LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for influencer marketing. With over 740 million users, LinkedIn offers access to a massive professional audience. Many influencers and thought leaders have built large followings on LinkedIn and work with brands to promote products and services. But how much do these LinkedIn influencers charge for sponsored posts and other promotional activities? In this article, we’ll break down the typical fees influencers charge on LinkedIn.
What is an Influencer?
An influencer is an individual who has built a reputation and audience around a specific niche or industry. Influencers have the power to shape audience attitudes through blogs, social media, and other platforms. On LinkedIn specifically, influencers tend to be thought leaders, industry experts, and professionals with large followings. They create and share content that provides value for their target audience. Brands collaborate with LinkedIn influencers to tap into their audience and expertise to promote their products.
Factors That Determine LinkedIn Influencer Rates
Several factors come into play when determining how much an influencer will charge for branded partnerships on LinkedIn:
Follower Count
In most cases, the main factor is the size of the influencer’s LinkedIn audience. Influencers with larger followings—typically over 10,000 followers—can command higher rates. Micro-influencers, with 1,000 to 10,000 followers, charge less than mega influencers, who have over 100,000 followers.
Engagement
In addition to follower count, engagement levels also impact influencer fees. Engagement refers to the amount of interaction an influencer generates from their audience, such as likes, comments, and shares on their posts. Influencers with a highly engaged audience can charge more than those with passive followers.
Niche/Industry
Rates also vary across industries and niches. Influencers in high-value fields like technology, business, and finance tend to have higher rates. Nano-influencers in smaller or less commercial niches may charge less.
Content Quality
Influencers who produce high-quality, valuable content can justify higher fees. Great storytelling, writing, production value, and creativity allow some influencers to charge premium rates.
Location
Location is another consideration, as influencer rates differ across geographic regions. U.S.-based influencers typically have the highest fees globally.
Types of LinkedIn Influencer Partnerships
There are several ways brands can collaborate with LinkedIn influencers:
Sponsored Content
This refers to posts the influencer is paid to create and share on their LinkedIn profile. The post promotes the brand in some way. Rates are charged per post.
Content Amplification
The influencer shares and amplifies content from the brand’s LinkedIn page or other social channels. This builds brand awareness.
Co-Created Content
The influencer and brand collaborate to create content like an ebook, webinar, or video. The content is shared across both the influencer’s and brand’s channels.
Exclusivity Agreements
The influencer agrees not to partner with or mention competing brands for a set time period.
LinkedIn Influencer Rates
So how much do influencers charge brands on LinkedIn? Here are typical rates:
Micro-Influencers
Followers: 1,000 – 10,000
Average Rate: $250 – $500 per sponsored post
Mid-Tier Influencers
Followers: 10,000 – 50,000
Average Rate: $500 – $1,000 per sponsored post
Macro Influencers
Followers: 50,000 – 100,000
Average Rate: $1,000 – $2,500 per sponsored post
Mega Influencers
Followers: 100,000+
Average Rate: $5,000 – $10,000+ per sponsored post
Influencer Type | Follower Range | Average Rate Per Post |
---|---|---|
Micro-Influencer | 1,000 – 10,000 | $250 – $500 |
Mid-Tier Influencer | 10,000 – 50,000 | $500 – $1,000 |
Macro Influencer | 50,000 – 100,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Mega Influencer | 100,000+ | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
As you can see, mega influencers with hundreds of thousands of engaged LinkedIn followers can charge $5,000 to $10,000 or more per sponsored post. Micro-influencers with smaller, but targeted audiences charge much less, averaging $250 to $500 per post.
In addition to one-time sponsored posts, influencers may charge brands a monthly retainer fee for amplified content, exclusivity rights, and other promotions. These packages can range from $5,000/month for micro-influencers to $25,000+/month for major influencers.
Of course, these are just averages across the industry – actual influencer rates will vary depending on niche, content quality, and negotiation. Some influencers may charge above or below these standard rates.
How Do Influencers Determine Their Rates?
You may be wondering how influencers land on their rates for working with brands. Here are some of the factors they consider when pricing their services:
Level of Effort
Influencers consider the time and effort it will take to produce sponsored content for the brand. Complex posts, shoots, edits, and reviews warrant higher fees.
Production Costs
If the influencer needs to purchase products, pay for travel, or hire a production team, they incorporate these costs into their rates.
Exclusivity
Whether the partnership includes exclusivity clauses also impacts fees. For example, some influencers charge a premium for agreeing not to mention competitors.
Brand Reputation
Established brands with large budgets are often charged higher rates compared to lesser-known brands.
Campaign Duration
Influencers may offer bundle rates for longer-term partnerships spanning multiple posts/months versus one-off campaigns.
Performance
If the influencer is paid based on performance metrics like clicks, conversions, or sales, they factor this risk into their base rates.
Market Value
Influencers research what peers with similar followings, content quality, and niche charge to benchmark their own rates.
Negotiating With LinkedIn Influencers
Here are tips for negotiating fair compensation when partnering with LinkedIn influencers:
Set a Budget
Determine what you can reasonably afford to pay. Benchmark against similar influencer partnerships in your industry.
Discuss Deliverables
Be clear about campaign length, number of posts, types of content, performance metrics, and responsibilities on both sides.
Consider BARTER
If cash budgets are limited, consider a barter arrangement providing the influencer complimentary products/services in exchange for promotion.
Offer Creativity
Give the influencer freedom to create exciting content that resonates with their audience. More creative control can mean lower fees.
Build Long-Term Value
If you develop an ongoing partnership with the influencer, they may lower their rates over time in exchange for consistent work.
Leverage Your Assets
Outside of cash, identify assets like access to events/spaces, connections, or your own audiences that might appeal to the influencer.
The Bottom Line
In summary, LinkedIn influencer rates vary based on audience size, industry niche, content quality, campaign specifics, and negotiation tactics. Micro-influencers charge a few hundred dollars per post, while mega influencers with extensive reach can charge over $10,000 per post. Beyond one-off posts, influencers may offer bundled packages and exclusivity agreements at a monthly rate. Brands and marketers should determine their campaign goals, influencer needs, and budget to negotiate fair partnerships that provide real value on both sides. With strategic influencer marketing, LinkedIn provides a powerful platform to expand brand awareness among targeted professional communities.