For Creators
04.01.25

Pitch Perfect: How to Stand Out and Get Picked for Campaigns

Let’s be real: getting picked for a brand collab can feel a little like raising your hand in a crowded room full of people yelling, “Pick me!”

And if you’re not putting intention behind your pitch? You might get scrolled past.

That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re applying to a campaign or sliding into a brand’s inbox with a killer idea, we’re breaking down how to write a pitch that gets you noticed. From what to say (and what not to say) to tips for dropping content ideas that brands actually want to boost, this is the playbook for creators who want to land more “yeses.”

Why Your Pitch Actually Matters

Hot take: The pitch is more important than the follower count.

When brands are reviewing creator applications, they’re asking:

  • Do you get our audience?

  • Can you bring something unique to this campaign?

  • Will this content perform?

A good pitch helps answer all three in just a few lines. It’s your shot to stand out in the scroll and show you’re more than a cool aesthetic—you’re a creator who gets it.

What Makes a Great Creator Pitch

This isn’t about writing an essay or dropping a media kit with 10 slides (unless that’s your thing). It’s about clarity, personality, and a little creative spark. Here's the pitch breakdown:

1. Who you are

Lead with your niche, your POV, and why people care about your content. Are you the go-to for budget-friendly beauty recs? The chaos queen of meal prep TikTok? Say that.

2. Why this brand

Drop in a personal connection, a reason you’re a fit, or how you’ve used the product IRL. Brands want creators who want to work with them—not just anyone with a rate card.

3. Your content ideas

Give them a taste of how you’d bring their product to life. One or two ideas that feel like “you” but also hit their goals.

4. Proof you can deliver

No need for a brag reel. A quick stat, past campaign win, or link to similar content works. (Even a line like “my GRWM with [brand] hit 5% engagement” does the job.)

Common Pitch Red Flags (Straight from Our CS Team)

Your pitch might only be a few lines—but it says a lot.

Here’s what campaign strategists look out for—and what might be holding you back from landing the gig:

If someone can’t take the time to write two to three clear sentences in a pitch, it makes us question the level of effort they’ll put into the actual content.
CS Team Member, New Engen

Some of the most common red flags:

  • Too short or vague. “I’m interested!” isn’t a pitch—it’s a missed opportunity.

  • Ignoring clear instructions. If the landing page says no kids in content and your idea includes your toddler, it’s an automatic pass.

  • Lack of attention to detail. Brands don’t want to chase edits, reshoots, or re-brief creators. They want partners who listen, follow instructions, and deliver the first time.

Bottom line: if your pitch already shows misalignment or carelessness, campaign teams may not want to risk investing more time or budget.

Pitch Concepts That Win Campaigns

Let’s be real: saying “I’ll do a video” isn’t a concept.

When brands review creator pitches, they’re looking for a quick glimpse of how you’ll bring the product to life—not just that you’ll post about it. A great concept shows you understand the campaign goals and have the creative instincts to match.

Here’s how to level up your content idea:

Be Specific

The more visual and descriptive, the better. Instead of saying “I’ll do a haul,” say:

“A ‘what I bought vs. what I’d buy again’ haul—snackable, honest, and great for quick product education.”

That one sentence gives context, tone, and strategy.

Show You Get the Format

Tailor your idea to the platform and audience. A Reel or TikTok should feel native to the feed, not like an ad drop-in. Mention hooks, structure, or how you’d pull people in quickly.

Example: “A 15-second '3 reasons this replaced my old [product]' video, using a voiceover format I know performs well on TikTok.”

Think Like the Viewer

Why would someone watch this? What problem does it solve, or does it spark curiosity? Even if it’s entertaining, give it a purpose.

“A first-time user POV that shows how easy it is to set up, from unboxing to full use in under a minute.”

Keep It Campaign-Aligned

Your concept should clearly follow any creative guidelines or restrictions. If the brief says no kids, no outdoors, or must show product packaging—your concept should reflect that. Don’t make the brand guess how you’ll adapt.

Add a Second Option

Providing 1–2 clear, thought-out concepts shows range and flexibility. It also helps the brand imagine you in different contexts—and gives them more reasons to say yes.

The Pitch Dos & Don’ts

Here’s your keep-it-real checklist:

Do:

  • Personalize it (we can tell when it’s a copy-paste)

  • Keep it short and skimmable

  • Link relevant examples or posts of your work

Don’t:

  • Send a blank “Hi, I’m interested!”

  • Overpromise on deliverables

  • Forget to proofread (typos kill vibes)

  • Disregard campaign instructions (this is a big one!)

Brands aren’t just looking for reach—they’re looking for alignment, creativity, and someone who makes their job easier. When you pitch with purpose (and a little personality), you give them a reason to say yes.