The reality: operators under A$30k/month revenue usually start with direct DM (free, manual). Once you run 3+ creator campaigns, Insense or Billo pay for themselves in time saved and compliance handled.

The vetting playbook that works

Before committing A$500+:

1. Engagement rate 2.5%+ (likes ÷ followers on last 10 posts). AU creators run 0.5-1% lower than global average; 2.5% is the minimum.
2. AU audience 60%+ using HypeAuditor's audience insights. If they're a "lifestyle" creator and your product is pet-focused, check if 40%+ of their audience follows pet accounts.
3. Posted in your category in last 30 days. No exceptions. If they haven't posted about [your product type] recently, their audience won't expect it.
4. Last 5 posts show consistent engagement (not 1 viral post among 4 duds — that creator peaked).
5. Posted at least 1 paid partnership visibly in the last 90 days. Unvetted creators default to vague "in love with X" language without clear disclosure, which draws ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) attention.

Pass 5/5: ready to pay. Pass 4/5: negotiate rate downward or ask for performance milestone (e.g., "A$300 upfront, A