Influencer marketing has become increasingly common with the prevalence of social media. Over two-thirds of people with an internet connection regularly use social media, so you can’t afford to miss an opportunity to make connections of that calibre. By understanding which influencers will work best for you and making your move, you will have the ability to funnel your important content directly to an audience who would love to eat it up. All you need to do is find these influencers and put your plan into motion.
Understand Your Campaign
Never settle for an ambiguous idea. Vague ideas produce vague results, and vague results aren’t worth your time or money. If you’ve never structured a comprehensive marketing plan before, you’ll undoubtedly benefit from online marketing courses. Even if you’ve taken them before, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up. Influencer marketing is relatively new, and if you’re unfamiliar with the art of marketing, you’re going to have to learn. Use your knowledge to build a clear plan with clear goals. Without this foundation, you won’t be able to measure your results.
Pay Attention To Your Audience
Who is your audience already following, watching, or reading? They probably already have their favourite YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter personalities. If these people aren’t already working with a brand that could cause a conflict of interest, they’re easy picks for your next campaign. Your audience likely has enough in common with their friends, and by utilising an influencer who is already reaching this niche of people, the work cannot possibly be easier.
Look for Rising Stars
In addition to well-established influencers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work with up and coming ones. Finding these individuals gives you the best chance to create a mutually beneficial working relationship. They’ll gain exposure through you, and you’ll gain exposure among the followers they’ve amassed from other sources. This will help to pass your marketing message along to areas you aren’t currently marketing in. Influencers love mutually beneficial relationships. In the end, everyone is happy.
Start Vetting Influencers Early
Don’t wait until the evening before you intend to launch your campaign to start reaching out to influencers. You’ll want to check their past and their image to make sure they’re people you’ll want associated with your brand. The longer you talk to them, the better off you’ll be. Open up a line of communication with everyone who has the potential to be an influencer in the future. If the time isn’t right when your first campaign rolls around, you can always use them later. There’s never any harm in planning ahead.
Consider How You Want Those Influencers to Influence
Don’t expect an Instagram influencer to do just as well on YouTube. Always allow your influencers to use the platforms they’re best with. It also helps to choose influencers who have a larger presence than you do on their particular platform. That way you can draw in followers who actively use that platform. For example, if you aren’t exceptionally active on Snapchat, choose an influencer who is an expert with the platform and allow that person to run a Snapchat takeover for you. You’ll be allowing your influencer to do what he or she does best while diversifying your social media presence.
Influencer marketing is one of the strongest strategies to fully infiltrate your desired market. As long as you’re approaching it with careful preparation and a little foresight, you’re sure to see the results you’ve always dreamed of.
About the author
Sophia Beirne works as a Content Manager atCareer FAQs, Australia’s leading portal on online learning and career resources. She is keen on everything digital as well as new tech solutions and self-development ideas.