Let’s Write Our First Message
Finding social media influencers isn’t difficult anymore. In fact, a study reveals that 1 in 4 people can be considered social media influencers. After all, 1 in 2 social media influencers earn $15,000 annually from this job. But reaching out to them can be difficult for some brands. I remember one client who reached out to a Korean influencer on Instagram by writing a message in English, a language that person did not understand.
So, let me explain to you what to write to influencer for collaboration and how to go about approaching your would-be collaborator. Get your foot in the door with your 1st DM.
Why the First Message Matters
Think of the first message as your handshake. It has to be confident yet respectful, clear yet mindful of the influencer’s time. Time-wasters are not welcome. Generic pitches like “Hey, wanna collaborate?” in 2025 are useless. Instead, you need to show that you’ve done your homework. If you want to know how to reach out to influencers for collaboration, you must stand out from other brands trying to win them.
The way you approach this can make/break your chances. My experience working with IQFluence clients is that those who invest time writing thoughtful, personalized messages view reply rates up to 3x higher than those who don’t. That’s how to contact influencers correctly, starting with a great title!
Read also: Collaboration Email Template: 8 Examples to Get Influencer Reply
Subject Line
The subject line is your email’s headline. If it’s boring to read, your email may end up in trash. You have to nail it by:
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Being clear and concise, e.g., “Collaboration Opportunity With Us”
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Sparking curiosity, e.g., “Love Your Content, Let’s Partner Up”
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Personalizing your message, e.g., “Inspired By Your Recent Post, Collaboration Idea”
Keep in mind that different influencers respond to different tones. Some prefer straightforward business tones, while others appreciate friendly banter. That’s why your job is to experiment with various tones, finding out which one hits the mark.
Structure of the email
I’ve seen a million clever, hyper-creative outreach formats over the years. But truth? This is the classic structure that still works best. Why? Because creators know it, expect it, and can scan it in under 30 seconds.
It’s simple, clean, and super clear — and that’s exactly why it gets replies. Every time. Let’s break it down.
👉 Start with who you are + why you’re showing up in their inbox
This isn’t the place for a drawn-out intro. You’ve got 5 seconds to sound like a real person, not a spammy brand rep.
Hey [Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Brand]. We’re working on a paid collab campaign for [Product], and your content instantly came to mind.
The best part here is that it is short, clear, and instantly answers “why me?”
👉 Make it about them
Now this part? This is where most brands flop. Don’t just say “we love your vibe.” Be specific. Real recognize real.
We’re partnering with creators who lead with [authenticity / humor / real talk], and the way you show up — especially in [insert post format or series] — seriously stands out.
It shows you actually watched their content. It’s respectful, not generic.
👉 Outline the offer — but keep it breezy
No long brief here. Just enough for them to think, “Okay, this sounds fun and legit.”
It’s a paid campaign for [platform], and we’re thinking something like a short-form video + story. Totally flexible on format — we’d love to hear your take.
Why it works: you’re guiding, not demanding. That’s creator currency.
👉 End with a clear, easy CTA
No “let me know your thoughts” nonsense. That’s how emails die.
Want me to send over the one-pager with timeline + budget details?
It’s direct, friendly, and gives them one thing to say “yes” to.
And that’s the body. No hype. No hard sell. Just a clean message that says: we see you, we respect your work, and we’re here for a real collab.
Email Examples of How to Contact an Influencer
Here are three examples of emails that have helped brands & creators kick off successful collaborations. These templates can serve as a how to reach out to influencers for collaboration template to adapt.
Example #1: Personalized Compliment | Proposal
Why it works? It’s personal and shows genuine interest in what the influencer does. It’s also very clear about the collaboration idea.
Example #2: Problem-Solution Approach
💡 Why this works:
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Subject line speaks directly to the influencer’s audience value, not just the product
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It opens with audience behavior insight — not empty praise
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Positions the product as a solution to a real need their followers care about
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Mentions creator trust and authority (without being cheesy)
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Calls out a paid campaign, but invites feedback vs. pushing deliverables
📌 Pro tip: Pair this with an audience insight from the influencer’s actual comments (e.g., “Saw a few guys asking about hair thinning — made me think of this collab”). That’s the magic detail that makes them say “wait, this brand gets me.”
Example #3: The Straight Shooter
Why it works:
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In the first line, it clearly states who you are, why you’re writing, and that it’s paid. No vague “opportunity” or “idea I’d love to run by you” — creators don’t have time for mystery.
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The compliment is earned, not empty. Instead of copy-paste flattery, this frames the influencer as a strategic fit, not just another name on a list. It makes them feel chosen for the right reasons.
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Aligns with creator values. This shows IQFluence understands what creators care about: authenticity, audience trust, and meaningful content — not just a paycheck. That builds instant credibility.
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Low-friction CTA. No pressure, no big ask. It’s casual and actionable. “Can I send” is psychologically easier to say yes to than “Are you available for a call” or “Let me know if you are interested.”
Read Also: How brands do influencer outreach.
