Confirm who is involved
Clarify whether you are speaking to the creator, an agent or a team. Ask for relevant identity checks and independently confirm representation where needed. A verified person is not automatically authorized to speak for a brand.
Open the original work
Ask for live examples and discuss the creator’s contribution. A missing or private post may have a reasonable explanation; ask for context. Check content quality against your brief rather than relying on follower count alone.
Check a reference
With permission, speak to a past collaborator about scope, communication and delivery. Avoid treating a screenshot of a testimonial as independent confirmation.
Agree the work and payment
Write down deliverables, approval stages, revisions, usage rights and payment timing. Choose a payment arrangement appropriate to the project and read its protection rules. Realr can help with identity checks; it does not guarantee the work or payment.