Imagine this: You’re scrolling through Instagram when, all of a sudden, your favorite influencer posts about a product that catches your eye. After following her page for years, you’ve grown to trust her. So, when she explains how fantastic this product is, you take her at her word and click through her profile to the company’s website to learn more and get your purchase started.
Whether you know it or not, you’ve taken part in a social media influencer marketing campaign.
In today’s world, the internet has ensured that everyone has a platform to speak from, and many have used this opportunity to share their expertise, build loyal followings, and promote products and brands. These people are influencers. From yoga instructors and makeup artists to social activists and wellness coaches, influencers can be found in every niche of the internet – including the one that relates directly to your business.
But how can these influencers help you enhance your own brand? Below, we’re breaking down the benefits.
Research has shown that consumers are relying more and more on the feedback of other people like them when selecting a brand to buy from. Because social media users tend to follow accounts run by people with similar interests or individuals they look up to, many consumers are beginning to turn to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for advice before committing to a purchase.
By selecting influencers who promote the lifestyle of your product or service, your business will not only find its intended audience but will also be recommended to them through shareable content. This ultimately increases your potential customer base and contributes to valuable word-of-mouth marketing efforts.
Social media influencers have attained their level of success by understanding the interests of their followers and crafting content that not only speaks directly to them but encourages them to engage. Because of the influencer-follower relationship and the trust established within it, influencers are able to share your company’s message in an organic way that resonates with the target audience. Plus, giving them the freedom to add their own unique spin could lead to an even greater payoff.
One of the biggest benefits of influencer marketing is increased brand awareness. If you invest in partnerships with social media or celebrity influencers, your product will be seen by thousands or even millions of people. The more these accounts discuss your products or services, the more likely their followers – your potential customers – will be to think of you when planning their next purchase, ultimately enhancing your return on investment.
When brand influencers share your products or services, they tag your business’s social media pages so their followers can find you in as few steps as possible. This increases traffic to your social media channels, as well as to your website. A great way to build interest and drive even more traffic is by offering incentives through the influencer you partner with. Whether it’s free shipping or a discount code, their followers will jump at the chance to score a special deal just for following their favorite account.
Like any marketing campaign, the goal of influencer marketing is to generate sales. As opposed to traditional methods, influencers offer a more personable approach to connecting with your target audience. By engaging directly with consumers, influencers – especially micro-influencers, who have smaller followings – can make your company feel more personable and approachable, which can encourage people to buy from you and lead to an uptick in sales.
Current projections suggest that the influencer industry will reach up to $10 million this year. Therefore, now is the perfect time to start planning your influencer strategy!
Zero Gravity Marketing has a proven track record of success in influencer marketing. From determining your campaign goals and defining your audience to selecting influencers and measuring campaign results, we can help you take your social media efforts to the next level.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today!