Cannes Recap: Rosé, Rates, and Real Talk

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Before I was deep in the creator world, I was knee-deep in brand decks and content calendars as a social media marketer.

Now, even as a content director and entrepreneur, I’m still wearing multiple hats and honestly, the overlap between marketing and creating has never been stronger. If you can market, you can create. If you can create, you can build a brand.

That’s why I teamed up with Semrush on this new report. Whether you’re running a team or running solo, there’s something in here for you.

Give it a skim. Bet you’ll leave with at least one gem.

Cannes Lions was a whirlwind. Inspiring, exhausting, and let’s be real… a bit of a clout Olympics.

It’s the kind of place where brands flex hard and marketing dollars go to war. But under all the yacht parties and wine fueled panels, there’s real deals being made.

And don’t get it twisted, I will be back next year because that’s how incredible it was.

If you want the full backstory on how I landed in France to create content, read this first.

I was invited by Adobe, alongside some incredible creators like Colin Rocker (who’s building a dope IRL community called For The First), Vin Matano (a creator + agency founder hybrid who gets B2B), and I even caught up with my guy Brett Dashevsky from Creator Economy NYC (watch my last panel on toolkits).

But here’s what really stood out:

From legacy platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Meta to rising brands like Kajabi, Beehiiv, and Later.

Creators are no longer just work for hires . We’re strategic content partners.

Meaning one thing for you … you need a game plan.

Whether or not Cannes is on your radar for next year, here’s how to I think you should prep for 2026.

1: Build Your Brand Pipeline

Saw a brand at Cannes that aligns with your content, your audience, or your vibe? Add them to a partnership list.

Not just for this event but because you see a future collab, a panel, or a campaign that makes sense.

Next, your goal is to spark up a partnership and relationship in the near future. Once you build that trust, it’s an easy yes for future campaigns.

One of the best hacks here is to connect with the team on LinkedIn.

Water the soil now so that when the moment comes, you’re already in the queue

2: Go Beyond the Big 3

Yes, TikTok, YouTube, and Meta dominate. But here’s the cheat code, platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat are actively searching for creators.

Show up where others aren’t.

It’s often the non-obvious platform that gives you the front-of-the-line advantage.

Let your organic content lead the way here, it’s your best pitch.

3: Don’t Wait for the Invite

Book your own flight and let brands know you’ll already be there and ready to create.

That simple signal shifts how they see you from “influencer” to content partner.

I created this playbook for Creatorpreneurs planning to attend this year but now use this as a template and starting point.

^{Pro-tip: Even the event list can make your brand list for next year.}

More takeaways coming once I get some sleep.

But for now, just know this: Cannes isn’t just for the corporate elite anymore. If you’re intentional and ready, there’s space for you too.

I was posted up at the Pinterest Beach in Cannes, talking shop with Adrian Per (@omgadrian) and Tejas Hullur (@tejashullur), when this idea hit:

Creators need to start using traditional consumer psychology to price like pros.

We’re all still figuring it out. From pricing a course to pitching a brand deal, it’s easy to second-guess your number and lowball yourself just to “close.”

But then Adrian’s manager dropped a gem that stuck with me:

“A $5K deal and a $50K deal take the same amount of time — from negotiation to creating.”

That one sentence stuck with me.

So here are five ways to price smarter and use psychology to help brands feel your value — before they ever open the invoice.

1. Perception is the Price

A $997 course feels cheaper than $1,000 … even though it’s just $3.

That’s called “charm pricing” and it’s used by luxury brands and Walmart.

Small tweaks in how you present your numbers change how premium (or affordable) it feels. Use it intentionally.

2. Anchor Pricing

Create a higher-tier option (e.g., rush delivery + usage rights + exclusivity) — even if you don’t expect them to take it.

It frames your standard rate as the “reasonable” choice.

That’s called anchoring and it’s a proven pricing tactic that works in SaaS, service sales, and brand deals alike.

3. Bundle the value

A single post feels like a transaction.

But a package of a post + story + whitelisting + performance report feels like a solution.

People don’t mind paying more when they feel they’re getting more.

That’s value stacking — and it reduces objections before they arise.

4. Offer Tiers That Let Brands Upsell Themselves

Present 3 pricing tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to give brands a decision framework.

This is versioning and it plays into choice architecture:

Most will gravitate toward the middle tier, or talk themselves into the premium one.

Either way? You’re guiding the decision.

5. Confidence Closes Deals

Pricing isn’t just what you say — it’s how you say it.

A pause. A shaky voice. Too much explaining. It all makes your price feel riskier.

Present your rate clearly, confidently, and without apology.

Your tone tells them how valuable you believe your work is.

This is the psychology brands are using on you. It’s time to start using it for you.