A good first pitch helps a brand see the fit without asking your readers to carry the sales job. Use this checklist to make the conversation specific, honest, and easy to evaluate.
Lead with the readers
In a couple of lines, say who reads your newsletter, what they come to you for, and why this brand belongs in that conversation. Audience fit is the opening argument; list size alone is not the story.
Bring a small proof pack
Pull a recent snapshot from your own email platform. Label the date range and include only metrics you can verify, plus a sample issue or placement so a sponsor can picture the fit. Keep estimates separate from measured results.
Make the offer concrete
Name the format, issue or date, placement, fee, included assets, and how a click or response will be tracked. If you are still shaping the scope, ask what the sponsor needs to decide before preparing a longer proposal.
Agree before you publish
Confirm deliverables, timing, edits, tracking links, payment, and cancellation terms in writing. If you endorse a product, speak from your real experience and avoid claims you cannot support. FTC disclosure guideFTC endorsement guidance
READER TRUST
Keep the relationship clear to readers
For U.S. endorsements, FTC staff guidance says a material relationship with a brand should be easy to see and understand. Put the disclosure with the endorsement itself, and use plain wording such as “ad” or “sponsored” instead of burying it after the message. FTC disclosure guideFTC endorsement guidance
Sources
Primary U.S. guidance behind the endorsement and disclosure notes above:
- Disclosures 101 for Social Media InfluencersFederal Trade Commission
FTC staff guidance on material connections, clear disclosures, and honest product endorsements.
- FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingFederal Trade Commission
FTC staff answers on truthful endorsements and disclosing relevant brand relationships.