The Ultimate Brand Deal Checklist for First-Time Creators

Landing your first brand deal is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many details to consider, terms to negotiate, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Without a systematic approach, it's easy to forget important elements or agree to unfavorable terms.

This comprehensive checklist will walk you through every aspect of your brand deal—from initial negotiations to content delivery and payment. Use it as your go-to guide to ensure nothing falls through the cracks and every collaboration sets you up for success.

📋 How to Use This Checklist

Print this checklist or save it digitally, then work through each section systematically for every brand deal. Don't skip steps—each item protects your interests and ensures professional collaboration.

Pre-Deal Preparation Checklist

Before you even start negotiating, make sure you're prepared with all the information and materials you'll need.

✅ Personal Preparation

Media kit is updated with current statistics and best content examples Rate card clearly defines pricing for different types of content Professional email signature includes all relevant contact information Content creation equipment is ready and tested Calendar is available for content creation and deadline management

🔍 Brand Research

Researched brand's mission, values, and target audience Reviewed their recent marketing campaigns and content style Identified which products align best with my audience Checked what other creators they've worked with recently Found the right contact person (marketing, PR, partnerships)

Contract & Agreement Checklist

This is where many first-time creators make costly mistakes. Every detail matters, so review each item carefully.

💰 Payment Terms

Total payment amount is clearly specified in writing Payment schedule is defined (50% upfront recommended for new relationships) Payment method is agreed upon (PayPal, bank transfer, check, etc.) Payment timeline is specified (e.g., Net 7, Net 15, Net 30) Late payment penalties or interest are defined (if applicable) Who covers transaction fees is clarified

📝 Deliverables & Content

Exact number of posts/videos/photos is specified Platforms for each piece of content are identified Content format requirements are clear (vertical/horizontal, duration, etc.) Key messaging points or talking points are provided Required hashtags, mentions, and links are listed FTC disclosure requirements are understood and agreed upon Brand guidelines (colors, tone, do's and don'ts) are provided

⏰ Timeline & Deadlines

Content creation deadline is clearly defined Content approval timeline is established Go-live/posting dates are scheduled Buffer time is built in for unexpected delays Consequences for missed deadlines are discussed Revision timeline and limits are agreed upon

📄 Usage Rights & Legal

Usage rights duration is specified (3 months, 1 year, unlimited, etc.) Platforms where brand can use content are listed Whether content can be used for paid advertising is clarified Content modification rights are defined Exclusivity period is agreed upon (if applicable) Attribution requirements are understood Contract termination conditions are clear

Content Creation Checklist

Once terms are agreed upon, use this checklist to ensure your content creation process runs smoothly.

🛍️ Product & Logistics

Product has been received and inspected for quality Shipping address and contact information were provided accurately Product usage instructions or key features are understood Additional props or styling items are prepared Backup plan exists if product is damaged or incorrect

🎬 Production Planning

Content concepts and scripts are outlined Shooting location and setup are prepared Lighting and audio quality are tested All required equipment is functional and charged Multiple angle/format options are planned Backup content ideas are ready in case initial concept doesn't work

Delivery & Post-Campaign Checklist

The work isn't done when you finish creating content. Professional delivery and follow-up are crucial for building long-term relationships.

📤 Content Delivery

Content is reviewed for quality and brand guideline compliance All required hashtags, mentions, and links are included Content is delivered in requested formats and resolutions Files are properly named and organized Delivery is made via agreed-upon method (email, cloud storage, etc.) Professional delivery email includes key details and next steps

💼 Business Follow-up

Invoice is sent promptly after content delivery Payment receipt is confirmed and documented Content performance metrics are tracked (if posted on personal account) Thank you message is sent to brand contact Brand is added to CRM/contact list for future opportunities Campaign summary/case study is created for portfolio Lessons learned are documented for future collaborations

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all brand deals are worth pursuing. Here are warning signs that should make you reconsider:

🚩 Payment Red Flags

• Refusing to pay anything upfront
• Vague payment terms or "we'll pay when we can"
• Payment only in product or "exposure"
• Asking for your social security number or bank details upfront

🚩 Communication Red Flags

• Unprofessional email addresses or communication
• Pressure to sign contracts immediately
• Refusing to provide written agreements
• Evasive answers to direct questions about terms

🚩 Content Red Flags

• Demanding unlimited revisions
• Asking you to make false claims about products
• Requesting content that violates platform guidelines
• Unrealistic deadlines with no flexibility

Tools to Streamline Your Process

Managing all these details manually is overwhelming. Here are tools that can help automate and organize your brand deal workflow:

📊 Organization Tools

• Notion or Airtable for deal tracking
• Google Calendar for deadline management
• Trello for content creation workflows
• Collabed for comprehensive collaboration management

💰 Business Tools

• Wave or FreshBooks for invoicing
• DocuSign for contract management
• PayPal or Stripe for payment processing
• Google Drive for file organization and sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most important thing to clarify before starting a brand deal?

The deliverables and deadlines are crucial. Be crystal clear about what content you're creating, how many pieces, what platforms, and when everything is due. Misunderstandings here cause the most problems.

Should I always ask for 50% payment upfront?

For first-time collaborations, yes. This protects you from non-payment and shows the brand is serious. Once you've built trust with a brand, you can be more flexible with payment terms.

What if a brand asks me to sign a contract I don't understand?

Never sign anything you don't understand. Ask for clarification on confusing terms, or consider having a lawyer review it if it's a significant deal. It's better to ask questions than have problems later.

How do I handle revisions if the brand doesn't like my content?

Include revision limits in your agreement (usually 2-3 rounds). Be open to feedback but protect yourself from endless revisions. If major changes are requested beyond agreed scope, charge additional fees.

Turn This Checklist Into an Automated Workflow

Instead of manually tracking every detail, use Collabed to turn this checklist into an actual workflow inside your collaboration management system. Never miss important details or deadlines again.