The Influencer Agreements Series: Deliverables Required

Our first minisode of the eighth season of “The Creative Influencer” podcast is available today.

Jon continues our in-depth discussion of influencer agreements and brand deals, diving into another crucial aspect of these agreements: the Deliverables Required. If compensation is the “why” of your contract, deliverables are the “what.” They spell out exactly what you need to create and deliver to the brand—and getting them right is key to a successful partnership.

We will continue to take a deep dive into each section of an influencer agreement in the minisodes to come in this special series.

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A transcript of the episode follows:

This is minisode one of the eighth season of The Creative Influencer podcast and it is the fifth installment in our ongoing series on Influencer Brand Agreements.

Today, we’re diving into another crucial aspect of these agreements: the Deliverables Required. If compensation is the “why” of your contract, deliverables are the “what.” They spell out exactly what you need to create and deliver to the brand—and getting them right is key to a successful partnership.

What Are Deliverables?

Simply put, deliverables are the content or services that you, the influencer, are required to provide under the agreement. This can range from a single Instagram post to a complex multi-platform campaign that includes multiple TikToks, YouTube videos, blog posts, and more. Deliverables are the tangible outputs that fulfill your side of the bargain and are central to your brand partnership.

Deliverables will usually be laid out in detail in your agreement, including the format, platform, quantity, and deadlines for each piece of content. They can also include requirements for revisions, usage rights, and exclusivity periods but we’ll talk about that in future minisodes. Let’s break down some key points you need to consider when reviewing deliverables in your influencer agreements.

Types of Deliverables

1. Content Specifications: Most agreements will specify exactly what type of content is required—like a set number of Instagram posts, Stories, Reels, or TikTok videos. Pay close attention to the fine print: Is there a particular style or tone you need to match? Are there specific hashtags, tags, or keywords you must include?

2. Platforms and Posting Requirements: It’s not just about creating the content; you also need to know where and when to post it. Some agreements will specify exact dates and times, especially for time-sensitive campaigns like product launches or seasonal promotions. Missing these deadlines can be considered a breach of contract, which might delay payment or, in some cases, lead to legal consequences.

3. Drafts and Revisions: Many influencer agreements require you to submit drafts of your content for approval before posting. This might include photo selections, video edits, or even caption drafts. Be sure to understand the timeline for these submissions and how many rounds of revisions you might need to do. Each revision takes time, so plan accordingly and build that into your schedule.

Common Pitfalls in Deliverables

1. Vague Deliverable Descriptions: Be wary of agreements that lack detail in the deliverables section. Terms like “social media content” without specifics can lead to misunderstandings. What exactly does “social media content” mean? How many posts? What platforms? Without clear guidelines, you risk the brand coming back with more demands than you initially agreed to, so always get specifics in the Agreement.

2. Overcommitting on Deliverables: It’s easy to get excited about a brand partnership and agree to more than you can realistically deliver. Carefully assess your time and resources before committing to a high volume of content. Remember, quality over quantity is key. It’s better to produce a few high-quality deliverables than to churn out a large number of subpar posts.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and managing deliverables is crucial for a smooth brand partnership. Always read your agreements carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request changes if something isn’t clear. The better you understand your deliverables, the more likely you are to fulfill your contract successfully and pave the way for future collaborations.

That wraps up our discussion on deliverables in influencer brand agreements. In our next minisode, we’ll dive into the creative brief that guides the overall look and feel of the content.

Until then, keep creating!