So, *slaps roof of car* you’re a streamer and want to work with companies. Well, do I have some pro strats for you. Recently, I spent a LOT of time reaching out to streamers for our recent Stream Raiser. And it got me thinking that there really isn’t a lot of information out there for streamers, as to how to go about making connections with companies. So, I have decided that it’s time to tear down the curtain. Here are my 5 tips for working with companies for streamers.
1. Have a Business Email in an easy to find place
This is honestly the main reason for creating this post. The number of great streamers I came across that didn’t have a contract email honestly hurt me. And sadly, because I am working on a schedule, there isn’t a lot of time for me to run around trying to chase emails down from people, so often I simply move onto the next person. So, if you’re wondering why no companies reach out to you, it’s entirely possible they have tried, but because you have no easy to find contact option you never knew. Please if you haven’t already, create a dedicated business email for your stream. It doesn’t have to be a fancy address, using Gmail or outlook is entirely fine. And on top of that, make sure it’s in an easy to find area. We’re talking: Twitch about bar, Twitch Panels, your about on Twitter, Instagram or TikTok. If we have to click through fifty linktrees to find your contact email, there’s a big chance you’re missing out on some cool opportunities.
2. CHECK SAID BUSINESS EMAIL REGULARLY!!!
The number of emails I sent with no response was honestly frustrating. Even if the response is no, it’s far better than nothing. For some people, I’m sure the lack of response was due to a bit of anxiety which is absolutely fine, but I’m also confident a lot of lack of responses came from just not checking regularly enough. I understand that it can be a little disheartening to not see any emails in your inbox, so I’d recommend checking once or twice a week maximum just in case. But please, PLEASE check at least once a week. There is nothing worse than seeing an email from two months ago that you missed out on because you never checked.
3. Saying ‘no’ is fine
This also hops off of the last point, but saying no is OK. If the opportunity doesn’t work with your schedule, or you just plain no interested – please don’t be afraid of saying no. No is a response, no is good, we can work with no. We can’t work with nothing. Also, saying no still gives you an easy opportunity to introduce yourself, get on first name basis with the company and potentially create a bit of a rapport with them which might come in handy if you do want to work with them again in future. Don’t burn bridges before they are even formed, because if you get a reputation of not replying, it’s possible that rep will get around to other companies too.
4. Know how to email
Communication and networking are a BIG part of being in content creation, and the bigger you grow, the even more important that is. If you’ve never written an email in your life and have no idea how, now is the time to learn! Having good email etiquette will honestly make everyone’s lives much easier. So please, learn how to format your emails and make them read nicely. Signing off with “cheers”, or “thanks” is much better than nothing at all. And signing off with “sent from my iPhone” is a sure-fire way to make sure you are never contacted again. (I’m joking of course, I imagine companies still will. But know their employees do joke about your sub-par emails together at the water cooler.)
5. Reach out to companies you like
I’m sure for some companies this might not be the best advice, but I think it’s great. If you like a company and want to work with them, introduce yourself! Follow them on social media and engage with their stuff, and then if you are feeling up to it, send them an email. If they don’t have an easy to find email address, drop them a private message on somewhere like Twitter and see if they can supply you with one. Then, just simply introduce yourself in your email, expressing interest in working with them in any future projects. If you don’t hear back, it’s still good practice for the next time, but if you do, then awesome, you have made a new contact! Getting your foot in the door is honestly a great idea, and sometimes waiting around for them to find you might not be the best way. Companies know how valuable a good streamer contact is, and even if you are small now, you could always grow and companies certainly know that too! Don’t doubt your worth!
So, there were 5 tips for working with companies for streamers.
If you’re a streamer or youtuber and want to work with Thermaltake, we’d love to hear from you! Best way is to send us a DM on Twitter or Instagram and we’ll go from there! But if you just want to read other cool posts by us, feel free to check out any of our gaming or tech posts before you click away!
