The biggest myth in the creator economy: 'brands only work with big accounts.' In reality, Indian brands increasingly prefer nano and micro creators (1K–50K followers) because their audiences actually trust them — engagement rates at that size run 3-8%, versus under 1.5% for celebrity accounts.
Get your numbers deal-ready first
- Know your engagement rate (use a free engagement calculator) — brands screen on this before follower count.
- Run a fake-follower check on yourself; a clean audience grade is a selling point.
- Calculate your EMV (earned media value) for your last 5 posts — 'my average post generates ₹X in earned media' is a pitch line that works.
Build a one-page media kit
A media kit is your creator résumé: stats, audience one-liner, rates, contact. It doesn't need design software — a clean one-page PNG with honest numbers beats a 10-page deck. Brands skim it in 20 seconds; make those seconds count.
Pitch small, pitch local
- Start with local businesses and D2C brands already spending on ads in your niche.
- DM or email with one specific content idea for THEIR product — not 'let's collab'.
- Accept barter early if the product is relevant, but set a paid rate from deal one — even ₹1,000 establishes you as paid talent.
Price with a floor, not a fantasy
A reasonable starting rate for Indian nano-creators: roughly ₹100–300 per 1,000 followers per post, adjusted up for strong engagement. Quote a number, hold your floor, and raise it after every 2-3 successful collabs.
Try it now: Download any reel with its caption + hashtags free →