How to Get Brand Deals as a Small YouTuber

How to Get Brand Deals as a Small YouTuber (The 2025 Playbook)

You don't need millions of subscribers to land brand deals. I've helped creators with as few as 1,000 subscribers secure paid partnerships, and in this guide, I'll show you exactly how it's done. The secret? It's not about your follower count—it's about your ability to deliver value to brands.

Why Brands Work With Small Channels in 2025

The influencer marketing landscape has shifted dramatically. Here's why brands now prefer nano and micro-influencers:

- Higher Engagement Rates (8-15% vs. 1-3% for large creators)

- More Authentic Recommendations (Viewers trust smaller creators)

- Lower Costs (Brands can test multiple small creators vs. one big name)

- Niche Audiences (Precisely targeted demographics)

Case Study: A skincare brand saw 3x higher conversion rates from 10 creators with 5K subscribers each versus one creator with 500K subscribers.

Step 1: Build Your Media Kit (Even With Small Numbers)

Your media kit is your resume for brands. Include:

1. Channel Snapshot

   - Subscriber count (but emphasize engagement)

   - Average view duration (more important than views)

   - Audience demographics (age, location, interests)

2. Past Partnerships

   - Even unpaid collabs count

   - Showcase your ability to integrate products naturally

3. Rates Sheet

   - Dedicated video: $100-$500

   - Product mention: $50-$200

   - Social media cross-post: +20-50%

Pro Tip: Create a simple Canva template and update it monthly.

Step 2: Find the Right Brands to Work With

Where to Look:

1. Affiliate Programs (Amazon Associates, PartnerStack)

2. Influencer Platforms (Collabstr, Upfluence)

3. Brands You Already Use (Check their websites for "Ambassador Programs")

4. Local Businesses (Often overlooked goldmine)

The Perfect Brand Match Checklist:

✔ Products you genuinely use/enjoy  

✔ Brands that fit your content style  

✔ Companies with marketing budgets (check if they run ads)  

Step 3: The Outreach Formula That Works

Cold emailing brands? Use this structure:

Subject Line: "[Your Channel Name] Partnership Idea for [Their Product]"  

Body:  

1. Personal Connection 

   "I've been using [Product] for [time period] and love how it [specific benefit]."  

2. Channel Alignment 

   "My audience of [description] would find [product] valuable because..."  

3. Creative Idea  

   "I'd love to create a video showing [unique angle]."  

4. Call-to-Action  

   "Are you open to discussing collaboration opportunities?"  

Example: 

A 2,000-subscriber baking channel landed a $300 deal by emailing:  

"Hi [Name], as someone who uses your flour in all my recipes, I'd love to show my audience your new organic line in my 'Baking Staples' series. My viewers are home bakers who..."

Step 4: Deliver Exceptional Value (The Key to Repeat Deals)

Brands care about:

1. Authentic Integration 

   - Show the product in natural use  

   - Share genuine pros AND cons  

2. Performance Metrics  

   - Track click-throughs with unique links  

   - Provide screenshots of positive comments  

3. Bonus Exposure 

   - Share the video on your Instagram stories  

   - Mention them in your newsletter (if you have one)  

Pro Move: Send brands a 30-day performance report post-campaign—this often leads to repeat business.

How to Set Your Rates (Without Scaring Brands Away)

Small Channel Rate Guide:

- Product Mention: $50-$200  

- Dedicated Video: $100-$500  

- Bundle Deal: 3 videos for 20% off total  

Negotiation Tip: Start 20% higher than your target rate to allow room for compromise.

The "Foot in the Door" Strategy

Can't get paid deals yet? Try this progression:

1. Product-For-Content Exchange (Build portfolio)  

2. Affiliate-Only Deal (Performance-based)  

3. Hybrid Fee + Commission (Lower fee + higher %)  

4. Flat Fee Sponsorship (The ultimate goal)  

Common Mistakes Small Creators Make

- Focusing only on big brands (Start with smaller companies)  

- Being too salesy (Educate rather than hard-sell)  

- Not disclosing partnerships (FTC fines aren't worth it)  

- Ignoring analytics (Know your conversion stats)  

Case Study: From 1K to $2K/Month in Brand Deals

Channel: Urban Gardening Tips (3,800 subscribers)  

Strategy:  

1. Reached out to 10 niche gardening brands  

2. Offered "product showdown" videos  

3. Provided detailed engagement analytics  

4. Upsold to package deals  

Result:

- 5 ongoing brand partnerships  

- $2,000/month consistent income  

- Free products worth $300/month  

Your 30-Day Action Plan

Week 1:

- Create your media kit  

- Identify 20 potential brand partners  

Week 2:

- Send 5 personalized outreach emails  

- Follow up on any responses  

Week 3:

- Create one "ideal sponsor" demo video  

- Optimize your affiliate links  

Week 4:

- Pitch your first paid collaboration  

- Document everything for your portfolio  

Final Tip: Think Like a Brand

Ask yourself:  

"If I were the marketing manager, why would I choose my channel?"  

Then make that value proposition crystal clear.

Need help crafting your pitch? Share your channel niche below and I'll give you a customized outreach template! 

(Strategies proven through 50+ successful small creator brand deals in 2025.)