Spill The Tea: Does Influencer Marketing Work?
This Cup Is Piping Hot With All The Influencer Info You Need To Know
Let's talk about something that's been brewing in the marketing world for quite some time now – influencer marketing. You’ve probably heard the term thrown around a lot, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, does influencer marketing work, for real? Spoiler alert: it can, and we’re here to spill all the tea on how to make it work for you!
What is Influencer Marketing?
Influencer marketing is like the social media version of word-of-mouth marketing but with a twist. Instead of your neighbor recommending a product, it’s your favorite Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube sensation. Influencers are people who have built a loyal following on social media platforms. Their followers trust their opinions and are more likely to buy products they endorse. Think of them as modern-day celebrities but with a closer connection to their audience.
The Boost: How Influencer Marketing Can Work For Your Brand
When done right, influencer marketing can significantly increase brand awareness and sales. Imagine having someone with a massive (and dedicated) following rave about your product – it’s like having a megaphone that reaches thousands or even millions of potential customers. But don’t just take our word for it.
According to The Social Shepherd, influencer marketing is a goldmine! For every dollar spent, businesses can rake in an average of $6.50, with the top 13% of brands earning a whopping $20 or more. That's an incredible return on investment (ROI) of 650% or higher! Plus, an incredible 82% of businesses see revenue flowing in from influencer marketing. It's a strategy that's practically sparkling with potential!
Setting Up Strategic Partnerships with Influencers
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Not all influencers are created equal, and partnering with the right ones is key to seeing those numbers soar—for example, Michael Jordan’s collaboration with Nike versus his collaboration with Hanes. One is still as iconic today as it was when it was first established, and the other one we bet you didn’t even know happened.
Here are some golden tips to help you set up strategic “Air Jordan” level partnerships:
1. Know Your Audience
Before you even think about reaching out to an influencer, you need to know who your target audience is. What are their interests? Where do they hang out online? This will help you find influencers who resonate with your audience.
2. Choose the Right Influencers
Look for influencers who align with your brand values and have an engaged following. It’s not just about the number of followers; it’s about the quality of those followers. An influencer with a smaller but highly engaged audience can often be more valuable than one with a large, disengaged following.
3. Build Genuine Relationships
Influencers are people, too! Building a genuine relationship with them can go a long way. Engage with their content, show interest in their work, and make them feel valued. A happy influencer is more likely to put their heart into promoting your product.
4. Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Be clear about what you want to achieve with your influencer campaign. Whether it’s increasing sales, boosting brand awareness, or growing your social media following, having clear goals will help you measure success. Also, set expectations about deliverables, timelines, and compensation upfront.
5. Track and Measure Success
Use analytics to track the performance of your influencer campaigns. This will help you understand what’s working and what’s not, so you can refine your strategy and get the best possible results.
Red Flags to Watch Out For In Influencer Partnerships
While influencer marketing can be a game-changer, there are a few red flags to watch out for:
1. Fake Followers
Some influencers might have a large following, but a significant portion of those followers could be fake. There are several free resources across the web, like this one from Upfluence, that can help you identify the authenticity of an influencer’s audience. We recommend doing this as one of the very first steps in your research process!
2. Misalignment with Your Brand
An influencer might be popular, but if their content doesn’t align with your brand, the partnership won’t be effective. Make sure their values and style match yours.
3. Lack of Engagement Or Engagement Pods
An influencer with a huge following but low engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) might not be as impactful. Engagement is key to driving action and sales. On the flip side of this, an influencer with a lot of engagement from other influencers (a.k.a part of an engagement pod) on each of their posts may have an inflated appearance of good engagement.
So, Does Influencer Marketing Work?
Absolutely! When done strategically, influencer marketing can be the secret ingredient that takes your brand from "meh" to magnificent. It’s all about connecting with the right influencers, building genuine relationships, and setting clear goals. With the right approach, your brand can sparkle in the spotlight and reach new heights.
Turn Your Influence Into Sales With Scott Social
Ready to dive into the world of influencer marketing? At Scott Social, we’re a boutique social media marketing agency based in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. We specialize in elevating and streamlining the social media process for small businesses. From strategic influencer partnerships to heart-to-heart community management and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Let’s work together to create a buzz and watch your sales soar!
Connect with us today, and we’ll spill the tea on how we can help your brand shine.
IS A BOUTIQUE AGENCY BEST FOR YOU? FIND OUT ↓
WRITTEN BY:
Halie Engler
Social Media Strategist + Copywriter
