Influencer Marketing seems to be all the hype, but does it really work? Let’s break it down.
When it comes to influencer marketing, it can be broken down into simple human psychology. Have you ever had a friend recommend you a product? You are much more likely to buy a product recommended by an individual, than something random you see in an ad. This is the same reason you walk around department stores and see all of your favorite celebrities in perfume ads. Humans like seeing a familiar face, it builds trust and reliability through the product promotion process. The truth is the internet is taking the marketing world by storm. Everyone is online these days, and influencers range from YouTube to Instagram to TikTok stars. Tapping into this network could change your business. I’m going to break down the biggest reasons why, and how to get started.
#1. Builds Consumer Trust
When people spend years watching and consuming content from an individual they build a connection. Especially in the modern age, we’re all bombarded with constant ads and new products being promoted. It can feel overwhelming to dive into such a saturated market as a new business owner. When you work with influencers, especially if your product matches their audience’s interest, you develop automatic trust. People want to listen to the person they love, that’s where they’re getting the inside scoop on the next big thing! However, it is important to be strategic and make sure you’re working with someone that has a strong relationship with their audience. It can just as easily tarnish your brand if the promotion comes across as fake or forced.
#2. You Target Your Ideal Audience Directly
If someone has a large following base in the beauty industry and they promote the next big beauty product from your brand, you’re likely to get sales! Why? Because you’re going to the audience directly, and providing them a solution to their problem. This bypasses the need for relying solely on your own organic sales, or social media marketing strategies. You’re able to use an influencers pre-existing audience, and give them a product they will love. This is great, especially if you assure the influencer has tried out the product or service themselves. If they approve of it, their audience will trust it’s worth their money.
#3. Increased ROI
ROI translates to Return on Investment. When working with influencers, whether it’s a one-time partnership or a continual contract. They are often producing content that stays on the internet forever and is constantly reaching new potential buyers. The sales this generates in comparison to other digital marketing investments are statistically higher. This is why influencer marketing is one of the biggest ways new emerging businesses create credibility.
#4. It Creates an Authentic Customer Experience
If you are doing influencer marketing the right way, you are creating a product or service that the influencer will love! Traditional advertising is fading away relatively quickly with emerging technology. When customers can discover your products, and already know the person they admire loves them, the level of authenticity goes up drastically. This creates an experience that customers appreciate and a positive brand reputation from the start. This way of marketing builds organic traffic that has never been possible before.
How to Start?
Now that we’ve broken down the biggest advantage of influencer marketing, you’re probably wondering how to get started. It’s important from a brand’s perspective to take time doing proper research on the best influencers for your product. Many online platforms allow you to access bloggers, social media influencers, and YouTubers that may be a good fit for your business. Oftentimes, spending time on social media yourself can help you establish who is most prominent in your niche. The range of influencers is far and wide. There are top-notch celebrities, all the way to smaller micro-influencers who have crafted a trusted audience. You are sure to find someone that works within your marketing budget, and boasts a strong ROI for your business.
Influencer marketing in many ways is the gift that keeps on giving. It is truly taking the world by storm as the best version of advertising for upcoming brands and businesses. Oftentimes companies will give influencers a personal discount code for limited use for their audience, which also is a great tip for speeding up engagement. Now’s a better time than ever to dip your toes into the world of influencer marketing, especially as a new business owner!
Check out my blog for more helpful business tips, as always! I’m in your corner to help guide you every step of the way.
