How to Get Celebrities to Use Your Products Authentically

Feb 21, 2025

How to Get Celebrities to Use Your Products Authentically

Let’s be real, having a celebrity use your product is the ultimate PR win. It boosts credibility, increases brand awareness, and can lead to serious sales. But the question is: How do you get celebrities to use your products authentically, not just as a paid endorsement?

A forced, transactional shoutout rarely has the same impact as an organic moment where a celebrity genuinely loves your product. So, how do you make that happen? Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Find the Right Celebrities for Your Brand

Not every A-lister will be the right fit for your brand and that’s okay! The key is to target celebrities who align with your brand values and aesthetic.

Look at their lifestyle: Would they realistically use your product? If your brand is all about clean beauty, target celebs known for their natural skincare routines.
Check their social media: Do they frequently tag brands they love? Are they vocal about specific causes or interests that align with your brand?
See what they’ve worn or used before: If they’ve already been spotted using similar products, they’re more likely to try yours.

Pro tip: Don’t just go after the biggest names, rising stars, niche celebrities, and reality TV personalities can be just as (if not more) influential for certain audiences.

2. Work Through Their Stylists, Makeup Artists & Inner Circle

One of the best ways to get your product into a celebrity’s hands? Go through their glam squad. Celebrities trust their stylists, makeup artists, and personal assistants to introduce them to new brands.

Here’s how to do it:

Find their glam team: Check Instagram tags, behind-the-scenes credits, or interviews where they mention their stylists or MUAs.
Reach out to them directly: Stylists and makeup artists are more likely to accept PR gifts than celebrities themselves.
Make it easy for them: Offer to send them a product to try on their celeb client, but keep it low-pressure.

Example DM/email:
“Hi (Name), I love your work with (Celebrity)! I think our (Product Name) would be a perfect fit for them, would love to send you some to try for your kit. Let me know if you’re interested!”

Pro tip: Some glam team members share their PR contact details in their Instagram bios, so always check!

3. Send Thoughtful Celebrity Gifting (Without Being Spammy)

Randomly sending products to celebrities without a strategy is a waste of time and money. If you’re going to gift, make it personal and thoughtful.

How to Gift Celebrities the Right Way:

Personalise it: Include a handwritten note that makes a connection (e.g., “We saw you love hydrating serums, this one’s packed with hyaluronic acid for a dewy glow!”).
Keep it exclusive: Make them feel special by sending a limited-edition version or an exclusive first look at a new launch.
Make it Instagrammable: The packaging should be high-quality, beautifully presented, and photo-worthy.

What NOT to do:

Don’t bombard them with multiple products they didn’t ask for.
Don’t expect an immediate post or endorsement.
Don’t follow up aggressively (One polite check-in is fine, but if they’re interested, they’ll let you know).

Pro tip: Celebrities love products with their name or initials engraved, if possible, personalise your gift to make it even more special!

4. Leverage Celebrity Hotspots & Events

A great way to get celebrities to use your products is to place them where they’ll naturally come across them.

Here’s how:

Get into celebrity gifting suites: These are events where brands showcase products for celebrities during award season, festivals, and fashion weeks.
Partner with VIP hotel spas & salons: Luxury hotels, spas, and beauty bars that celebrities frequent are great places to get your products noticed.
Sponsor high-end events: Getting your brand into exclusive launch parties, film festivals, or charity galas can put it in the hands of A-listers.

Example: If you’re a beauty brand, getting your product stocked in the spa at The Beverly Hills Hotel or The Edition in London could lead to natural celebrity exposure.

5. Focus on Subtle, Organic Exposure

The best celebrity endorsements don’t feel like endorsements at all, they feel like real moments of product love.

Ways to create organic celebrity exposure:

Send PR gifts before a big event: Celebrities are more likely to use your product when they need something new for an upcoming appearance.
Encourage paparazzi moments: Celebrities get snapped at the airport, the gym, and coffee runs, make sure your product fits into their lifestyle.
Get them using it without tagging: Some celebs don’t like to tag brands, but if they’re spotted using your product in paparazzi shots, interviews, or red carpet moments, that’s just as powerful.

Pro tip: If a celebrity is photographed using your product, share it on your brand’s social media (“Spotted: [Celebrity] keeping their skin glowing with our hydrating mist!”).

6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Micro-Celebrities & Influencers

Major A-listers might be a challenge to reach, but reality stars, TikTok creators, and rising actors can be just as impactful, if not more.

Why?

They’re more likely to engage with brands.
Their followers feel a stronger connection to them.
They can be just as influential in niche markets (beauty, fashion, wellness, etc.).

Example: A skincare brand that gifts Love Island contestants or Netflix reality stars might see more engagement than sending products to a big Hollywood celeb.

Pro tip: Check who’s trending on reality TV, fashion week circuits, and TikTok’s beauty community, they could be your next big brand ambassador.

7. Play the Long Game (And Be Patient!)

Celebrity placements rarely happen overnight. Sometimes a celeb will receive a product and start using it months later. The key is to be patient and keep your brand on their radar.

Continue engaging on social media: If a celeb posts about your industry (skincare tips, wellness routines, etc.), comment or interact genuinely.
Keep gifting strategic: Only send follow-up gifts if there’s a new product launch or a reason to reconnect.
Leverage relationships: If a stylist or influencer has already loved your product, nurture that connection, they might introduce it to more high-profile people.

Pro tip: Even if a celebrity doesn’t post about your product, them simply using it can be valuable. If they fall in love with it, they might talk about it later when the moment feels natural.

Getting celebrities to use your product authentically is all about strategic placement, thoughtful gifting, and relationship-building. Instead of chasing random A-listers, focus on creating moments where your product naturally fits into their world.

It might take time, but when done right, an authentic celebrity placement can be game-changing for your brand.

Tags: PR Advice

Creator Life Contacts July 16, 2025

How to Collaborate With Luxury Hotels This Summer

Securing a hotel or travel collaboration might seem like a pipe dream, but the truth is: if you’ve got an engaged audience and a clear value offer, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t land one this summer. Whether you’re a content creator, UGC specialist, or just someone with a creative edge and a phone, this guide will walk you through every step, from research to pitch to posting, so you can start working with dreamy hotels, resorts, and travel brands immediately. Step 1: Define Your Offer (Before You Even Think About Pitching) Hotels get approached daily, especially in summer. If you want your message to stand out, you need to lead with value. That starts by getting crystal clear on what you can offer them. Ask yourself: Can you create high-quality content (Reels, TikToks, UGC, drone shots)? Do you have a niche audience that travels or books stays regularly? Can you drive traffic to their website, booking platform, or social media? Tip: Even if your following is small, you can offer content creation in exchange for a stay, especially if you position it as UGC they can use across their channels. Be specific with your offer: “I can provide 3 Reels, 10 edited photos, and a TikTok in exchange for a 2-night stay. You’ll also receive usage rights for all content created.” Step 2: Shortlist Hotels That Actually Collaborate Don’t waste time pitching the Four Seasons if your current brand doesn’t align with theirs. Focus on: Boutique hotels Eco-resorts New openings Family-run properties Hotels actively reposting creators’ content Search Instagram using hashtags like: #HotelCollaboration #PressTrip #HostedStay #(HotelName) + “gifted” You’ll quickly see which hotels have partnered with creators before and that’s your green light. Step 3: Find the Right Contact (and Don’t Skip This) Avoid generic “info@” emails where possible. Instead: Head to the hotel’s Instagram and look at who’s tagged in posts or who replies to comments. If all else fails, email the general manager and kindly ask to be directed to their marketing contact. Tip: Smaller hotels often handle marketing in-house, so don’t be surprised if the GM replies directly. Step 4: Craft a Short, Punchy Pitch Email Forget long introductions and fluffy bios. Hotels want to know three things: Who you are What you’re offering What they’ll get in return Here’s a pitch structure that works: Subject line: Collaboration Request - Summer Content Creation Opportunity Email body: Hi (Name),I hope you’re well! I’m (your name), a (content creator/UGC creator/travel writer) with an engaged audience (insert follower count and engagement rate), who love discovering beautiful stays across (insert region or niche). I’ll be in (location) from (dates), and I’d love to collaborate with (hotel name) to create high-quality content that you can use across your platforms. I can offer: 2 Reels and 10 edited photos A TikTok review of the stay Full usage rights Optional add-ons like drone footage or Instagram stories In return, I’m seeking a hosted 2-night stay (flexible on dates). I’ve worked with (hotel/brand examples if applicable), and I always tailor content to match the brand’s tone and audience. Please click here to view recent examples of my content (link media kit or portfolio, if you have one). Please let me know if this is something you’d be open to discussing, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Warm regards,(Your Name)(Social links) Tip: Keep it about them, not you. You’re solving a content problem they might not even know they have. Step 5: Follow Up (Most Partnerships Happen Here) No response? Don’t panic. Hotels are busy, especially during peak season. Wait five days, then send a polite follow-up: “Hi (Name), just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my previous message. I’d still love to collaborate while I’m in town. Happy to work around your availability and tailor the deliverables to your needs.” Most people give up too quickly. Following up shows you’re professional and serious. Step 6: Prepare to Overdeliver If the partnership is confirmed: Confirm check-in/out times and who your main contact is. Ask if they have a shot list, brand guidelines, or preferred angles. Scope out the property online beforehand so you arrive with ideas. Content tip: Create your best work. These collabs open doors to paid campaigns, bigger stays, and referrals, so treat every one like a portfolio piece. Step 7: Deliver and Tag Like a Pro Once your stay is complete, deliver content on time and always tag the hotel properly. Don’t just drop a tag and go. Include them in captions, give glowing shout-outs, and thank them publicly. You want your content to feel natural and warm, not transactional. Optional: Send them a thank-you email after check-out with all assets neatly linked in a Google Drive folder. You don’t need a million followers or a manager to land hotel collabs. What you do need is a clear offer, strategic pitching, and the confidence to follow up professionally. Make this your summer of partnerships, the kind that lets you travel smarter, build your portfolio, and enjoy the perks of doing what you love. No more waiting around for brands to find you. Pitch smart, pitch now, and pitch like someone who belongs there, because you do. That All Sounds Great, But I've Earned My Stripes Already, How Do I Get Paid? Securing a gifted stay is a brilliant starting point, but if you’re serious about turning content creation into a business, then paid travel partnerships should be the goal. The good news? Hotels and travel brands do have marketing budgets. You just need to show them why you’re worth investing in. Here’s how to make the shift from complimentary stays to paid collaborations: 1. Start By Offering Value-Heavy, Gifted Collaborations Yes, even if your end goal is to get paid, the reality is: most creators start with unpaid work to prove their value. The trick? Treat every gifted stay like it’s a paid campaign. Deliver content on time Communicate professionally Ask for a testimonial or quote post-stay Save all analytics to include in future pitches This gives you case studies you can reference when pitching paid campaigns. 2. Know What Hotels Will Pay For Hotels don’t just pay for content, they pay for outcomes. That means: Direct bookings through your affiliate link or discount code User-generated content they can reuse for ads, websites, or brochures Whitelisting or ad licensing rights Exposure to a niche audience (honeymooners, solo travellers, digital nomads, etc.) Professional-quality content they’d otherwise hire a photographer or videographer to create Your job is to show them how you save them money while adding real value. 3. Pitch Paid Services Like an Agency The easiest way to transition from “influencer” to “partner” is to start acting like one. When pitching for paid work, structure your proposal like a service menu: Proposal Example: 2 x Reels (with optional voiceovers) - £250 each 1 x TikTok - £300 10 edited stills for use on socials - £200 7-day story coverage with link tracking - £100 Full usage rights for content (3 months) - £150 Optional add-on: Whitelisting rights for ads - £100 per platform Tip: You can quote this as a bundle or per deliverable, depending on the hotel’s size and budget. 4. Use Past Results to Justify Your Rates Numbers talk. Include screenshots or examples showing: Increased bookings from your stay Engagement rates on hotel-related content Before-and-after follower growth for the brand Click-through rates from story links or bio links Even if you’re still building your audience, you can lean on: Strong video performance (high saves, shares, and watch time) Creative quality Professional communication and delivery 5. Don’t Be Afraid to Charge If a hotel says they have no budget, that doesn’t always mean no budget at all, it might just mean they need help understanding the value. Try this: “Totally understand if a hosted stay is the only option at this time. Just so you know, I do offer paid packages for high-quality video content, which many of my previous clients use for Instagram ads or TikTok marketing. Happy to tailor a quote if this becomes relevant in future!” Sometimes the way you present pricing is what gives them confidence to invest. 6. Build a Portfolio Beyond Hotels If you’re not quite at the stage of landing paid hotel stays, think about: Working with travel gear brands Getting paid to promote travel insurance, luggage, skincare, or booking platforms Partnering with local restaurants or experiences in the destination Creating UGC for Airbnb listings or independent rentals All of these are easier to monetise early on and they still position you as a travel content creator, which makes hotel pitches even stronger. 7. Set Your Minimum Rate and Stick to It Whether you’re quoting £100 or £1,000, decide on your non-negotiables: Your time Your production quality Your experience Charging for content isn’t “being cheeky”, it’s standard business. And the sooner you start positioning yourself this way, the more comfortable it will feel (and the more seriously you’ll be taken). If you're not too sure what to say, here's another email pitch template for you: Subject line options: Summer Content for (Hotel Name) Content & Exposure Opportunity Travel Creator Partnership Proposal for (Hotel Name) Email body: Hi (Name), I hope you’re well and that the summer season is treating you kindly so far! I’m (your name), a travel content creator with a highly engaged audience (insert follower count and engagement rate), who look to me for inspiration on where to stay, what to book, and how to travel well. I’m currently planning summer travel dates in (destination) and would love to collaborate with (hotel name) on a paid content partnership. Here’s a quick outline of what I can offer: High-quality Reels and short-form video content tailored to your brand A dedicated TikTok or Instagram feature showcasing the stay 10+ edited photos with full usage rights for your socials or marketing Instagram stories with direct swipe-up links and strong engagement I’ve worked with hotels such as (insert name(s) or leave out if you’re building your portfolio), and my content has consistently led to high reach, saves, and direct booking enquiries. Please click here to view recent examples of my content (link media kit or portfolio, if you have one). My standard content package starts at (£XXX), but I’d be happy to tailor a quote based on your specific needs and upcoming availability. Please let me know if this is something you’d be open to discussing. I’d love to create something fresh, engaging, and valuable for your audience this season. Warm regards,(Your Name)(Instagram / TikTok handle) Optional PS: PS. If paid collaborations aren’t within your current budget, I also offer bespoke content packages that can be used as evergreen marketing assets at a much lower cost than traditional campaigns. If They’re Getting Value, They Can Afford to Pay The tourism industry thrives on content, especially in a world where people book based on what they see on Instagram or TikTok. If your content can influence just one booking, then you’ve already paid your way. So pitch with confidence, lead with value, and remember, you’re not asking for a favour, you’re offering a service.

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Creator Life Contacts July 10, 2025

Things You Should Do After Every Brand Partnership

You’ve hit publish, delivered the content, tagged the brand, responded to a few fire emojis, and maybe even poured yourself a glass of wine to toast the end of another successful collaboration. Cheers to that. But before you sink too deep into your sofa and start bingeing your next series, let’s talk about what comes after the post, because if you stop at the content, you’re leaving a lot of potential (and possible future paid opportunities) on the table. Far too many creators hit “post”, and move straight onto the next thing, missing out on golden opportunities to grow, get noticed, and build lasting brand relationships. But if you want to level up, secure repeat work, and keep your name circulating in the right rooms, what you do after the partnership matters just as much as the content you created. Here’s what you should be doing after every partnership to turn one-offs into long-term wins. 1. Send a follow-up email (not just a DM) It’s easy to assume that once you’ve delivered the content, your work is done. But following up is where long-term relationships are built. Send a short, professional email to the brand or PR contact thanking them for the opportunity, sharing any early results (if applicable), and letting them know you’d love to work together again. Even if they don’t reply straight away, it plants the seed. Tip: Keep it personal. Mention something specific from the collaboration so it doesn’t feel like a copy-paste. 2. Ask for feedback If you want to grow, you need to be open to feedback; good, bad, or constructive. Ask the brand if they were happy with the content and if there’s anything you could do differently next time. It shows you’re professional, self-aware, and keen to improve. This also helps you understand what different brands value most eg. aesthetic? engagement? storytelling? 3. Share performance results You don’t need to wait for them to ask. Share insights from your post(s), reach, saves, shares, story taps, clicks, and any replies or comments that stand out. Even for gifted collaborations, this is a power move. It shows the brand you take your work seriously, and it positions you for paid work next time. And if your content performed well? Don’t be shy. Let them know. 4. Engage with the brand’s page afterwards Don’t just tag and bounce. Keep engaging with the brand, like their posts, comment, reply to stories. It keeps you on their radar and shows genuine interest beyond a transactional exchange. Brands are far more likely to rebook creators who show love and build rapport. 5. Repurpose your content (strategically) That gorgeous shot you posted on your feed? Don’t let it disappear into the scroll. Turn it into a Reel, a Pinterest pin, or use it in a newsletter if you have one. Creators who treat their content like assets rather than one-off deliverables tend to grow faster and attract more brand work. Also: repost a few weeks later to extend its life. Just make sure to tag the brand again. 6. Update your media kit If it was a big name, a great result, or a campaign you’re proud of, add it to your media kit. Include visuals, stats, and a short sentence about what you delivered. Over time, this builds a portfolio that speaks for you when pitching. This is especially key if you’re trying to land higher rates or pitch new categories. 7. Reflect on how it went What worked? What didn’t? Was the brief clear? Did you feel fairly compensated for the effort involved? Would you say yes again? Every partnership is a learning moment. The more intentional you are about reflection, the better your future collaborations will be. Also ask yourself: did this align with my audience? Did it help or confuse my brand positioning? 8. Keep a running list of your partnerships It’s not just about remembering who you’ve worked with, it’s about seeing patterns. Are you getting repeat work from the same type of brand? Are certain industries more responsive to your content style? Keeping a simple spreadsheet can help you track growth, average rates, and most importantly: who to follow up with in a few months. 9. Follow up again (yes, again) Three months later, reach out to the brand or PR contact with a casual check-in. Mention the campaign you worked on, ask if they’ve got anything coming up, and remind them you’re keen to collaborate again. Creators who stay in touch are the ones who get remembered. Pro tip: Follow up around a new season, product launch or event. Timing is everything. You don’t need a new agency, fancy lighting or 10k followers to grow. What you do need is consistency, professionalism, and a strategy that extends beyond the post. Partnerships aren’t just opportunities for content, they’re opportunities for connection. And if you treat each one as a stepping stone rather than a standalone gig, your growth will reflect it.

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PR Advice Contacts July 3, 2025

Working With Brands vs Working With PR Agencies

Landing collaborations feels like cracking a code sometimes, doesn't it? One question keeps popping up: who do you email first, the brand’s PR agency or the brand itself? Both options have their pros and cons, and knowing the ins and outs will save you time, energy, and maybe a few awkward “did they see my email?” moments. Why Email PR Agencies? The Upsides PR agencies are often the go-to for big brands. Think of them as the professional gatekeepers who manage the flow of collaboration requests. Big Brand Access: Agencies typically handle partnerships for major labels. If you’re aiming for glossy campaigns and top-tier brands, they’re usually your best route. Clear Guidelines: Agencies send detailed briefs with everything you need to know, deadlines, deliverables, style direction etc, so you’re not left guessing what the brand wants. Support with the Process: They handle contracts, payments, timelines, and sometimes even help with negotiations. This structure is great if you want a smoother, more formal setup. Dedicated Contacts: Usually, there’s a specific person or team looking after creators, so your communication won’t get lost in a general inbox. The Downsides Lots of Competition: Agencies get slammed with emails daily. Your pitch has to be sharp, personalised and relevant, generic emails won’t cut it. Less Room to Experiment: Campaigns through agencies tend to be tightly controlled. There’s often less flexibility to bring your own style or ideas. Slower Feedback: Because your pitch passes through agency and brand approvals, responses and decisions can take longer. Distance from the Brand: You don’t get to build a direct relationship with the brand, which sometimes means less influence over the project. Why Email Brands Directly? The Benefits Straight to the Decision-Maker: Especially with smaller or indie brands, emailing directly often means talking to someone who can say yes straight away. More Creative Freedom: Without agency restrictions, brands can be more open to your unique ideas and style. Faster Responses: Less bureaucracy often means quicker replies and decisions. Build Long-Term Relationships: Direct contact makes it easier to develop ongoing collaborations, rather than one-off projects. Control Your Negotiations: You handle rates, deliverables and timelines yourself, which means you’re in the driver’s seat. The Challenges Finding the Right Contact: Brands don’t always make partnership contacts easy to find (but that's what we're here for 💅) Risk of Getting Overlooked: Without a PR or partnerships team, your email might disappear into a general inbox or get missed. You Manage Everything: Without agency buffers, you’ll be responsible for negotiations, contracts, and keeping track of deliverables and payments. Vague Campaign Details: Brands might not always provide detailed briefs upfront, so you’ll need to ask questions and clarify expectations. Which Approach Fits You Best? Go to PR agencies if: You want access to big brands, prefer a structured process, and are comfortable with a slower, competitive environment. Go direct if: You want creative freedom, quicker decisions, and to build personal relationships, especially with smaller or emerging brands. How to Do Both Most successful creators and freelancers don’t choose one or the other, they juggle both. Pitch agencies for big campaigns and reach out directly to brands that match your vibe. Keep your contacts organised with notes on responses and follow-ups. Tailor each email to show you get the brand or agency, and why you’re a great fit. Do your research: Know what the brand or agency is about, recent campaigns they’ve done, and what kind of creators they like to work with. Make your intro clear: Who you are, what you do, and why you’re reaching out, all within the first couple of sentences. Highlight your value: Don’t just say you want to collaborate, explain what you bring to the table and how it fits their needs. Include links: Portfolio, Instagram, previous work etc, make it easy for them to check you out. Keep it professional but natural: Write like a real person, friendly but confident, no jargon or overly formal language. Follow up politely: If you haven’t heard back after 10-14 days, send a gentle reminder. Who you email is part of the strategy, but how you show up in that inbox, is what really counts. Keep it personal, keep it clear, and always lead with what makes you the right fit. A thoughtful, well-structured pitch can open doors, whether you're emailing a PR agency or a brand founder directly.

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How to Get Celebrities to Use Your Products Authentically