How Influencer Marketing Really Works in 2026 | Brand Insider Secrets with Megan Vasquez [Creator Currency Ep. 21]

You Can Follow Megan here:

Website: https://grin.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grin-inc- 
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megvas/

Today on Influencer Confidential, I’m sitting down with Megan Vasquez from GRIN, a true OG in the creator economy who’s worked brand-side, agency-side, talent-side, and now in tech. We talk about how brands actually discover creators, what’s happening behind the scenes when brands are scrolling Instagram on desktop, and why things like consistency, your bio, and having your email visible matter more than most creators realize.

We also dive into where the industry is headed, why long-term partnerships are becoming the norm, how affiliate and hybrid deals are evolving, and what brands are really prioritizing when it comes to ROI.

Plus, we touch on brand safety, transparency, and whether AI is actually a threat or just a tool to make everyone’s lives easier. If you’ve ever wanted a real look behind the curtain from the brand side, this episode is for you.

You can connect with Megan on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megvas/

::::

Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/
🤩 Need Help With Your Creator Business? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery
🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/

This Episode Can Also Be Seen On YouTube: https://youtu.be/iv78X4bYyJI