If you’re running an influencer agency or managing creators, you may be relying on casual agreements or verbal understandings. But without a written management contract, you’re leaving your business exposed to disputes, unpaid commissions, and confusion about rights. A formal agreement sets expectations, defines authority, and keeps the working relationship professional and scalable.

If you're posting in exchange for money, gifts, or free products, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires you to disclose that relationship clearly and conspicuously. That means no burying “#ad” in a wall of hashtags or relying on vague language like “partner” or “sponsored.” Influencers who fail to comply can face warnings, public investigations, or even legal fines—even if the brand never told them the rules.

Brand partnerships are exciting, but too many influencers rush into signing contracts without knowing what they’re really agreeing to. A poorly written or one-sided contract can lead to unpaid invoices, unlimited usage of your content, or being locked into exclusivity with a brand that limits your earning potential. The best time to negotiate terms that protect your work and your time is before you post—not after a dispute arises.