In the last 10 years, social media has exponentially grown in popularity and importance, with over 40% of people worldwide using these platforms. Social media influencers are individuals who have built an online reputation by regularly creating posts related to their knowledge and area of expertise.
While sharing their content on their preferred social media platform, they have managed to generate a following of loyal, enthusiastic fans who constantly engage with their content. As such, they have the power to create trends and encourage their audiences to purchase products and services.
However, they should not be viewed as marketing tools, but rather should be considered as assets that can help a brand achieve its marketing objectives. Social media bloggers, content creators, and micro-influencers have the most active and authentic relationship with their audience, meaning they are important for marketers and brands.
What Is Influencer Marketing?
A content-driven marketing campaign run by a collaboration between an influencer and a brand is considered influencer marketing. Unlike celebrities, they are people who have spent a lot of time and effort in developing their brand, growing an audience and gaining their trust. As such, they are extremely protective of their reputation and very selective about what they choose to promote.
How to Reach Out to Influencers?
- Do Your Research
When choosing an individual, keep in mind that high-reach usually correlates with price but doesn’t always mean that your campaign will have a high performance. Based on the number of followers or video views, influencers are separated into five tiers and choosing the best one is important. Think about who would be best to collaborate with and if they are reputable, what category is most suitable for promoting your brand in, what your targeted demographic is, and what channel is your campaign best geared toward.
Once you have everything figured out, you can look for suitable individuals either by manually searching through social media platforms or by using online software tools that will help you find the right online personality to collaborate with. You can visit influenex.com to learn more about this.
- Establish Campaign Goals
These types of marketing campaigns have been incredibly successful for many brands, however, a poorly planned one is unlikely to bring any positive results. This is why it is essential to establish clear goals and objectives, create a powerful, clear message, and understand the campaign’s realistic potential impact and return on investment (ROI).
Determine what you would like to achieve since these campaigns can be created to accomplish several purposes from increasing sales, raising brand awareness, to growing a brand’s social engagement.
- Engage via Social Media Channels
Before directly messaging an online personality you are interested in, follow them on their social media accounts. Learn more about them and show interest in what they do. You comment on or like their posts or share their content and all of this will also make it easier for you to start a conversation with them.
- Contact an Influencer
Influencers are generally extremely busy individuals who probably get a lot of offers every day. Always try to be clear, brief, and honest with your proposal. It is also a good idea to show interest in who they are, so consider asking about their own goals and what they are looking for in a business relationship. These professionals want to be a part of interesting, exciting projects, so show your enthusiasm about your products or services.
Don’t expect or ask for any favors or free promotion, treat it as a serious business, and if your targeted influencer turns out to be too expensive, consider looking for another individual who is interested in working with you and will charge less.
Conclusion
Influencer marketing is not about quick payouts. These people are not willing to lose the trust of their loyal fans, so above all else be patient, honest, and human, earn their respect and trust, and you will be able to collaborate on projects and build a long-lasting relationship with them.
Kim Marks 
Rhydian Choi