UpPeek field notes · 5 min
Creator outreach DM template for founders
Two short messages you can adapt: one offering free access and one offering a paid collaboration, plus what to avoid.
By Neha, founder of UpPeek ·
What a good first message does
It shows you looked at their content, makes one small ask, and is short enough to read in seconds. It does not attach a long brief or ask for a commitment on the first message.
Template 1: free access first
Hi [name], I'm the maker of [product]: [one sentence on what it does]. I came across your [platform] content on [topic], which looks close to who it is built for.
Would you be open to trying it? I'm happy to give you free access first. If you like it, we can talk about a collaboration. No obligation either way, and any sponsored post would be clearly disclosed.
Template 2: a paid collaboration
Hi [name], I'm the maker of [product]: [one sentence]. I like how you cover [topic] and think your audience would find it useful.
I have a small budget for a paid collaboration. If you're open to it, I can send a short brief and you can tell me your rate and timing. It's fine to say no.
What to avoid
A few habits lower reply rates quickly.
- ✓Copy-pasted messages with the wrong name or topic
- ✓Asking for a post before they have seen the product
- ✓Promising results, views or sales
- ✓Messaging the same person on every platform at once
- ✓Following up more than once
Questions people ask
Should I DM or email?
Use whichever the creator lists as the best way to reach them, often an email in their profile for business enquiries. A DM works when they have no listed email.