How to Pitch Brands as a Small Content Creator (Without Sounding Desperate)

When I first started pitching brands, I genuinely thought the reason I wasn’t hearing back was because I didn’t have enough followers.

So I spent way too much time focusing on numbers instead of learning how to actually position myself professionally.

And honestly?

That’s where I see so many smaller creators getting stuck.

They assume:

• they need 100K followers

• their content isn’t “good enough”

• brands only care about viral creators

• or that they need to sound overly corporate in emails

But after years of working in this industry, both as a creator and behind the scenes, I’ve learned something important:

Most creators aren’t getting ignored because they’re too small.

They’re getting ignored because their pitch doesn’t clearly communicate their value.

The Biggest Mistake Small Creators Make When Pitching Brands

A lot of creators send emails that sound:

• overly apologetic

• too vague

• too long

• or completely focused on themselves instead of the brand

And listen…I get it.

Talking about yourself professionally can feel awkward at first.

Especially when you’re still building confidence in your content.

But brands are not looking for perfection.

They’re looking for creators who:

• understand their audience

• create trustworthy content

• know how to communicate clearly

• and feel aligned with the brand

That matters more than follower count way more often than people realize.

You Do NOT Need a Massive Following to Work With Brands

One of the biggest myths online right now is that you need a huge audience before brands will take you seriously.

You don’t.

Some of the most valuable creators are creators with:

• engaged communities

• niche audiences

• high trust

• and strong storytelling

That’s especially true in beauty, lifestyle, skincare, motherhood, and niche creator spaces.

Brands care about connection.

Not just numbers.

I’ve personally seen smaller creators land opportunities simply because they knew how to present themselves professionally and genuinely.

What Brands Actually Want From Creators

Most brands are looking for creators who can:

• make content feel natural

• create trust with their audience

• educate or influence purchasing decisions

• communicate professionally

• and deliver content consistently

That’s why your pitch matters so much.

Your email is often the first impression a brand gets of you.

And if your pitch sounds rushed, unclear, or unsure of itself…brands can feel that immediately.

Stop Trying to Sound “Perfect”

One of the biggest things I had to learn was that pitching is not about sounding robotic or overly polished.

It’s about sounding:

• confident

• clear

• professional

• and aligned

You don’t need to write a novel.

You don’t need to oversell yourself.

And you definitely do not need to beg brands for opportunities.

You need to clearly communicate:

• who you are

• who your audience is

• what kind of content you create

• and why you would be a good fit

That’s it.

Why I Created “The Pitch That Gets You Replies”

After years of learning through trial and error, I realized that smaller creators are constantly being told:
“Just email brands!”

…but nobody actually teaches creators HOW to pitch professionally.

So I created a workbook that walks creators through:

• how to structure a pitch

• what brands actually pay attention to

• how to stop underselling yourself

• what to include in outreach emails

• and how to position yourself even if you don’t have a massive following

Because smaller creators deserve opportunities too.

And honestly?

Some of the best creators I know are still growing their platforms.

What’s Inside the Workbook

Inside The Pitch That Gets You Replies, I included:

• real pitch examples

• outreach tips

• ways to position your value

• mistakes to avoid

• guidance for smaller creators

• and strategies I’ve personally used throughout my creator journey

This workbook is designed to help creators feel more confident, professional, and prepared when reaching out to brands.

Grab the workbook here:

And if you’re not already on my email list, make sure you join because I’ll be sharing even more creator resources, PR tips, and behind-the-scenes advice for smaller creators.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a smaller creator reading this, I really want you to understand this:

You do not need to wait until you feel “big enough” to start showing up professionally.

You can build relationships with brands now.

You can create opportunities now.

And you absolutely deserve to take your work seriously now.

Because consistency, trust, and community matter more than most people realize.

Small Creators Keep Asking Me for My Pitch Emails…So I Made Something

A few months ago, a creator asked me something that honestly caught me off guard.

She asked if I would ever sell the actual email pitches I use for brand deals.

At first, I laughed a little because I never thought of my emails as a “product.” They were just the emails I spent years refining through trial and error while building relationships with brands as a smaller creator.

But then I realized something:

A lot of creators don’t struggle because they aren’t talented.

They struggle because they don’t know what to say.

They don’t know how to pitch themselves without sounding robotic.
They don’t know how to follow up professionally.
They don’t know how to make brands actually want to respond.

And honestly?
Most of the advice online about pitching brands feels super generic.

So after getting asked over and over again, I decided to finally put together something I wish I had when I first started.

Launching Monday, I’m releasing my brand pitch email collection for creators.

Not just one template.

Actual emails.
Real frameworks.
Real approaches I use depending on the situation.

Inside, I’ll be sharing:
• Pitch email structures that feel natural (not corporate)
• Follow-up email examples
• Ways to pitch yourself even as a small creator
• Subject line ideas
• How to sound confident without overselling yourself
• The exact mindset shift that helped me stop being scared to pitch brands

Because the truth is:
You do not need a huge following to start building brand relationships.

You need strategy.
You need consistency.
And you need to know how to communicate your value.

That’s what this is about.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen trying to figure out how to email a brand…this was made for you.

Launches Monday 💌

Best Setting Powders for Mature Skin (Lightweight & Non-Drying Picks)

Listen…setting powder can either make your makeup look flawless, or instantly age you.

And if you have mature skin, you already know the wrong powder will have you looking dry, textured, and wondering where your glow went 😩

So instead of skipping powder completely (because we still want things set and smooth), the key is using the right powders, the ones that are lightweight, finely milled, and don’t suck the life out of your skin.

These are the ones I actually use and trust on my skin.

And yes, I linked everything in my ShopMy for you 👀

1. LYS Triple Fix Setting Powder (My #1 Recommendation)

If you take nothing else from this post, take this.

This powder is SO lightweight, it almost feels like nothing on the skin. But somehow, it still sets your makeup and gives you the most natural, polished finish.

It doesn’t look dry, it doesn’t cling, and it doesn’t make your under eyes look heavy. It just smooths everything out.

Why it works for mature skin:

• Ultra lightweight formula

• Gives a soft, natural glow (not flat or matte)

• Doesn’t settle into fine lines

👉🏾 This is a staple for me—I linked it in my ShopMy

2. Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

This one is a little different, but in the best way.

It’s technically a balm-to-powder, and it gives you this soft blurred effect that makes your skin look smoother without looking dry or cakey.

I love using this in areas where I want to control shine without losing that skin-like finish.

Why it works for mature skin:

• Blurs texture beautifully

• Controls shine without dryness

• Keeps the skin looking like skin

👉🏾 If you struggle with texture, this is a must try—linked in my ShopMy

3. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Loose Setting Powder

Now this one, you just have to know how to use it.

This is not the powder I’m packing heavily under my eyes. But for the perimeter of the face? Chef’s kiss.

It helps set everything in place and gives a soft matte finish where you need it—without taking away from the glow in the center of your face.

Why it works for mature skin:

• Great for targeted setting (not full face)

• Smooths without heaviness

• Keeps makeup in place all day

👉🏾 I use this strategically—and yes, it’s linked

4. Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting Powder

If you’re someone who hates the feeling of powder, this is for you.

It’s baked, super lightweight, and gives more of a soft blur than a full set. It’s perfect for those “no makeup, makeup” days or when you just want to lightly set your skin without overdoing it.

Why it works for mature skin:

• Never looks heavy or cakey

• Gives a soft, diffused finish

• Perfect for light setting days

👉🏾 This one is so easy to use—I linked it for you

Final Thoughts

With mature skin, it’s not about avoiding powder, it’s about using it differently.

You don’t need a heavy layer. You don’t need to bake. And you definitely don’t need anything that makes your skin look dry.

The right powders will:

• Smooth your skin

• Set your makeup

• Keep your glow intact

• And NOT emphasize fine lines

Start with one of these, and you’ll see the difference immediately.

Shop My Picks

I linked all of my go-to setting powders below: