To contact influencers, reach out directly through the contact information provided on their social media profiles, typically in their bio or "contact" section. If an email is listed, use it to send a brief, professional message introducing your brand and the opportunity. If no email is available, send a direct message (DM) on their platform to keep it clear and concise while stating your intention for collaboration.
Knowing how to contact influencers is important because it helps you connect with them in a way that’s convenient and professional for both parties. Reaching out through the right channel, whether it's email or social media, increases your chances of getting a reply and setting the stage for a successful collaboration.
By understanding their preferred communication methods, you can ensure your message stands out and demonstrates your genuine interest in working together.
“Before you contact any influencer, write down three things: what you want them to create, what you are prepared to pay, and how you will judge success. If you cannot put that on one page, you are not ready to contact them yet.” — Mikhail Grigoriev, Head of Content at HypeAuditor
Main principles for contacting influencers
Check for contact details
Always start by reviewing the influencer’s bio or profile for an email address or any contact links. This is usually the most professional way to reach them.
Use direct messages when needed
If there’s no email listed, send a concise, respectful direct message on their social platform. Be clear about your intentions and avoid overwhelming them with lengthy texts.
Pay attention to their communication style
Influencers may not explicitly state their preferred method of contact, but you can often infer it from their profile or previous interactions. If they seem to engage more on one platform, prioritize that method.
Keep it professional and brief
Whether via email or DM, always keep your initial message professional, clear, and to the point. Influencers receive numerous inquiries, so standing out with a respectful, focused approach is key.
Be timely
Influencers can be busy, so follow up after a reasonable period if you don’t get a reply, but don’t overdo it. Patience is important when trying to establish a professional relationship.
What to keep in mind
It always helps to warm up the outreach. Spend a few days engaging with recent posts, save a Story, or leave a thoughtful comment that adds value. This shows you understand their content and makes your name familiar before your message lands. When you write, keep it light and specific: who you are, what you’re proposing, a rough timeline, and the next step if they are interested.
“You need to show you actually understand the creator, too often companies will reach out with generic emails or DM's.” — from r/socialmedia
Here are common mistakes that lower reply rates:
Sending a long pitch that hides the actual ask.
Copy-pasting the same message to everyone without referencing their recent content.
Asking for a rate before stating the deliverable, timeline, and usage.
Pushing for immediate calls instead of offering an easy next step.
Attaching heavy files or multiple links that look spammy.
Following up too aggressively or on weekends in their time zone.
Treating DMs like contracts instead of moving to email once there is interest.
A few practical quirks are worth noting. Some creators route all brand deals through managers, so if a manager’s email is in the bio, write to them first. Others use link-in-bio tools with “Contact” or “Book me” forms that go straight to their workflow. Use those to get faster responses. Subject lines and first sentences also matter more than you think, so make them short and clear.
Finally, if you do not hear back, one polite follow-up after three to five business days is enough. If there is still silence, let it go and circle back with a new idea later.
