Feeling overwhelmed with brand contracts as a dietitian? If you plan to work with brand partners, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of contracts.
With brand partnerships on the rise, more and more dietitians are being approached for collaborations—from social media posts to speaking engagements, consulting, product reviews, and more.
While these opportunities can be exciting (and lucrative!), they also come with responsibility—starting with the contract.
We aren’t taught much, if any, about contracts in traditional dietetics schooling, so this is a subject you need to spend time reading up on and learning.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled some of our best practices and considerations on how to navigate contracts when working with health and wellness brands.
Keep reading to learn more about the key elements to look for in brand contracts, how and when it’s appropriate to negotiate, and when you may need to get a lawyer involved!
Disclaimer: this is not legal advice and should be used for educational purposes only. Please speak with a business lawyer if you have any specific questions about contracts.
When Dietitians Need Contracts
At first, contracts may feel overwhelming. You may read through the clauses with little idea of what they mean.
Sometimes it may feel like signing your life away—but contracts don’t have to be as scary as they seem!
The more brand work you do, the more familiar you’ll get with contracts and typical elements that you should look out for. You will even come to appreciate contracts because they aren’t only there to protect the brand but they are to have your best interest in mind too!
For any paid partnership, you need a contract in place. Just like your private practice clients sign initial paperwork, you will need an agreement for ANY brand partnership. Having a contract in place is in your best interest. Not only does it protect the brand, but it protects you, your brand, and your reputation too.
Here are examples of instances where dietitians need contracts with brands:
- Social media collaborations
- TV segments
- Corporate wellness programs
- Event or Presentation Sponsorships
- Sponsored blog posts and email blasts
- Content creation (such as videos for their website)
- Recipe Developement
- Written Content
- Use of your name, likeness, or any content you’ve created
The Importance of Reading Contracts Thoroughly
Let’s be honest, it can be tempting to skim through a lengthy contract without reading the lengthy fine print.
But contracts aren’t just formalities—they’re the foundation of a professional relationship. They help ensure you’re paid fairly and promptly, protect your intellectual property, and clarify expectations.
Skipping the fine print or relying on verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings, missed payments, or even legal issues down the line.
Give yourself time to read through the contract carefully. If something doesn’t make sense, ask questions or consult a lawyer. If something feels off, you can always negotiate—or walk away.
Contracts are meant to be a negotiation so don’t be afraid to mark it up, make revisions, and set your expectations.
We hosted an amazing community call with Bonnie Taub-Dix that goes deep into contracts! We would highly recommend taking some time to watch it! Check it out here for a deep dive and discussion on all things contracts for RDs.
Key Elements to Look For in Brand Contracts
Many elements in a contract will come from your proposal and conversations you’ve had with the brand. Such as deliverables, messaging, and timeline. If the brand presents the contract, some items may not have been previously discussed, such as payment terms, rights, or exclusivity so it’s essential to read through thoroughly before signing.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to develop a business proposal for partnerships, be sure to check out this community call with Amy Goodson. We have a great conversation on how to develop business proposals for partnerships like these! Highly recommend!
Scope of Work (Deliverables)
This section outlines what exactly you are being hired to do. This section should clearly outline what is expected from both parties. It should include the number of deliverables, the format, (Instagram reel, blog post, webinar, event, etc.), any specific messaging they would like included, and the due dates. Vague language like “a few posts” is a red flag—clarity protects everyone.
Usage Rights & Licensing
Will the brand be allowed to reuse your content? Can they run it in paid ads or post it on their website? Look for terms like “perpetual,” “royalty-free,” or “exclusive.”
If the brand wants unlimited usage, consider this in your rate. You worked hard to create that content, so make sure you’re compensated for how it’s used!
Exclusivity Clauses
Some contracts may restrict you from working with competitors for a certain period. Read this carefully!
Exclusivity can limit your future opportunities, so make sure the terms are specific and reasonable. If you agree not to work with similar brands, you should be compensated for that limitation.
Many RDs agree that a max of 30 days is fair as it makes sense for their audience as well.
Compensation & Payment Terms
How and when will you be paid? Be sure your payment terms are reflected accurately and outlined in detail. Will they reimburse you for recipe ingredients or pay a flat fee? Will you be paid for each quote submission or only if it is picked up by media outlets? Look for the exact amount and payment schedule (Net 30, half upfront, or pay in full).
Consider additional expenses like travel, accommodations, and materials to ensure you are compensated appropriately.
Content Approval Process
This is important and often gets overlooked. Will the brand need to approve your content before you post? How many revisions are you comfortable with or did you account for in your rate? What’s the turnaround time for feedback? Clear communication about approvals can help you avoid delays and misalignment.
Disclosure Requirements & Compliance
As a health professional, staying compliant with FTC guidelines is a must. Ensure that the contract includes language around required disclosures like #ad or #sponsored. This makes it clear so the brand is aware you will be transparent with your audience.
If you haven’t already, make sure you read our full blog post on disclosure guidelines for dietitians!
Termination Clause
Nobody wants to talk about it, but it’s essential to.
What happens if one party wants to cancel the agreement? The termination clause outlines how and when the contract can be ended and whether you’re still entitled to payment for work already completed.
When to Negotiate (And How)
Yes—you can absolutely negotiate a contract. In fact, many brands expect you to! Standard terms to negotiate include rate, timeline, usage rights, and exclusivity.
You can say something like:
“Thanks so much for the contract. I had a chance to review it, and I’d love to discuss the usage terms a bit further. I typically charge more for perpetual rights.”
Polite, professional communication can go a long way. If a term feels unfair or unclear, speak up. This is your business, after all!
When to Hire a Lawyer
If you’re doing frequent media and brand work, you may want to consider having a business lawyer on standby so you can ask questions and have a look over your contracts.
This is also applicable if you’re working on a high-value project, agreeing to complex usage terms, or just feeling unsure about the contract language.
Consider looking for legal professionals who understand influencer marketing, intellectual property, or small business contracts.
Legal Zoom is an online site that matches you with a lawyer and can be a good place to start if you’re unsure!
If you’re looking for business contract templates, this site is a great resource. This lawyer sells contract templates that you can use and make your own.
Your Pre-Signing Checklist
Before signing any brand contract, review this quick list:
✅ Is the scope of work clearly outlined?
✅ Are usage rights and licensing terms fair and clear?
✅ Are you being asked to sign an exclusivity clause?
✅ Is the compensation appropriate for the work and time involved?
✅ Are disclosure and FTC compliance addressed?
✅ Do you understand the termination clause and liability language?
✅ Have you asked any questions or requested changes, if needed?
NEXT: Be sure to check out this post on Essential Contract Considerations for Brand Partnerships for more tips!
Understanding Contracts: The Takeaway
Working with brands can be a great way to grow your income and visibility—but only if you go in prepared. Contracts are there to protect your time, your work, and your reputation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, negotiate terms, or say no when something doesn’t feel right.
The more you understand contracts, the more confident you’ll feel entering partnerships that align with your values and business goals.
We have a TON of resources here at RD Link to help you navigate brand partnerships. Make sure to check out our blog section for more educational articles!
If you’re eager to start working with brands, we’re here to help! The RD Link is the only brand access platform for dietitians. You can apply for brand campaigns and message brands directly using our easy-to-use (& FREE) portal.
No more cold-calling brands, only to hear nothing back. Get in touch with brands who want to work with dietitians like you! Create your free profile today.