Do you work with influencers? Let me show you how you can improve the process
Working with influencers can seem like your dream job, especially if you’re a GenZ connected to all social media. However, once you start to experience what the whole process is actually like, you realise you wouldn’t have minded some thorough research beforehand.
There are some situations you can prepare for in advance, you can see exactly how things will turn out. But there will be others that are completely unforeseen, for which you need to be ready to improvise.
5 tips if you want to work with influencers
1. Thorough research keeps the dissatisfied client away
Always when you want to work with influencers you have to know how to choose them. And this is very simple as long as you don’t forget: what the client wants, what kind of brand it is, what kind of product is being promoted, what niche the influencer comes from and how big their community is.
2. Keep it friendly enough, but also remain professional
When you want to start communicating with an influencer you need to know if they represent themselves or are affiliated with a specific agency. Whichever way you reach out to the influencer, you need to make sure you can create a safe and friendly environment in which collaboration can develop. But, you won’t forget to set pre-professional boundries and explain all aspects of the project up front.
3. Communication channel, the glue between influencer and target
One of the most important aspects when you want to work with influencers is to find the most appropriate communication channel. If you want a GenZ oriented campaign you will not use Facebook to support the campaign. And if your target audience is 45+ I certainly don’t suggest TikTok. But that’s only one side of the situation, the other is the influencer. Thorough research from step one will tell you which platforms they are most active on and where they perform best. In the end, all that’s left is to connect the dots.
4. When you work with influencers you have unlimited campaigns
Wait, don`t get me wrong here. Unlimited in the way of multiple types, not multiple campaigns necessarily. You can integrate an influencer’s contribution into projects with Direct Mailings, content oriented, activations, product testing and giveaways. If you have a good part of your target audience already compressed in the form of influencer folowers, it will be a plus for your campaign. And it could even lead to a long-term partnership.
5. Try to create long-term relationships
The best relationships are long-lasting ones. I know, but you have to commit to gain a person you can rely on. Just like personal relationships, professional ones also need stability and duration. Especially to build a partnership that benefits both parties. An influencer will be more willing to join your project, and make you a more affordable offer, if they feel they can take the collaboration into the future.
So, that concludes my short guide on how to work with influencers. You can consider them ground rules for starters. But with time, you’ll notice that every collaboration is different, because people are never the same. Treat them with respect and never stifle their creativity. Be open to suggestions and always give feedback in a polite manner, whether it’s positive or negative. You`ll be fine.
