The reason why influencers need to stop competing NOW

Too often I read interviews with influencers, where they refuse to answer questions about their negotiation tactics, rates, or other type of ‘blogger business’  things. All I can think at those moments is like… girlll really? We are all struggling here, what happened to female support? 

Before I start, let me get one thing straight: no influencer is the same. Everyone has their own signature look, style and vibe. When a company is looking for an influencer to collab with, they will probably choose you because they like the way you present yourself. The fact that everyone is unique, is also the reason why you shouldn’t feel threatened by other influencers. If a brand decides to go for a bohemian girl, they wouldn’t have chosen me anyway. If a lingerie brand looks for an influencer, they will most likely contact me instead of the bohemian girl. That’s how business works.

One of my favorite blogger babes: Carolina from Foodie-ness! One of the happiest and kindest people I know :)

From l.t.r.:Model Ovo Drenth, Larissa from Hats to Heels, Amanda van Effrink, Lily from Hashtag by Lily, me & Linsey from Pose

Second of all, many times I’ve heard influencers complain about how brands send ridiculous requests or react rude. But I think many influencers don’t realize what brands must endure. So many unprofessional bloggers sending bullsh*it e-mails, which creates a very bad image of influencers in general – which keeps brands from investing in us. For the sake of keeping our honors high, it would be SO much better if we would all just be more honest and open about how it’s best to talk to companies and how to negotiate. The overall market will be respected more, which will also result in higher rates and more jobs.

Susana from Twerkin for a Birkin

From l.t.r. model Liz Amiach, singer Carly Gilbert, me and Paula Ruiz

Which brings me to my last point: right now, there are so many brands that are literally taking advantage of the fact that bloggers are not open about their rates. This is the reason why they are able to send these ridiculous requests: because they know that there will be less experienced influencers that will say yes anyway, because they don’t know what is ‘normal’. If there would at least be like a general guideline for influencers to follow, we would have a much stronger negotiation position towards brands. More and more companies will realize that they have to put aside budgets for influencer collabs, which will result in more jobs with a fair rate. Isn’t that what we all want?

With Lieke from What Lieke Loves <3

This cutie! Nora from All About Nori

Of course, it’s complicated because we are working in the creative sector and it’s hard to define rates: the amount of followers, unique visitors  and engagement rates are complicated variables. Nevertheless, the influencer world is growing continuously so it’s about time we start working on some sort of regulation. We are in this together, let’s grow together. Who’s with me?!

One of my favorite babes :) Taria-Ann from Survivor on Stilettos

Lots of Love,

Lynn

P.s If you liked this blog, make sure to also check out “How to create your personal brand” and “5 tips to get more instagram followers“.

• About the Author

About LynnQuanjel

Lynn likes writing, food (lots of it) and cuddling cute doggies on the street. Whoisthatblonde.com tells the story of her life as a travelling fashion journalist and model, including all inevitable adventures that come with it.