Blog Post

Influencer marketing can be a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness and attracting engaged consumers.

In order to make the most of your affiliate marketing efforts, it’s important to understand \who influencers are and what they do. A recent definition from Forrester defines an influencer “a subject matter expert, a blogger, or a celebrity with a significant following that post content on their own blogs and social networks to promote a brand or service.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, influencers have remained extremely relevant, with consumers seeking to receive promotions through more personal channels.

Influencer engagement is up 96% since the outbreak. Brands are predicted to spend up to $15 BILLION on influencer marketing by 2022.

Influencers are on a commission, others are unpaid, receive incentives in the form of free products, or are paid a flat fee. Aside from compensation models, there are some important things to keep in mind when interacting and working with influencers to effectively engage them.

Be Personable.

Take the time and energy to develop real, substantive relationships with the influencers you want to engage. Get to know them. Build a friendship that could exist without an immediate collaboration. Send them birthday gifts, know their kids’ names or which sports teams they support. Developing a strong relationship with an influencer is both fun and profitable.

Keep Your Influencers in the Loop.

It’s very important to give your influencers the inside track on your upcoming product development, drops, and marketing plans. Keeping your influencer relationships in the inner circle not only builds trust, but allows these crucial supporters to gear their own ideas and schedules around your product and promotion cycles.

Also, share what you learn with them. Anything you might learn about growing their audience is valuable information, and if you can be the source of assistance, jump at the chance.

Affirm and Reward.

Do everything you can to ensure the influencer feels like they are getting sufficient return from your relationship. They are pursuing their passion, and it’s important for you, as an allied brand, to recognize their efforts and work and use your own channels to support them.

Reward them with increased commission rates when possible, and find ways to make sure they get credit for increases in sales. Recognizing and rewarding their efforts on a regular basis can solidify your relationship and generate enthusiasm for the influencer to continue to organically share your product, even when a specific collaboration may not be underway.

Contact Gen3 if you want to transform the way you approach and maintain your influencer relationships.

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