Blog/How to Write a Campaign Brief That Influencers Actually Read
For Brands6 min readJan 28, 2024

How to Write a Campaign Brief That Influencers Actually Read

Most brands write briefs that are either too vague or too controlling. Here's the format that gets results.

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TickTime Editorial

Published Jan 28, 2024

How to Write a Campaign Brief That Influencers Actually Read

A campaign brief is the single most important document in an influencer collaboration. It sets expectations, aligns creative vision, and — if done well — gives the influencer everything they need to create something their audience will actually engage with.

The 6 Elements of an Effective Brief

  1. Brand context — 2–3 sentences on what you do and who you serve
  2. Campaign goal — one specific objective (awareness, signups, purchases)
  3. Target message — the one thing you want the audience to take away
  4. Deliverables — exact content types, quantities, and specs
  5. Posting window — the date range for publishing content
  6. Hard don'ts — competitor mentions, prohibited claims, mandatory disclosures

What Not to Include

Do not write the script for the influencer. Do not dictate camera angles. Do not require specific background settings. These constraints produce content that looks like an ad — and their audience will scroll past it.

⚠ Note

Overly prescriptive briefs are the #1 reason influencer content underperforms. Creative freedom isn't a risk — it's the product you're paying for.

Sample Brief Structure

text
Brand: Nourish — a clean protein supplement for active women

Goal: Drive trial purchases from women aged 22–35 interested in fitness

Message: Nourish fits into a real, busy life — it's not a 'gym obsessive' product

Deliverables: 1 Instagram Reel (45–60s) + 2 Stories with swipe-up link

Posting window: March 15–20, 2024

Don'ts: No comparison to competitors. No medical claims. Must include #ad.

Review Before Publishing

Before publishing on TickTime, read your brief as an influencer would. Ask: do I understand what this brand wants? Do I have enough room to make this feel natural? Would I feel comfortable creating this content? If any answer is no, revise.

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