After you sign and working with a team
After You Sign Checklist
Quick answer
After you sign a brand deal, save the signed copy, put every date and deadline in one place, track each deliverable through approval and posting, send your invoice on time, and note when usage rights and exclusivity end. Most problems happen after the signature.
Key takeaways
- Save the signed contract and write down every date in it.
- Track each deliverable from draft to approval to posting.
- Invoice when the contract allows, and follow up on payment.
- Note when usage rights and exclusivity end so nothing runs on by accident.
The stages after signing
| Stage | What to do | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Right after signing | Save the signed contract, and put dates and deadlines in a calendar | The signed copy and the brief |
| Before production | Confirm the brief, assets, and any product shipment | Written confirmation of what is needed |
| During production | Send drafts on time, and track feedback and revisions | Every draft, comment, and approval |
| Posting | Post on the agreed date, with the right disclosure, tags, and links | A record of when and where it went live |
| After posting | Share any agreed results, and send your invoice | Metrics, invoice, and proof of delivery |
| Wrap-up | Follow up on payment, and note when usage and exclusivity end | Payment record and a reminder for the end dates |
Right after signing
- Save the signed contract where you can find it.
- Add every date to a calendar: drafts, approvals, posting, invoice, payment, and the end of usage and exclusivity.
- Write down who your contact is, who approves content, and who handles payment.
Before and during production
- Confirm the brief and the deliverables in writing.
- Check that you have the product, assets, and links you need.
- Send each draft by its date, and note how many revision rounds are used.
- Save the approval for each draft.
At posting
- Post on the agreed date.
- Include the required disclosure, tags, links, and codes.
- Keep a record of the post link and the time it went live.
After posting
- Send the results you agreed to share.
- Send your invoice as soon as the contract allows, with the due date on it.
- Follow up if payment is late. See What to Do When a Brand Pays Late.
Wrap-up
- Note the date usage rights end, and set a reminder.
- Note the date exclusivity ends, and set a reminder.
- Save the final files and the full email thread.
- Decide whether to ask for a renewal or a follow-up project.
What people miss most often
- The end date of usage rights.
- The end date of exclusivity.
- Sending the invoice on time.
- Keeping approvals in writing.
- Saving the final signed copy.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do after I sign a brand deal?
Save the contract, put every date in one place, track deliverables through approval and posting, send your invoice on time, and note when usage and exclusivity end.
How do I keep track of deadlines across several deals?
Put every date in one calendar or one tracker, and review it each week.
When should I send my invoice?
When your contract says you can. Many creators invoice a deposit on signing and the balance on delivery or posting.
What records should I keep?
The signed contract, the brief, every draft and approval, the post link, your invoice, and payment records.
What if the brand changes the brief after I sign?
Ask for the change in writing. If it adds work, treat it as an extra and agree on the price before you start.
When should I think about a renewal?
Before the end dates for usage and exclusivity, and after the content has performed.