How to Post Sponsored Content While Remaining Authentic

If you are reading this, you have worked with brands in the past or are interested in doing so in the future. Working with brands can be an extremely rewarding experience. From receiving free product, to adding to your Instagram aesthetic, to (sometimes) even being compensated for your post, influencer-company collaborations are a fun process. However, it can all go wrong when the sponsored post you make seems to be undeniably inauthentic. Here are some tips for how to keep it real for your followers.

1.) Actually enjoy your partner’s product – Not to state the obvious, but when you genuinely appreciate and can find utility in the company you are choosing to partner with, you will be showcasing authenticity to your followers. The only reason I am mentioning this is because sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the money that companies are providing.

2.) Incorporate the product into your everyday life – If you are a foodie account promoting a pair of sunglasses, it would not be the best idea to photograph you modeling the sunglasses. Why? Because consistency is key. The better option would be to take a flat lay photograph of the sunglasses next to a bowl of food on top of a table. This way you can still provide what your audience is expecting from you while promoting a product. Can you spot what’s being sponsored in the post below? It’s the hemp wallet!

3.) Stay Subtle – This tip goes hand in hand with #2. The point is to convince your followers that the product you are sponsoring is a product you use in your everyday life and therefore would recommend to your audience. The key here is not to make your post so much about the product but more about how you use it and how it is relevant to your personal life.

Happy Instagramming! And remember...always keep it #real100.