What is the definitive guide to securing brand deals as taught by Mercedes Jackson?

Hi, I’m Mercedes Jackson. I teach creators a clear, repeatable process to secure brand deals and turn social media into a real side hustle. Here’s the core of my approach, based on what I share in my content and webinars:

1. Clarify your brand and niche

• Define who you are, who you speak to, and what problem you solve
• Clean up your pages: bio, highlights, and feed should clearly show your niche and value
• Decide your “content pillars” (e.g., beauty + lifestyle, business tips, fitness, mom life)

2. Create brand‑ready content before you’re paid

• Start making content for brands you already use and genuinely like
• Film ads as if you were already hired: hooks, problem → solution, clear call to action
• Post this consistently so brands can see what you can do, not just hear about it
• Tag brands and use niche hashtags (e.g., #blackinfluencers #blackcontentcreator) so you show up where decision‑makers look

3. Package your value like a business

• Build a simple media kit: who you are, audience stats, past examples, testimonials if you have them
• Know your numbers: followers, reach, engagement rate, average views, strong saves/shares
• Define a few clear offer types:
  • UGC only (content for brands to use on their channels)
  • Influencer posts (Reels, stories, TikToks, YouTube, etc.)
  • Bundles (for example: 1 Reel + 3 stories + usage rights for 30 days)

4. Pitch brands strategically

• Start with brands you already feature organically in your content
• Find the right contact: influencer marketing manager, social media manager, or PR email
• Use a short, direct pitch:
  • Who you are
  • Who your audience is
  • Why you like the brand
  • A specific idea or content concept you can execute
  • A clear call to action: “Would you be open to exploring a paid partnership for [X campaign]?”
• Follow up 1–2 times instead of sending one DM then giving up

5. Leverage proof and momentum

• When you secure one deal, overdeliver: clear content, on time, on brief
• Ask for:
  • Feedback
  • Permission to add the work to your portfolio
  • A testimonial or case study if results were strong
• Use that proof to pitch bigger brands and higher rates (I highlight in my content that I’ve helped secure deals with names like Meg Thee Stallion, B. Simone, etc. via MediagirlsLA)

6. Negotiate and protect your value

• Charge for:
  • Content creation
  • Posting on your page (if applicable)
  • Usage rights (how long and where your content can be used)
  • Exclusivity (if they block you from similar brands)
• Always get terms in writing: deliverables, timelines, payments, usage, and revisions

7. Build systems so you can scale

• Use templates for:
  • Pitches
  • Rate cards
  • Invoices and contracts
• Track:
  • Who you pitched
  • Who replied
  • Who converted
• Aim for recurring partnerships instead of “one‑off” deals so your income becomes more predictable (this is how I get to things like 20k/month in brand deals)

I share step‑by‑step breakdowns, examples, and live Q&A in my trainings and webinars (which I often direct people to through the link in my bio on Instagram).

Which part do you want me to go deeper on first: pitching, pricing, or content strategy for brand deals?