These days, social media is far more than vacation pics and life updates—it’s the modern marketplace where brands are built. One of the smartest ways to tap into that power? Teaming up with influencers who can showcase your products or services to an loyal and trusting audience. When done right, an influencer can put your brand in front of the right eyes—and turn followers into customers, fast. In this blog post, we’ll share practical tips on how to work with influencers and ensure everything is done correctly and professionally.

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Let’s start with the non-negotiable: Disclosure. If you’re working with influencers, transparency about the partnership isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. Followers need to know when a post is paid content, and that means being clear and upfront. Tags like #ad, #sponsored, or “Paid Partnership with [Company/Brand]” should be easy to spot—ideally right at the top of the caption, not buried after a dozen hashtags. Skip the vague shoutouts like “Thanks to [Company/Brand]”—they don’t cut it with regulators or savvy audiences. Failure to disclose properly doesn’t just break trust—it could also bring unwanted attention from the FTC and other watchdogs.

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Beyond disclosure, communication and professionalism are key to a successful influencer collaboration. Lay the expectations and groundwork early. Make sure your influencer knows exactly what you expect—what to say (and not say), when to post, which hashtags or tags to use, and any legal or branding do’s and don’ts. That said, don’t micromanage. Give them the space to make the content feel like them. After all, their audience is following them—not you—and authenticity is what drives engagement. Their audience trusts their voice and style, so allowing them to tailor your message in a way that feels authentic can lead to better engagement and stronger results. The best collaborations thrive on mutual respect and honest, two-way communication—from kickoff to final post.

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At the end of the day, teaming up with influencers can seriously boost your brand—but it’s not a free-for-all. Sure, influencers make it look easy—but behind every polished post is a current of strategy, structure, and a few legal speed bumps. To keep your brand sailing on steady waters, you’ll need more than eye-catching content. Think clear rules, solid relationships, and a sharp eye on the fine print. Every piece of the partnership—from disclosure to delivery—needs to be carefully navigated. When done right, this strategy doesn’t just raise your visibility—it anchors your credibility, builds trust, and keeps your brand on course for long-term loyalty.

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Need help drafting influencer agreements or making sure your campaign checks all the legal boxes? Call Harbour Business Law—we’ll help you get it right from the start.

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Don’t have a business attorney? Get in touch with our team by emailing Info@harbourbusinesslaw.com.

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This Blog was written by the Harbour Business Law Team Member, Amber Ewald.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not offer nor substitute legal advice. This blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship and is not for advertising or solicitation purposes. Any of the content contained herein shall not be used to make any decision without first consulting an attorney. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision not to be based on advertisements or blogs. Harbour Business Law expressly disclaims any and all liability in regard to any actions, or lack thereof, based on any contents of this blog.