Influencer marketing is increasingly prevalent and provides effective ways for businesses to reach social-media savvy consumers in an age of short attention spans and multiple communication channels. Brands of all sizes are starting to take notice of the impact a great influencer can have on their company – so if you are considering becoming an influencer yourself, be sure to follow our top tips…
Do you have what it takes?
To be a great influencer, you need to know how to influence! Do you have the skills to mobilize others into following your opinions and acting on your suggestions? If you already have a following, that’s great – it shows people are paying attention to what you say. If you don’t yet have an online community at your beck and call, then it’s time to start building one. Influencers can make or break a marketing campaign, with their thought leadership and expertise in a particular field making them hugely effective partners when delivering on specific goals. But getting there can take some work…
Decide on your niche
Everyone has something they know more about than most. Whatever that is for you, there’ll be an audience for your expertise, and you just need to find it. From make-up tutorials to fitness tips, cooking guides or entrepreneurship, consider carefully what you can bring to the table before getting started.
Research your competition
Are there others already saying what you have to say? How can you make your own offering different? Audiences might subscribe to many channels on a related topic, but they want to know their time is rewarded with valuable content – just as any brands working with you expect you to deliver. Check out the competition, and consider how you can improve on it.
Get online
There are so many different channels out there for aspiring influencers to start developing a following. At CChat, you can begin your own channel whether you’re just getting started or already established – and grow your network right away. While it’s important to check out the options open to you, don’t spread yourself too thin; it’s better to focus on mastering a few channels than signing up to all of them but hardly ever posting.
Be interactive
Talk to your audience. Followers want to feel like they’re engaging with a real person, not a robot. Ask them questions, respond to their messages, and tailor your content so it suits their needs. Too many wannabe influencers lose sight of what they’re supposed to be offering their audience, and quickly lose them. You want to focus on distinctive messaging with the personal touch.
Be consistent
Try to ensure you stick to a schedule of publishing your content, and publish it in a few different formats – video, newsletters, blog posts and more – to ensure reach. Focus on the platforms which appeal most consistently to your audience, and be consistent in your content management within those platforms. This way, you’ll soon be well on your way to developing both a brand and a following.