If you're an influencer, you likely know the importance of having a solid contract in place when working with a brand. A contract is a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms of the partnership and protects both parties involved. But what should you be looking for when it comes to navigating influencer contracts? Here are some key clauses to include and negotiate.
1. Scope of Work
An influencer contract's scope of work section outlines the specific deliverables that the influencer is responsible for during the partnership. This can include things like the number of posts or stories, the types of content, the platforms on which the content will be published, and any other specific requirements or guidelines set by the brand. Example: Let's say you are an influencer who a beauty brand has approached to create content for an upcoming product launch. Your scope of work might include creating five Instagram posts featuring the product, one blog post about your experience using the product, and three Instagram stories featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the launch event.
2. Compensation and Payment Terms
The influencer contract's compensation and payment terms section outlines how much the influencer will be paid for their work, the payment schedule, and any other payment-related details, such as reimbursement for expenses.
Example: Let's say the beauty brand mentioned above has offered you $1,000 for the content you'll create as part of the partnership. In the contract, you might negotiate a payment schedule that includes receiving half of the payment upfront, and the other half upon project completion.
3. Content Ownership and Usage Rights
An influencer contract's content ownership and usage rights section clarifies who owns the content created as part of the partnership and how both the influencer and the brand can use that content.
Example: Using the same beauty brand partnership as an example, you might negotiate that you retain ownership of the content you create but grant the brand a non-exclusive license to use the content on their social media accounts and website for a period of three months after the launch.
4. Termination and Cancellation
The termination and cancellation section of the influencer contract outlines the circumstances under which the partnership can be terminated by either party, and any penalties or fees associated with early termination.
Example: Let's say you've agreed to a three-month partnership with the beauty brand, but you're unexpectedly offered a larger, more lucrative partnership with a competitor brand. The termination and cancellation clause might outline that you can terminate the agreement with the beauty brand, but will need to pay a fee of 25% of the total compensation agreed upon in the contract.
5. Exclusivity and Conflicts of Interest
The exclusivity and conflicts of interest section of the influencer contract outlines any restrictions on the influencer working with other brands during the partnership, and any potential conflicts of interest that need to be disclosed.
Example: Continuing with the beauty brand partnership example, the exclusivity and conflicts of interest section might include a clause prohibiting you from working with competing beauty brands during the three-month partnership. It might also require that you disclose any pre-existing relationships with other brands that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
Navigating influencer contracts can be challenging, but you can negotiate a fair and beneficial partnership by understanding these key clauses. Remember, a contract is there to protect both parties involved, so make sure to read it carefully and clarify any questions or concerns you may have. With the right contract in place, you can build strong and successful partnerships with brands that value your unique influence and voice.