What to Do If a Brand Doesn’t Pay You as an Influencer

You followed the brief.

You delivered the content.

You posted on time.

And now… nothing. The brand has gone silent.

Unfortunately, not getting paid is a common issue in influencer marketing, especially when you're managing campaigns on your own, without a contract or platform.

Here’s what to do if a brand doesn’t pay you, and how to avoid this situation next time.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Get Organized

Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you have everything in order. Ask yourself:

• Did you send your invoice?
• Were the payment terms clear in writing?
• Did the post meet the campaign requirements?
• Has the agreed-upon payment deadline passed?

Sometimes, it’s just a delay or a missed email. Get your receipts, screenshots, and communication history together. Being organized helps you follow up professionally.

Step 2: Send a Professional Payment Reminder

If the deadline has passed and no payment has arrived, it’s time to send a polite but clear reminder. Keep it short, professional, and friendly.

Example:

Hi [Brand Contact],

Just following up on my invoice sent on [Date] for the [Campaign Name] collaboration. According to our agreement, payment was due on [Due Date].

Let me know if there’s anything else needed on my end. Looking forward to closing this out.

Thanks!

Assume good intent on your first message. Brands work with many creators, sometimes things slip through the cracks.

Step 3: Escalate If You Don’t Get a Response

No reply after two follow-ups? Time to be more direct. Still respectful, but firm.

Here’s what you can do:

• Tag someone else from the brand team
• Re-send the signed contract and original invoice
• Set a final payment deadline
• Mention you're prepared to take further action

You don’t need to threaten legal action right away, but make it clear that this is serious and that you expect to be paid for your work.

What If There Was No Contract?

Even without a formal contract, written communication via email or DMs still counts as proof of a business agreement.

Save everything:

• Screenshots of your agreement
• Message threads
• Confirmation of deliverables

These can help if you need to make a legal claim or use a dispute resolution platform. But next time: never post without a contract.

How to Avoid Influencer Payment Issues in the Future

The best way to protect yourself is to use a platform that safeguards both sides.

When you run campaigns through nowfluence:

• All agreements are signed and stored
• Deadlines and approvals are tracked
• Payment is held in secure Stripe escrow
• You only post when everything is confirmed
• Payment is released automatically after delivery

No ghosting. No chasing. Just clean, professional workflows.

You Deserve to Be Paid

You created the content. You followed the deal.

You should be paid. Full stop.

Influencer marketing isn’t a hobby. It’s a job. And like any job, payment is part of the agreement.

Whether you're just getting started or already working with major brands, protect yourself:

• Get deals in writing
• Keep records of your work
• Use tools that make your business more professional

Tired of chasing brands for payment?

Run your next campaign through nowfluence clicking here and get paid the right way!