A New, Exciting Way to Make Money with Brand Collaborations

west episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anca Toderic, the food blogger behind The Butter Table, who has turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business by creating user-generated content (short-form video) for brands.

Her journey is not only inspiring but also filled with practical advice for anyone looking to monetize their video content. Let's dive into the lessons learned from Anca's experience.

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The Pivot: From Struggle to Strategy

Anca's story begins with a venture that many can relate to—a business that didn't take off as hoped. She and her sister-in-law poured their hearts into a meal plan business for seven years, only to make the tough call to shut it down. This setback, compounded by the surprise of a new baby, could have been the end of her entrepreneurial journey. But with her sister's encouragement, Anca found a new path: TikTok.

Despite initial reservations, TikTok became a source of fun for Anca as she shared her recipes and cooking tips. This platform was the stepping stone she needed to gain confidence and see the potential for monetization, which led her to start a blog and consider brand partnerships.

Crafting the Pitch: The Art of Negotiation and Content Creation

Anca's approach to pitching and negotiating with brands was all self-taught. She started by creating a portfolio that showcased her content and pitched her ideas to potential partners. Her first brand deal came as a surprise, considering her small following and the fact that her blog and Instagram weren't even launched yet.

When it comes to setting rates, Anca did her homework. She began charging $650 for a 30-second video and later increased her rate to $1,000, offering package discounts for multiple videos. Her key to success? Discussing budgets and deliverables with brands to tailor her pricing to each project's needs.

The Creative Process: Authenticity Meets Professionalism

In creating content for brands, Anca focuses on authenticity. She often showcases products in a natural setting, whether it's through recipe development or cooking demonstrations. Her tools of the trade are simple yet effective—smartphone apps for filming and editing, natural lighting, and minimal equipment. This approach resonates with brands looking for user-generated content that feels genuine and relatable.

Growing the Blog and Instagram: The Power of Collaboration

Anca's growth as a blogger and influencer has been significantly boosted by her work with brands. With about 20-30% of her collaborations coming through PR agencies and the rest from in-house contacts, she has seen the benefits of backlinks from real companies and the exposure that comes from being tagged and featured on Instagram.</