APPENDIX H

Brand-Deal Checklist & Rate Worksheet

Run every deal through this: vet it, price it, and close it right. Based on Chapters 27–29.

When a deal comes in, excitement is the enemy of a good outcome. Slow down and run it through these pages every time — vet the brand, set your rate, nail the terms, and handle the follow-through. It takes ten minutes and protects both your money and your reputation.

Before You Say Yes — Vetting Checklist

☐ The brand is legitimate and real (a genuine company, real website, findable people).

☐ It’s a genuine fit for my audience — not just any check.

☐ It passes the scam-sniff test: no upfront fees from me, clear terms, real communication.

☐ It’s something I’d honestly recommend even if they weren’t paying me.

☐ If it’s an alcohol brand, I’ve reviewed Appendix A first.

☐ The deliverables, payment, and timing are all clearly spelled out.

The Rate Worksheet

Build the rate from the deal itself, not a follower-count formula. Start with the creative work and deliverables, then adjust for expected reach, engagement quality, audience fit, niche value, exclusivity, usage rights, whitelisting or paid-media use, revision rounds, and campaign term. Record each component below so the final number reflects both the labor and the rights the brand is buying.

Audience size and expected reach

Base creative fee (production time + deliverables)

Engagement and audience-fit adjustment

Niche / exclusivity adjustment

Usage rights (are they reusing it in their own ads? charge for it)

Deliverables (how many posts / what formats)

YOUR RATE for this deal

Deliverables & Terms to Nail Down

☐ Exactly what content: number of posts, formats, and platforms.

☐ Timeline and deadlines — when each piece is due and posts go live.

☐ Revisions — how many rounds are included.

☐ Usage rights — can they reuse your content, where, and for how long?

☐ Exclusivity — are you barred from competitors, and for how long?

☐ Payment amount — the actual number, in writing.

☐ Payment timing — net-30? A deposit up front on bigger jobs?

☐ Disclosure — the post will carry a clear #ad or ’sponsored’ (required).

☐ Approval — who signs off, and how many rounds.

After You Say Yes

☐ Get it in writing — a contract or, at minimum, a clear written agreement.

☐ Disclose clearly (#ad) — both you and the brand are liable if you don’t.

☐ Deliver on time and make it good — your best pitch for the next deal.

☐ Send a clean invoice and follow up until you’re paid.

☐ Keep records of the deal and the income for taxes (see Chapter 30).

Negotiation Reminders

Anchor high. State a strong number first — you can always come down.

Know your walk-away. Decide your floor before you talk, and hold it.

Negotiate the whole deal, not just the fee — usage, exclusivity, and timing are all price.

Brands expect you to negotiate — the first offer is rarely the best one.

Never accept ’exposure’ as payment. Exposure doesn’t pay rent.