared Tara Knight, Head of Operations at Creator Match.
This strategy aligns with what I’ve heard from creators who’ve efficiently monetized their LinkedIn. Jayde I. Powell, Social Strategist & Content material Creator, advised me she’s extremely selective about model partnerships exactly as a result of her area of interest is evident:
“Relevance to my viewers is likely one of the key components in my decision-making when deciding whether or not I’ll accomplice with a model or not. I’ve turned down many provides as a result of I’m protecting of the group I’ve constructed.”
Once I began, I didn’t attempt to converse to everybody. As a substitute, I targeted clearly on creating content material about content material creation, private branding, and distant work in video format — an strategy that naturally aligned with my profession and private experiences. This readability makes it straightforward for me to develop submit concepts and advocate instruments and merchandise.
Listed below are some sensible actions you possibly can take right this moment:
Clearly state your area of interest in your LinkedIn headline and bio. As a substitute 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:
Repeatedly create content material targeted on particular subjects inside your area of interest (at the least as soon as every week).Take note of viewers suggestions — double down on content material that resonates.
I frightened about narrowing issues down an excessive amount of at first, however readability is strictly 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 occupation are actually necessary, as they need to align with the target market and transient. Different metrics like common impressions per submit, engagement charges, and submit frequency are additionally crucial.”
Do not stretch your numbers — manufacturers have instruments (like Creator Match’s Chrome extension) to shortly confirm your stats anyway.
Nonetheless, that solely goes thus far — LinkedIn search shouldn’t be but marketing-friendly, as AJ Eckstein, founding father of Creator Match, highlighted, saying, “LinkedIn simply isn’t constructed for creator advertising. Not like Instagram or TikTok, there’s no market, no standardized pricing, no actual instruments to assist manufacturers join with the suitable 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] concern. Each single time, I’m like, ‘I discovered this particular person,’ however they will not reply to LinkedIn messages quick sufficient. If I’ve your electronic mail, it’s really easy. You must at all times have your electronic mail there.”
Listed below are some extra tricks to shortly optimize your profile:
Put an expert electronic mail tackle prominently in your LinkedIn contact information or About part. For those who 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 subjects 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 find out how to contact you? If not, regulate accordingly.
Step 3: Create genuine, brand-friendly content material — with out sacrificing your voice
Manufacturers don’t simply need publicity — they need authenticity. The most effective partnerships occur when sponsored content material feels as pure as your common posts.
AJ Eckstein defined this completely, saying, “The most effective 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 compelled or overly promotional, your viewers (and types) will discover. Sarah Adam emphasised the steadiness 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 fashion — and I gained’t lie and say that I’ve used a product once I haven’t.
Lindsey Gamble, a e-newsletter author and LinkedIn creator, says, “I see paid partnerships as integrations relatively than adverts. I construction my content material equally to my natural posts. As a substitute of simply selling a product, I give attention to why it issues and the way it genuinely suits inside my regular content material fashion.
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 might 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 steadiness of sponsored and your common content material, create as if it is not sponsored. Purpose for content material you’d naturally submit anyway, then combine the sponsored aspect authentically.
All the time prioritize your relationship together with your viewers over any short-term deal. Authenticity right this moment secures higher partnerships tomorrow.
Step 4: Proactively pitch manufacturers
You can watch for manufacturers to come back knocking, however you’ll land far more offers for those who knock first. Actually, Tara Knight factors out one thing shocking:
“You would be shocked how few creators truly attain out proactively. Manufacturers are often thrilled when a creator makes the primary transfer, particularly in the event that they’re genuinely acquainted with the product already.”
On the opposite facet, Lloyd George, an skilled LinkedIn creator, shared this perception from his success with this strategy: “The quickest technique to get a partnership is to search out manufacturers you have already talked about organically and immediately attain out. Supply them concrete methods your viewers aligns with their targets.”
That is precisely how I landed my first two LinkedIn model partnerships. Hitting ship was nerve-wracking, however the payoff was quick — a transparent, enthusiastic “sure.”
Right here’s find out how to 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.Preserve your pitch informal, conversational, and clearly targeted on mutual worth.
Take the initiative right this moment. Choose one model you’ve talked about organically, and attain out with a easy DM. You may simply land your first (or subsequent!) partnership quicker than you suppose.
Step 5: Negotiate confidently (even when it’s your first time)
Negotiation can really feel awkward — particularly if you’re new to model partnerships and frightened about dropping a chance. However right here’s a reassuring fact: Most manufacturers truly count on you to barter.
Jayde Powell has a easy, efficient strategy. “I at all times function beneath the belief that I can get greater than the unique supply. 80% of the time, once I ask if there’s room for an even bigger price range, there may be.”
She additionally shared what she does if a model’s price range is genuinely tight: “If manufacturers can’t improve their charge, I could 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, once I negotiated my first model deal, I had one purpose in thoughts: to refill my portfolio. Though I might have appreciated the large bucks on my first-ever partnership, I used to be extra targeted 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 severe about partnerships.
Listed below are some sensible negotiation ideas on 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 price range is restricted, suggest alternate options similar to longer subscriptions, product samples, affiliate commissions, or different inventive perks.Know your absolute backside line earlier than you negotiate. It helps you strategy negotiations extra confidently.Mess around with pricing for various codecs. In case your charge 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 strategy to negotiation and have been in a position to ask for extra based mostly 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 pondering advantages each creators and types:
“Lengthy-term is finest 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 pretty incentive to manufacturers. It might probably assist you to safe higher phrases, elevated credibility, and ongoing revenue 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 straightforward 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 chance 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.”
Once I secured my first LinkedIn model partnership, I made a deliberate effort to impress the model not simply by means of nice content material but additionally by being straightforward {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.
Here is precisely how one can be sure that your professionalism shines by means of in your first model deal:
Verify deliverables, timelines, approvals, and cost 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 if you’ll reply totally.Comply with the agreed-upon transient intently, however don’t be afraid to politely counsel concepts based mostly in your data of your viewers. Manufacturers often admire considerate enter.All the time ship on time (and even barely early). If there’s a problem, 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 show 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 influence of your content material and proactively highlighting your successes to different potential manufacturers.
Gigi Robinson, a Creator Financial system Professional & Speaker, emphasised the facility of clearly documenting your wins: “All the time have a transparent file of your previous collaborations—manufacturers need tangible proof which you could ship. Exhibiting clear outcomes makes your future pitches way more compelling.”
Lloyd George agrees, declaring that leveraging preliminary wins is a strong technique to construct momentum. “Create early examples — even when initially smaller — to show your worth clearly. These examples develop into your basis for negotiating greater offers down the street.”
Once I landed my first LinkedIn model partnership, I did not hold quiet about it. As a substitute, 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 develop into a helpful asset in future pitches.Share transient posts publicly on LinkedIn, celebrating profitable partnerships and clearly displaying your outcomes (at all times get the model’s permission first). This indicators to different manufacturers that you simply’re open and efficient at sponsored content material.Embody current sponsored submit examples and efficiency metrics. A present, clear, and detailed media package makes your future pitches irresistible.Each new outreach ought to reference current partnership successes and metrics — manufacturers love seeing confirmed outcomes.
By no means assume manufacturers will routinely see your worth. Proactively showcasing your partnership outcomes makes securing your subsequent model deal a lot simpler.
5 frequent errors to keep away from (in line with the consultants)
Securing model partnerships on LinkedIn will get simpler over time — however provided that you understand how to keep away from the frequent pitfalls that journey up even skilled creators.
Listed below are the largest errors creators make, immediately 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 not often carried out properly, and worse, risked eroding my viewers’s belief.” All the time 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.” All the time 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 this moment 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 hold an up to date, easy-to-share media package.
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 professionals, listed below are three clear traits shaping profitable model partnerships in 2025 (and past).
1. Manufacturers are critically investing in LinkedIn creators: The momentum is barely rising, and AJ Eckstein has seen this shift clearly: “We’re seeing budgets improve considerably for LinkedIn influencer advertising. Manufacturers are realizing the standard of engagement and the viewers’s shopping for energy right here.”
2. Video is changing into vital 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 powerful 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 this moment and three extra pitches this week. Issues are selecting up for me, and I’ll proceed to gather data and achieve expertise to share with you.
Take a step in the direction of your first model partnership
For those who’re trying to monetize your LinkedIn, right here’s a problem for you: take one step right this moment.
I began this journey publicly — and transparently — to see what was potential. Now it is your flip. Here is your problem:
Right this 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 least one model you have already talked about organically.Subsequent month: Share your progress publicly on LinkedIn — and tag me. I might like to rejoice 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 may take step one.
