Influencer Marketing 101: How to work with influencers
Influencers have the power to sway public opinions and drive behavior, making them an attractive option for organizations looking to boost their brand awareness and authentically connect with their stakeholders.
Done right, influencer marketing works because it removes the barriers of traditional advertising or marketing and introduces your organization to new audience groups through a source they have grown to trust – your influencer partner.
When an influencer advocates for a cause, promotes an event or recommends a product on their channels, it can come across much like a genuine recommendation from a friend. This is especially true when partnering with micro influencers (1k - 100k followers), or nano influencers (100 - 10k followers).
But just like with any relationship, in order to effectively utilize influencer marketing, organizations must first establish strong influencer relations.
Building strong influencer relations requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Here are four key steps you can take to help establish and nurture these relationships:
Identify the right influencers: Before reaching out to potential influencers, organizations should carefully research and evaluate their options. Look for influencers who align with your brand's values, audiences and goals. Consider factors such as the influencer's engagement rates, follower demographics and previous collaborations.
Establish clear expectations: Once you've identified potential influencers, be clear about your expectations and what you're looking to achieve. This includes outlining the scope of work, deliverables and, when required, compensation. Clear communication and transparency are key to building trust and avoiding misunderstandings.
Collaborate on content: Work collaboratively with influencers to create content that resonates with their audience and aligns with your brand's message. Be open to their ideas and input, while still maintaining control over the final product.
Nurture the relationship: Once the partnership is established, invest time and effort into nurturing the relationship. This includes maintaining open communication, showing appreciation for their work and continuing to work together on future collaborations.
By investing in building strong relationships with influencers, organizations can establish a network of trusted advocates who can help promote their causes and services over time.
Want to activate influencers for your organization, but don’t have the capacity to nurture the relationship? Send us an email, and let’s see how we can help assist you in your influencer journey!
Lauren Stewart
Digital Marketing & PR Manager
Lauren@turn-two.co