What Is a Kick-off Call?

A kick-off call is the initial meeting—usually virtual—where brands, marketers, and influencers come together to discuss a new campaign or collaboration. Think of it as a project’s starting line: you map out objectives, timelines, and responsibilities so everyone is clear on what comes next.

Why Kick-off Calls Matter

- Alignment: Ensures both parties agree on goals, target audience, key messages, and deliverables.

- Efficiency: Saves time by clarifying steps, avoiding back-and-forth emails later.

- Relationship Building: Establishes rapport and trust between brands and creators.

Without a solid kick-off call, projects risk miscommunication, delayed timelines, or mismatched expectations.

Kick-off Calls in Influencer Marketing: Examples

1. DTC Beauty Brand x Micro-Influencer

- Brand shares campaign theme (e.g., spring makeup launch).

- Influencer discusses content ideas (tutorials, unboxing, before/after shots).

- Both agree on posting schedule, hashtags, and giveaway rules.

2. Fitness App x Macro-Influencer

- Brand outlines app features to highlight (workout tracking, community challenges).

- Influencer proposes a series of Instagram Stories and a YouTube workout demo.

- Team decides on promotional codes, tracking links, and performance metrics.

3. Sustainable Fashion Label x Content Creator

- Brand explains its eco-friendly mission and fabrics.

- Creator suggests a behind-the-scenes video of care tips and styling looks.

- They finalize creative direction, usage rights, and payment terms.

Common Misconceptions

- "It’s Just a Chat": A kick-off call is more than a casual conversation; it’s a structured planning session.

- "We Can Skip It": Even small collaborations benefit from a quick 15-minute sync to avoid confusion.

- "It’s Only for Big Campaigns": Micro projects and one-off posts gain clarity from a short kick-off.

Variations of Kick-off Calls

- Internal Kick-off: Brand’s marketing team meets to align before involving influencers.

- Group Kick-off: Multiple influencers join together on a single call to address shared goals.

- One-on-One Kick-off: Personalized session focusing on the unique style and audience of one creator.

Practical Tips for a Successful Kick-off Call

1. Prepare an Agenda: List objectives, timelines, content types, deliverables, and KPIs.

2. Share Materials in Advance: Send brand guidelines, mood boards, and reference links before the call.

3. Assign Roles: Clarify who handles scripting, editing, approvals, and reporting.

4. Set Clear Deadlines: Agree on draft reviews, revisions, and final post dates.

5. Record the Meeting: Keep a recording or detailed notes to reference later.

6. Follow Up with Minutes: Email a summary of decisions, action items, and next steps.

By treating your kick-off call as a strategic milestone, you’ll build stronger partnerships, create impactful content, and streamline every step of your influencer marketing journey.