Influencer FAQs: What Newbies Really Need to Know
If you’re new to the world of influencing, welcome to the jungle, babe. It’s fun, it’s chaotic, it’s full of brand emails and sketchy DMs—and I’m here to help you navigate it all with confidence, clarity, and a little sass.
Let’s break down the most common questions I get from aspiring influencers (because YES, you’re officially aspiring if you’re reading this).
“Are These Emails & DMs in My Requests Legit?”
Short answer: some are. Long answer: here’s how to tell.
Not all pitch emails are created equal. Some brands are totally legit and just operating out of a humble Gmail inbox. Others? Scam central.
Here’s how to vet them like a pro:
Check the email address. A branded domain (like name@brandname.com) is usually a good sign of a legitimate business. But don’t rule out Gmail or other provider emails just yet—some small or local businesses might not have upgraded.
2. Do a little recon. Visit their website and cross-check the contact info. Then pop over to their Instagram and hit that Email button to see if the sender matches. If in doubt, DM the brand directly. Not only is this a smart safety move—it shows you’re proactive, professional, and genuinely interested (which can open even more doors).
“What Brands Should I Avoid?”
Let’s talk ethics.
Who you choose to represent says everything about you—from your values and integrity to your industry knowledge and standards. Fast fashion and MLMs might offer quick opportunities, but they come with a cost (to your reputation, and often the planet too).
Brands to steer clear of (influencer red flags):
SheIn
BooHoo
Forever21
Mango
H&M
Missguided
Zara
Fashion Nova
ROMWE
Uniqlo
TOPSHOP
GAP / Old Navy
Most fast fashion labels
MLMs like Monat, Beauty Counter, DoTerra, Rodan + Fields, Younique, Farmasi, Color Street, etc.
If it feels shady, exploitative, or just plain “ick”? Trust your gut.
“What Kinds of Brands Should I Work With?”
Start close to home—literally. Local businesses, small brands, and indie creators are GOLD for new influencers. You get the opportunity to build real relationships, create killer content, and establish yourself as someone who actually cares (and not just out here chasing brand deals for clout).
✨ Bonus Tip: Want to work in travel? Scope out 3-5 hotels, Airbnbs, or unique stays in your area. Start creating content before you even pitch—build a little portfolio to show them what you’re capable of, then reach out with a short & sweet ask for a collaboration or content trade.
Bottom line, work with brands aligned with your values, your vibe, and your audience. That’s where the magic happens.
“How Do I Find My Niche?”
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: your niche often finds YOU.
Don’t stress about labeling yourself too early. Instead, focus on doing what you love and sharing what lights you up.
Into beauty? Start by working with small local brands, estheticians, or beauty shops.
Foodie at heart? Feature your favorite eats and hidden gems in your area.
A little bit of everything? That’s okay too. Multi-passionate creators exist—and thrive! The key is creating cohesion in your content. Make it flow.
Still unsure? Look at what your audience engages with the most, then double down.
“How Much Should I Charge?”
Pricing is a loaded topic in the influencer world. But let’s keep it real: as a newbie, your rate will reflect your engagement rate, audience quality, and content value.
Here’s a starting point:
If you’re just starting (1k followers, 4–10%+ engagement):
Free product collabs are normal at this stage—don’t get discouraged.
Want to be paid? Try starting at $50–$80 per video/post, especially if your content is high-quality.
Once you grow (2.5k–5k followers):
Up your rates to $80–$220 per video/post.
Start offering content packages: think bundles of posts, reels, stories, and photos.
Keep in mind these are ballpark figures—your content quality, editing skill, and storytelling absolutely matter. And don’t forget to factor in usage rights and exclusivity if a brand is asking for more than just a one-time post.
Being an influencer is more than just pretty pictures and hashtags—it’s about building trust, showing up with intention, and aligning with brands that represent who you are.
So take your time. Ask questions. Be discerning. Stay ethical. And most importantly—don’t forget to have fun with it. The right brands will come to you when you show up authentically and consistently.