From Viral Sensation to Monetization: Alicia McCarvell’s Blueprint for Brand Deals

Alicia McCarvell is more than just a viral sensation—she’s a powerhouse content creator who turned a single moment of internet fame into a thriving personal brand. In my recent interview with her, we unpacked how she transitioned from working a 9-to-5 to building a sustainable career as a creator, pitching brands, and monetizing her influence in ways that align with her values.

If you’re a content creator looking to secure brand deals and build a business beyond viral moments, this conversation is a must-listen. Below are key takeaways from our chat, combined with advice from other top creators who have successfully turned their content into cash.

The Power of Pitching: How to Get Brands to Say Yes

One of Alicia’s biggest pieces of advice is to start by making a list of brands you already use and love. Taking inventory of the brands you use allows you to integrate your real life into the sponsored content you create. And she’s right—authenticity is what makes brand partnerships work. Here’s how you can follow her lead and start landing deals:

➡️ Make a Brand Hit List – Identify brands that align with your values and resonate with your audience. If you already use the product, you can create natural, engaging content around it.

➡️ Cold Pitch with Confidence – Don’t wait for brands to find you. Reach out via email or DM, introduce yourself, and explain why you’d be a great fit for their marketing goals. You bring value—own it!

➡️ Show, Don’t Just Tell – Brands want proof that their products fit seamlessly into your content. If you don’t have prior brand deals, create organic content featuring similar products to showcase how you’d execute a partnership.

➡️ Start Small, Then Scale Up – If you’re new to partnerships, start with gifted collaborations but make it clear that your goal is paid sponsorships. Once you demonstrate value, brands are more likely to invest in a long-term relationship.

➡️ Negotiate Like a Pro – Don’t jump at the first offer. Ask about licensing, exclusivity, and usage rights. If a brand claims they have no budget, respond with, “When do you expect to allocate funds for influencer marketing?”

➡️ Turn One Deal Into Many – Overdeliver on your first collaboration and then pitch a long-term partnership. Brands prefer consistency over one-off posts.

➡️ Leverage Your Audience Data – Brands care about engagement more than follower count. Share your audience demographics, reach, and performance metrics to prove your influence.

➡️ Know Your Worth – Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Use tools like Clara for Creators or FYPM to benchmark fair pricing, and don’t be afraid to say no to lowball offers.

➡️ Have Financial Cushion to Protect Your Brand – Alicia stresses the importance of financial stability so you’re never pressured to take a bad deal. “There’s power in saying NO, and it’s much easier when you’re not desperate for a paycheck.” Your credibility is worth more than a quick payday.

➡️ Follow Up & Stay Persistent – If a brand doesn’t respond, follow up in a week. If they say no, check back in a few months. Relationships take time to build.

Beyond Sponsorships: Expanding Your Brand

Alicia also shared key insights on how to go from viral sensation to long-term sustainability by expanding revenue streams beyond brand deals. She has diversified her income through speaking engagements, product collaborations, and leveraging her platform for social impact. The key takeaway? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—monetize in multiple ways to build a strong, resilient business.

If you’re a creator looking to make a full-time living in content, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you pitch brands, build a personal brand, and turn online influence into real income.