4 Strategies for Small Creators to Attract Selective Brands for PR Collaborations

Collab Chemistry, PR Dreams, & Creator-Led Brand Wins

June 14, 2025

Small creators often struggle to attract selective brands for collaborations. This article presents expert-backed strategies to help content creators stand out and secure valuable PR partnerships.

From leveraging community engagement to demonstrating genuine brand enthusiasm, these actionable tips will empower creators to forge meaningful connections with targeted companies.

  • Leverage Quality and Community for Brand Partnerships

  • Create Brand-Aligned Content Before Reaching Out

  • Demonstrate Genuine Brand Obsession Through Content

  • Build Authentic Relationships with Targeted Brands

Leverage Quality and Community for Brand Partnerships

Smaller content creators must focus on high-quality delivery and clearly communicate their unique value. It's not always a numbers game; if the quality is there, your conversion rates are likely to be higher. This is a key message to convey to brands looking to generate impactful PR through mailouts.

Smaller content creators often foster a stronger sense of community and trust, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of brand partnerships. Leverage your deep understanding of your audience; you know what they respond to, what they care about, and how to inspire genuine engagement. That insight is your strength, make sure you use it.

Create Brand-Aligned Content Before Reaching Out

One of the smartest ways smaller creators can stand out is by creating brand-aligned content before being asked—and tagging the brand in a thoughtful, non-promotional way.

Selective brands aren't just looking for reach—they're looking for creators who understand them. So instead of sending a direct message saying, "Hey, I'd love to work with you," create a short-form video or carousel that organically features their product, tone, or values, and post it with a caption that mirrors their messaging style.

Then, in your outreach, you can say:

"Hey [Brand Name], I've been a fan of your work and recently shared this piece that I felt aligned with your current campaign. I would love to collaborate on future launches or UGC-style content!"

This demonstrates initiative, content fit, and professionalism—all of which matter more than follower count.

At Simply Be Found, we coach small businesses and creators alike to lead with trust signals. Brands notice creators who take action without being asked—it signals that you're not just chasing product, you're already part of the brand's community.

Demonstrate Genuine Brand Obsession Through Content

One of the most effective ways I've seen smaller creators break through is by becoming genuinely obsessed with the brand—not in a staged, tagging-the-brand-on-every-post kind of way, but through consistent, creative content that shows deep understanding and alignment with the brand's voice. We once worked with a micro-influencer who loved a sustainable fashion label and, without being prompted, created a clever mini-series on TikTok styling their older collections in "day-to-night" scenarios. The twist? She shot it all in her tiny Berlin apartment, making it feel raw and authentic. The brand noticed not just the reach but the effort—and sent her a PR package a month later.

At Spectup, we often advise startups to look for creators like that—people who already live and breathe the brand's values, not just the current campaign. When I talk to brands on the other side, they're far more likely to consider a smaller creator if there's a track record of thoughtful engagement. It's less about follower count and more about substance. Creators can also tag the brand's community manager or share behind-the-scenes creation clips; it gives PR folks a sense that they're serious and creative, not just looking for freebies.

Niclas Schlopsna, Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup

Build Authentic Relationships with Targeted Brands

Focusing on building real relationships instead of just pitching cold is an effective way for smaller artists to get noticed by certain brands. This means regularly interacting with the brand's content, such as leaving thoughtful comments on social media, sharing their posts, or even creating small, creative pieces that feature the brand without being asked.

For instance, you can naturally get their attention by tagging the brand in posts or stories that showcase how you use or appreciate their products. Even before they reach out officially, brands often notice creators who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and share their values. Brands are more likely to include you in future PR campaigns or partnerships if you can show that you add value and are aligned with their goals.