Whether you’re just starting off as a streamer or you’ve been streaming for a while, it’s important to know how to approach sponsors and brands.
If you didn’t catch today’s PAX Aus panel ‘How to (and how not to) approach sponsors’, no need to worry because we’ve got you covered. We’ve summarised the panel into 10 main points for you:
#1: Relationships with sponsors are a two-way street
Working with sponsors means you help each other out. The relationship can’t be one-sided where either party takes without giving.
#2: Do your research before approaching a sponsor
It’s important that you do your due diligence. Understand what the sponsor is all about, what their products are about and what their brand is all about. Find a sponsor that you genuinely like and would want to work with.
#3: Put yourself out there
Build an audience, build a presence and build your own brand. This means being present on social media even if your audience there is different to your stream audience. Sponsors want to see that you’re there and that you’re showing growth in viewership and audience.
#4: Know your limit and know where you are
There isn’t a magic number you should have of followers before you approach a sponsor but it is important to have an existing audience. Sometimes, you won’t get that sponsorship straight away but it’s important to focus on growth because that sponsorship may come later.
#5: Don’t change who you are or what you do just to get your foot in the door
Be confident in what you do and who you are. Sponsors also do their own research and should be familiar with your content before they approach you. You need to find a sponsor that works with you.
#6: Don’t be afraid of contracts
Contracts can be scary or daunting. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to sign a contract if you don’t agree with it. Even more important is that contracts are something you negotiate before you sign so don’t be afraid of them if the question comes up.
#7: Transparency is paramount
Transparency applies not just to the sponsors you work with but also with your audience. Be clear with your audience what brands you have a relationship with. With sponsors that you work with, be transparent when you’re approached by other sponsors. This even applies to feedback about products and devices – be transparent with the brands you work with because they’ll appreciate your feedback.
#8: Be consistent
Consistency is important in several areas. Be consistent in the content you create: have consistent branding and identity. It’s also important to be consistent in the brands you work with: jumping between brands suddenly can be confusing to your audience and can raise flags about how well you work with brands.
#9: Get involved in the conversation
If you want a sponsor to notice you, get involved in their online conversations or even approach them in person. Sponsors want to see you engage with them and be involved. When you make a good first impression, the more likely a sponsor will remember you later down the line.
#10: Ask for advice
If you’re not sure about a sponsor, a contract or something else to do with getting a sponsorship, go and ask for help. There are lots of people out there who have experience and knowledge to share who, if you ask them, are happy to help. You don’t have to go at it alone.
If you want to watch the full panel, you can view it here:
PAXAU HOW TO APPROACH SPONSORS! #gotogame #paxau https://t.co/Mh4tKtoJTo
— gotogame.temp927.kinsta.cloud (@GoToGame) October 27, 2017
