I have recently discovered the community of brand repping. And have had tons of questions about what this all is. Basically a brand rep is someone who represents a brand by promoting that brand, taking high quality pictures, and helping the brand grow. In exchange, you receive either the product for free of for a hefty discount. Small shops will often hold a brand rep/enthusiast search. To enter, you usually have to repost the contest picture and write why you want to be a brand rep for that shop. You also usually say a few things about your little one, like their age + personality. The small shop looks through all of the entries and will choose a few winners! Usually shops choose about 1-4 brand reps and around 10 enthusiasts. Brand reps usually receive the product for free, while enthusiast get a large discount off the product.
Working with a shop as a brand rep or enthusiast is a great way to support small businesses and support the women behind the shops. If you love supporting small shops and taking high quality pictures of your little one, you will love the world of brand repping. There are so many amazing shops and talented women and so many gorgeous kids, it only makes sense the two work together! Now, it’s definitely not about getting free items. While that is a perk, it actually takes a lot of time + sometimes money to truly help out a shop and take great pictures. You need to be able to hold up your end of the agreement. Shops are depending on those pictures to advertise and share on their social media + websites. So while it may seem easy to get free stuff and take photos, there’s actually a bit more to it! Just be sure your committed to it before you join!
A couple of months ago, I entered Gracie girl into a few brand rep searches. Unfortunately she wasn’t chosen. It was a little disappointing because as a parent, you want your child to be chosen for everything! Lol! But, there is actually a LOT more too it than just a cute kid. Shops are looking for more than a pretty/handsome child. They want to see clear and bright photos that really highlight the product. Make sure there are no distractions in the background! Shops also want to see you engage with your followers. That means when you get comments on photos, comment back and start conversations. Shops also want to see a love for shopping small. So, start showcasing a few small shop items like handmade headbands or moccs in your posts.
After Gracie wasn’t chosen for a few searches, I decided to up my instagram game a bit. I started focusing on my photo quality and my ability to showcase small shops! I entered in more searches, and Gracie was chosen for 5 in one week!
This is such a fun hobby/passion I randomly discovered, but I am so glad I did! It’s been so much fun meshing a few of my passions together (photography, playing with Gracie, shopping, supporting other women) into one hobby. Let me know if you have any other questions!
xoxo
This is amazing! Thank you for all the advice and your experience with brand reppin. IG brand rep referral is awesome I love the attention to detail and all you mommas. Great job!??
Aw thank you! I’m glad it helped a bit!
Excellent post! Your photos and helpful hints postings are wonderful!
Thank you!!
Trying to start my shop up need brand reps am can you guys help me ?
Send me an email at hello@gracefulmommy.com – I’d be happy to help!
Please add me to your Newsletter….
Thanks….
Sandra
Thanks so much for this info! I just (as of two days ago, haha) started an IG for my daughter and this whole world is so new (and a little scary). I appreciate the helpful advice, it gives me a place to start 🙂
Aw! How exciting! What’s your IG name? I’d love to follow you!
I started not too long ago an account for my 14 months old son, im loving but yet challenging to get him to be still for a moment lol but having lots of fun and buying from smallshops 🙂 thanks for your helpful tips!
Do you have a recommendation on a good camera that takes great pictures? We are trying to get started brand repping!
Yes!! The Sony A6000 with a 50mm 1.8 lens!!
Definitely! I would recommend the sony A600! It’s the best!