Delivering Content to Brands

You’re not a freelancer because you create content. You’re a freelancer because you pitch that content to brands and make it for them. In this blog, I’ll share a few things about how to deliver your work to brands like a true professional. 

Timeline

When you lock a project, you should start to discuss a timeline. Branded content is artistic, but it’s not “art” in the pure sense. If you’re delivering to brands, they’re likely using your work for marketing, and timing is essential in marketing. You could create the most magnificent work in history, but if it’s late, it could damage the brand’s marketing initiative, which is the reason you were hired in the first place. Crush your perfectionism and deliver the product. 

Two quick notes on timing: first, build in buffer time, both for yourself and for the brand. Buffer time is the insurance of the logistical world. If nothing goes wrong, you are set. But if something comes up, you don’t want your work to be diminished by it’s lateness.

Organization

Brand managers hate nothing more than receiving a project just before the deadline, only to understand the sharing permission won’t let them view it, and all the files are named “gbhwxyz420.mp4”. 

Use something common like Dropbox or Google Drive, make it sharable with everyone, and make sure it allows the brand to view the piece without downloading a massive file onto their desktop. If you’re sending different versions over a few days, clearly label them with “V1” or “V2”. When you name your files, think of every possible word that could be put into a search bar to find it. When I deliver files for Jeremiah, I name them something like “MVMT x TOBK Social Assets Package - 4:5 V1”.

Packaging 

Finally, make sure you package your project well. You spent hours creating something meaningful–don’t send it with an email that says “Hey Reese, here’s the video, hope you like it.” 

If its a bigger piece of work, have an in-person meeting where you can explain your thought process and get the brand excited. If it has to be sent digitally, explain what the brand is receiving, what you’re excited about, what limitations you encountered, and what you did about them. Let them know when you’ll be available to chat about it, and that you’re excited to create something they love. 

Final Thoughts

All of this may seem over-the-top. You didn’t become a creator to have to write formatted emails to brands. But the experience of working with you carries more weight than your work does. So take a few extra minutes to do it well, to give your work the respect it deserves.