Influencer marketing is rising in popularity when it comes to introducing business brands. Why is it so effective? The potency of this marketing strategy lies with the influencers themselves. The more successful an influencer is, the more dedicated their fan base will be. This goes without saying that the fanbase isn’t just a mindless group of followers either. They, too, have their own set of specific interests―ones that you can match with your business offers.
How does influencer marketing work? It’s so simple that everyone can do it. What it does is connect you with a small group of people who will continually introduce your brand to a much larger audience. They won’t let your brand be known to just any audience either; they’ll see to it that they reach those who may actually be interested in getting your products or services.
All in all, influencer marketing serves as an excellent opportunity for growth. It gradually builds your brand from the bottom up. Aside from that, it comes with a good number of other perks too. To give you a better understanding of it, Proweaver has created a summarized list for you:
-
It gives you perspective and credibility.
Launching a new brand in the market can be tough. You’ve got a lot of accomplished competition. Plus, there’s also the notion that most people shy away from unknown brands.
However, influencer marketing can change things. It helps you branch out to a new market quickly. It lets you connect with a niche audience without much effort. Plus, it extends added branding opportunities for your business and more.
-
It helps you gain people’s trust.
Would you prefer to follow a suggestion of a company? Or would you prefer to listen to your peers? For the most part, consumers are more inclined to follow suggestions from their peers.
Think of it this way. When a company claims something, it’s often viewed as a form of advertisement, right? However, if a peer or influencer says it, the claims become more believable. In fact, what an influencer says can be considered a testimonial — one that can convince a good number of people to trust your brand.
-
It lets people know and like your brand.
Consumers can be picky with who they do their business with. A good majority won’t go out of their way to try new brands. And you can’t really blame them for that. They only want the best that their hard-earned money can provide.
Luckily for you, influencer marketing breaks this stigma. It can introduce your brand or business at a more relatable level. How do influencers make this look easy? That’s simple; they already have a longstanding relationship with their audience. They have been building this connection before their followers even became consumers. Through that, they can give recommendations that are trusted.
-
It offers you instant authority.
If you think that influencers only act as a figurehead for your brand, think again. It’s similar to choosing the right custom web design. Relating your brand to the right influencer can give you an edge above the rest. It brings your business a face to be trusted and a spokesperson to be listened to. In most cases, that makes all the difference.
There is a wide variety of influencers available online. Without a doubt, you will find one that fits your standards. Connect with them and let the magic start.
-
It brings you more knowledge about your consumers.
Every brand or business has a story to unfold. Some of you even showcase it in your custom web design. Influencers are not any different either. Alone, their stories aren’t always heard. But, with your partnership, things can change for the better. Match your brand with an influencer who shares the same sentiments as you.
Through this teamwork, your business gets to showcase a story from a whole new perspective. In turn, an influencer gets the support they need to get an idea out. This turns out to be a powerful mechanism that lets you earn helpful feedback.
-
It sets you up with a brand ambassador.
Are you looking to further expand your network? Influencer marketing can break the boundaries for you. It can get your business acquainted with the many leaders in the industry. Who knows? This might just help you land a deal or partnership with one of the most competent experts in the market.
In any case, influencers can empower your brand voice in the same way as custom web design can. Work with them by sharing photos, videos, and other media. Focus on content that will tell your side of the story. At the same time, build one that can boost an influencer’s standing in the online community.
-
It pulls you closer to your target audience.
Different influencers call attention to different people. All in all, they help you reach those who would be interested in your business. Sure, the popular option when it comes to influencers would be celebrities. However, they are not always the key leaders in your industry.
Who should you go to instead? Connect with influencers who make a connection with their audience. They can provide you with more content and value in the long run. Plus, they can hike up the brand credibility that you strive for as well.
Influencer marketing is a recently popularized approach. It’s understandable that you may have apprehensions with trying it out. Still, if you take a closer look, this type of marketing strategy is greatly effective. The best part is that it’s highly cost-efficient and fast-acting too.
Think about it. Traditional advertising tactics can cost you thousands of dollars. It also takes time to set a campaign in motion. But, with influencer marketing, all that improves. You can get the same results at a much affordable price. Yes, most influencers need a fee. Still, some of them are okay with accepting free samples and discounts as well.
So, how do you start an influencer marketing campaign?
Since influencer marketing is a new frontier, there are only a few established rules. That means you have the full liberty to explore new terrain. It’s all yours for the taking, and here’s how you can make it work:
-
Start your campaign with a purpose.
A goal without a plan is only bound to fail. To secure your success with this or any marketing strategy, begin with a plan. Know your goals. Assess your resources. How can you make them work to your advantage?
Think of the specifics that you want to achieve when it comes to influencer marketing. Is it to gain more followers? Introduce a new promotion? Or share content?
If you don’t have a clear answer to that yet, take a short pause. Once you have that settled, you’re ready to get back in the game.
-
Find your right influencer.
Like we mentioned earlier, influencers come aplenty. Still, not all of them work the same way. Each influencer has their own creative process, interests, and values, which is something that you will have to consider before taking your pick.
Need a pro tip? Don’t set your sights on just the obvious influencers in your industry. Sift through the different hashtags! Reach out to influencers who can present your brand in a new light. For example, if you’re a tech company, check parenting bloggers. They can help you reach people who use your tech in their home.
-
Give your micro-influencers a chance.
It’s reasonable that you’d want to go after the big guns. But, that doesn’t mean influencers with a smaller following can’t help.
What defines a micro-influencer? Well, the consensus varies depending on the industry. At most, it is defined as someone who has at least 10K to 100k followers.
One of the main perks that come with micro-influencers is that they can bring you a higher return on investment (yes, even compared to much bigger stars). This is because micro-influencers are able to engage their audience much more. The more niche an audience has, the more connected they are to influencers in their industry.
-
State your terms.
Influencers are highly creative people. They like putting out content, ideas, and concepts into the market. But, as a business, it is your job to set specific goals for them.
It’s always important for you to be on the same page as your influencer. Shell out a contract that will direct how each side should perform. That way, both of you can manage your expectations.
Among other things, you also have to consider brand alignment. Select people who can come up with content you would respect or those that have the same vision as you. This will set you up with lesser drawbacks in the future.
-
Know your brand value.
Some people are okay with getting free stuff. Yet, influencers can be hard to impress. This is why you should approach them only when you have a plan in mind. Be specific with what you have to offer.
Not sure what you can give out? Aside from monetary payment, there are plenty of creative options you can try. Think of the things that can help them create a video. Know the type of exposure that you can give. The key is to put yourself in the shoes of an influencer.
All in all, it always helps to be prepared. Like most marketing strategies, influencer marketing can be challenging. But, as you continue to persevere with your campaign, it will get better.
What should you avoid when it comes to influencer marketing?
Making use of influencer marketing can be tricky. To avoid the pitfalls that come with it, you should prevent:
-
Diving in without a plan.
This should be obvious enough, but sometimes, people forget about it. Never get involved in something you’re not sure of. This will not only cost you money. It can also harm your brand.
Be wary of outlandish claims and hypes as well. Focus on the core reasons behind your marketing strategy instead. This should save you from making unneeded detours down the line.
-
Limiting exposure to one platform.
So, your influencer of choice is popular in one platform, but how about the rest? Are they still able to hold their ground?
Don’t move in too quickly. Always check out the track record of an influencer before making a decision. Review their response rates and feedback. Observe their old posts for any negative comments. Also, watch out for other factors that might lead an influencer to come crashing down.
For added protection, put a contract in writing. This should help you itemize your plan and achieve your goals.
-
Spending too much on one influencer.
We understand it’s tempting to grab the most popular influencer on the list. But, don’t get too excited just yet. There are other options that can deliver you the same results without having to dish out a whole lot of money.
Consider connecting with micro-influencers instead. Yes, they have a smaller following. But, as aforementioned, they tend to engage their audience a lot more. As a result, they’re more effective in helping you gain conversions.
Would you like to know more about the topic?
Influencer marketing can be quite difficult to get into when you’re new to the concept. Worry not! Proweaver has specialists that can help you get familiar with the idea.
Do you have comments or questions? Reach out to us. We can assist you with influencer marketing, social media marketing, and other online marketing tactics too.