"How much for a story post?"
If this is how you start conversations with influencers, you've already lost.
You are framing the relationship as a transaction. You are buying ad space, not building advocacy.
The brands that scale to $50M+ don't just buy posts. They build armies of genuine fans.
The "Gift-First" Strategy (Seeding)
The goal is to get your product into the hands of the right people with zero strings attached.
Why "No Strings" Works Better:
Reciprocity: When you give a gift without asking for a post, the creator feels a psychological need to return the favor.
Authenticity: If they post, it's because they actually liked it. Their audience can smell the difference between a paid ad and genuine excitement.
Cost: You pay COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) + Shipping. Not agency rates.
A chart outlining pro’s & cons with influencer marketing by “Geeks For Geeks”
The Seeding Workflow
Step 1: The Compliment (No Ask)
DM the creator: "Hey [Name], love your content on [Topic]. We made [Product] specifically for people like you. No strings attached, just want to send you one to try. What's the best address?"
Step 2: The Experience
Send the product in a branded box with a handwritten note. Mention something specific about their content.
Do not include a contract. Do not ask for a post.
Step 3: The Follow-Up
Wait until tracking says "Delivered."
"Hey, just saw it arrived! Hope you love it. Let me know what you think!"
The Numbers
Send to 50 micro-influencers.
Cost: ~$1,000 in COGS/Shipping.
Result: ~15-20 will post a story unboxing. ~5 will become long-term recurring partners.
Those 5 partners will generate more revenue over a year than one expensive macro-influencer post.
