5 Red Flags Influencers Need to Be Aware Of

When I started out, I was just like so many of you—hungry to grow, excited to collaborate, and, honestly, willing to work with almost any brand that came knocking. I remember the first time I was approached by a brand that I admired. I was thrilled! They wanted to send me a product and wanted me to share it with my audience. But as the details started rolling in, I felt a small, and I couldn’t help this uncomfortable feeling in my gut. They had all these specific demands—multiple posts, strict deadlines, and not a single mention of payment. But I was still so new, and I thought, "Isn’t this just how things work?" That experience taught me a valuable lesson: trust your instincts and know your worth.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned creator, it’s critical to protect your time, value, and content. Here are five red flags influencers need to be aware of when working with brands—and how to handle them so you can keep growing your business with confidence.

The "Exposure as Payment" Trap

There’s nothing wrong with accepting gifted collaborations, especially when you're just getting started. But here’s the truth: exposure doesn’t pay the bills, and “free” product doesn't necessarily equal a fair partnership. The biggest red flag is when a brand promises exposure as your “payment” without considering actual compensation for the time, effort, and creativity you put into creating content.

What to look for: If a brand isn’t willing to discuss fair compensation for your work—whether that’s a flat fee, commission, or another monetary agreement—ask yourself if it’s truly worth your time. Exposure might sound appealing, but it rarely translates into tangible benefits. And let’s be clear: as an influencer, you’re not just snapping a quick photo and hitting "post." You’re the photographer, the editor, the copywriter, and often the creative director, taking on multiple roles that a brand would otherwise have to hire for individually. These skills add real value to the content you create and should be reflected in the partnership terms.

If you genuinely love the product, consider negotiating for items of equal or greater value to what you would typically charge in cash. This ensures you're still receiving something meaningful from the collaboration that aligns with the work you’re putting in.

Empowering tip: You are allowed to ask for what you deserve. If a brand values your audience, they’ll be open to negotiating terms that respect your time and expertise. Don’t hesitate to request compensation that reflects all the skills you bring to the table—whether in cash or high-value products you’re excited to use and share with your audience. This keeps the relationship fair and reinforces that your work, creativity, and influence have real worth. And don’t be afraid to walk away when you can’t reach an agreement. Between you and I, brands sometimes come back and offer full value after you walk away.

Vague or Nonexistent Contract Terms

Contracts protect both you and the brand, and when they’re vague—or worse, nonexistent—it’s a massive red flag. I once had a potential partnership that seemed like a dream, but the details of the campaign were so fuzzy that I couldn't tell if I was supposed to post a single story or embark on a year-long commitment. The last thing you want is to feel blindsided by unclear expectations or commitments you didn’t explicitly agree to. Without a well-defined contract, there’s a risk that you could end up doing more work than expected, getting paid less than anticipated, or even losing control over your content.

What to look for: Be cautious of contracts that lack clear terms on deliverables, deadlines, payment, content ownership, and termination conditions. These should specify exactly what’s expected from you, from the number of posts to the timing of each. It’s also crucial to understand how the brand intends to use your content. Some brands may request rights to repurpose your photos or videos across their platforms; if that’s the case, make sure you’re comfortable with the terms and, ideally, being compensated for this usage. Watch for overly restrictive clauses too, like non-competes that prevent you from working with similar brands for extended periods. Non-compete clauses can limit your earning potential by preventing you from collaborating with other brands in your niche, so evaluate these carefully. If they want a non-compete clause then there should be extra compensation for exclusivity.

Empowering tip: Before you sign anything, ask questions. Request clarification on points you’re unsure of, like the exact scope of work or any exclusivity clauses. Don’t be afraid to push back until you fully understand the terms, including what’s expected from you and what you’ll receive in return. If a brand is reputable and values the partnership, they will respect your need for clarity and transparency. Remember, a strong contract isn’t just a formality—it’s a safeguard for your time, energy, and creative output. For help understanding contracts, check out our Creator Mastermind group where you can shares and get f concerns and get feedback from our team and other influencers.

Unreasonable Demands for Content Control

As an influencer, your voice, style, and creative freedom are what make your content unique. When a brand tries to dictate every detail, from captions to poses to tone, it’s a sign that they might not value your authenticity. While brands may have specific campaign requirements, excessive control over your content means they’re not allowing you to speak in your authentic voice.

What to look for: Beware of brands that ask for excessive revisions, insist on using their exact wording without room for your touch, or want you to produce content that feels completely out of line with your usual style. If a collaboration feels like it’s erasing you from the content, it’s probably not a great fit.

Empowering tip: Politely remind the brand that your audience trusts you, and they respond to your voice. Share your ideas and offer to collaborate on a vision that meets the brand’s goals while staying true to your style. Most brands will appreciate this professional approach to your collaboration.

Requests for Free Content “Trials” or Samples

This one can be sneaky because, on the surface, it sounds innocent enough: “We’d love to see a sample of your work before committing to a full partnership.” But be wary—this can be a tactic some brands use to obtain free content or get a “preview” of your work without proper compensation. It wouldn’t be fair to say they have zero intention on collaborating when they ask for sample content but there are unfortunately a large amount of brands out there that do this.

What to look for: Be cautious if a brand asks you to produce a sample post, reel, or story just to “see if you’re a good fit.” Your profile, media kit, and previous collaborations should already serve as examples of your work. Any legitimate brand should be able to gauge your fit based on your existing content.

Empowering tip: Kindly explain that you’re happy to share your existing content or previous work as examples. Offer to discuss their needs in more detail to confirm that your style aligns with their vision. Genuine brands will understand that your time and creativity are valuable.

Long Delays or Evasion in Payment

Imagine you’ve completed a fantastic campaign, poured your creativity into it, and fulfilled every requirement—only for payment to be delayed indefinitely. Delays in payment or vague promises to “sort it out soon” are major red flags. Brands that consistently dodge payment terms or take months to compensate creators are disrespecting your time and effort.

What to look for: Be wary of brands that evade discussing payment terms upfront, or don’t clearly outline payment timelines in the contract. Delayed payment policies can indicate financial instability or poor internal processes, which are a risk to your business. Payment terms should be clearly outlined in your contract.

Empowering tip: Before starting any work, confirm the payment terms in writing. Request a specific payment schedule and hold the brand accountable to it. Don’t hesitate to follow up professionally if they’re late on payment. Respecting your time means respecting your right to timely compensation.

Protect Your Worth and Grow Confidently

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of brand deals, especially when you’re just starting out. But remember: your creativity, voice, and time are incredibly valuable. By learning to spot these red flags, you’ll be equipped to make wise decisions that benefit your brand and business.

Just like when I started Good Influence(r), my goal was to create a resource that protects, empowers, and uplifts creators. You deserve to feel secure and respected in every partnership. Trust your instincts, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn’t serve you. When you do, you’re not just protecting your business; you’re helping to elevate the standards of the entire industry.

And if you’re ready to start positioning yourself as a professional from the very first interaction, check out our Pitch Template Bundle—your go-to resource for pitching with confidence, establishing your value, and setting the foundation for strong, fair brand partnerships.