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You're grinding, building your tribe, and brands are hitting your DMs—hiyo ni fiti sana! But in 2025's changing, Kasongo economy, you need strategy. Ready to unlock your X-factor, get your sauti heard, and command deals like the maboy you are? Let's get to it.
Alright, player, I know you have been grinding hard as you integrate together your tribe by channeling out content and converting that passion into amazing magic. It's definitely why those brands are popping in your DM; they are ready to mingle. But first thing first, don't be in a hurry to say yes; you need to be intelligent in how you negotiate your payment. Remember how your street smart came to action as a content creator in 2025, it's also about ensuring you truly earn what you deserve, especially in this Kasongo economy.
I know you are already thinking about that Mpesa notification. I can't blame you because it's just one of those amazing feelings you get; boy, there's nothing like it. But you need to understand your X-factor— is it how you captivate your audience to engage them entirely, translating to making more purchases, or It might be when you use magic video skills to convert basic content to look more cinematic? You know what? That's when you have to do your homework and do proper scouting. What are other creators charging? Have a conversation with your gang of peers so that when you finally settle on that figure, it will be based on facts. For example, how invested and engaged your audience is can guarantee good brand conversions, giving you the ultimate power when invited to the negotiating table.
Remember that brands are all about the complete package, not just one post, as some folks tend to imagine. Therefore, you are responsible for the value you bring to the table. Will it be more about that one viral Instagram Reel or some dope, captivating stories? Do you guarantee the brand the time frame for their content to stay on your page? And will you provide the brand with a performance report? Becoming specific with your deliverables will ensure your price tag is as professional as possible.
It's common knowledge in 2025 to do a background check. I bet a brand is currently doing a background check on you. You need to do one for brands as well. You need to know how much the brand you are looking to work with is paying its creators. When you identify a specific brand you wish to work with, get to understand some of its previous campaigns and how much they dished out to the creators they used on the specific campaign. Also, you need to understand the direction the brand focuses on for its growth expansion. This will give you the proper knowledge to pitch for a retainer package or simply just one post, depending on the information. When you understand the value of a brand, you will be able to come up with a perfect pitch and cash on it.
When you get to the negotiation table and are told to quote your figure, don't just dish out a figure as if you are a hawker in the street of Tom Mboya selling pajamas at a throwaway price to entice your potential customers. You don't state, "I charge a flat rate of 50K." Instead, give it a nice tweak and state, "Considering the personality of my audience, millennials, and your objective to connect with that bracket of consumers. A TikTok video that can perfectly explain how your product solves their problem would cost KES 50000. This will translate to x amount of views and y amount of engagement for your brand."
This will work perfectly, considering you will demonstrate the brand's ROI (return on investment). The secret is to learn to speak their language.
In negotiation 101, you should always aim higher than what you anticipate earning. This will give you a good space to land on your feet and not emerge as if you are already losing. Remember, it's important to quote a reasonable figure that is ambitious but not ridiculous. Keep in mind the average minimum of a Kenyan creator with the same scope of project because we wouldn't want you to live money on the table, would we?
Never forget that you are in business because of your audience; otherwise, you will quickly close shop like Nakumatt did when you forget about that. You get your backing power with your audience because you get to flex with them as your bargaining chip. That's why you should give brands the purchasing power of your audience, which is backed by demographics. Last but not least, you should always remember that the game isn't about the number of followers but about the influence and trust of your audience.
You should learn to say 'No' because this will, in return, become one of your superpowers as a creator. There will be offers that will not meet your standards in terms of payment, and others won't align with your values as a person. Therefore, don't hesitate to decline or submit a counteroffer politely. In return, brands will appreciate the boldness demonstrated, and in exchange, some brands can even present a better offer than they had given the first time. Always know your worth and respect your hustle.
There will be times when you will be required to leverage valuable perks in contracts that offer exclusive product launches, VIP access to events, or travel opportunities in exchange for some wonderful content. As much as the Mpesa notification gives you goosebumps, it makes good business acumen not to miss out on such opportunities. Leverage them to get the most out of them in a way that will still ensure you get good value as a creator.
It's common sense to ensure you get everything in writing to be on the safe side. That means ensuring the payment terms, deadlines, and deliverables are properly captured on a contract. This will benefit not only you but also the brand. Good business dictates that you shouldn't start creating content for the brand without pending your signature and getting a copy of your contract.
During negotiations, come with an open mindset. This will create a good working relationship that will translate into a wonderful partnership. Brands always prefer to work with content creators who conduct themselves professionally. This will get you more recommendations and give you a good reputation, which will be priceless.
The secret to understanding good negotiation in 2025 will require you to prepare well, be confident, and understand the value you bring.
Off you go and get them deals.
