Why is it important for businesses to work with Influencers? Because the “best influencers are like your best friends.” Professional bloggers are experts in their field and they can really get the word out about a company providing their expertise so yours can shine. Traditional media doesn’t work the same as it did. Bloggers can impact business because they provide a deeper engagement with and influence over their audience.
So how do you tap into this influence?
Three experts representing different sides of the Influencer equation came together to address how events can be a win for all parties involved. Sarah Shah is an Image Expert, Author and Speaker who has worked with media clients, as well having her own successful YouTube channel with over 100K views. Jaclyn Kent, Blogger at “Beauty and the Binky” has mastered blogger-brand partnerships including her work with Shoe Carnival, Elaine Turner, and Francesca's. Rounding out the group representing the PR agency voice is Allie Danziger, President and Founder, Integrate Agency.
Tip #1: How do I find these influencers?
Be strategic, do your research, and build relationships. Attend events — those hosted by similar influencers at relative events (even competitors) and those directed at bloggers/influencers. Once you have found these influencers, read their blog and social media accounts and learn how to contact them. Wait until you have an offer in place and be prepared to share details and how it appeals to their target audience. Make your approach targeted and personal.
Allie telling the crowd how to strategically find influencers online. #smbhou pic.twitter.com/BGI01BxHF3
— Integrate Agency (@IntegrateTeam) August 12, 2016
Work with groups that may contain relevant influencers. Example: Bloggers Union, Texas #SocialMedia Network. #SMBHou
— Kristy Gillentine Callaway (@KrisGillentine) August 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/RebCouncill/status/764100380791746560
Tip #2: What should be compensated?
It depends on the event and the influencer. A product may be okay for a beginner. An influencer will require compensation (fee, travel compensation, etc.). Time and effort from the blogger is valuable. Investments can include childcare, outfit, travel, etc. Gifts and trade may be offered as compensation, as well, but remember the influencer will be taxed on those things.
"What I do [and my time] is very valuable." Blogger @beautyandbinky has doubled her income with her blog, $5 or $500 at a time. #SMBHou
— Kristy Gillentine Callaway (@KrisGillentine) August 12, 2016
On compensation: @sarahshah says the comp depends on the individual – what stage they are at and how large their reach is #SMBHOU
— Aimee Bertrand (@AimeeLizA) August 12, 2016
Keep the conversation open if you can’t partner with an influencer for a particular event and come back to them in the future.
Tip #3: How do you prepare for the event and the influencer?
Plan and create the event so that it can be easily shared. Get the hashtag prepared in advance so influencers can begin promotion beforehand. Have details like product information, parking, address, wifi connection and password ready. Be prepared and give the spokesperson with talking points and a timeline. Also, remember to be photo ready — good lighting and setup goes a long way. Providing assigned seating can encourage conversation
Clarity is key. Be clear in expectations about deliverables from both parties (interviews, photo rights, compensation). At the event, walk around and make sure things are running smoothly. Help the influencer to get more followers as well by tagging and engaging with them. Make this a valuable opportunity for the influencer, as well. And make it fun!
Before event: give influencers/bloggers hashtag, product info, goal, on grounds info for event so they can promote. @sarahshah #SMBHou
— Betsy M (@betsymoorehead) August 12, 2016
Give influencers what they need! 1) the hashtag 2) address & details 3) what should I promote 4) wifi info #smbhou
— Abi Cowell (@abicowell) August 12, 2016
Be photo ready at event. Make sure displays and such are ready. Have talking points done. #smbhou
— Suzy Hartgrove (@kitdog) August 12, 2016
When it comes to blogger partnerships, contracts are your friend. They help set expectations. #smbhou
— Sandra Fernandez (@SandraSays) August 12, 2016
Having visuals at events that can be photographed and clearly shared for information about your event! #SMBHou pic.twitter.com/tLCgWaUYp8
— Betsy M (@betsymoorehead) August 12, 2016
Plan out, be strategic, good lighting, share the set up info, check on how things are going. #influencers #smbhou
— Diana María (@DianaGN) August 12, 2016
Tip #4: How do you measure an influence after the event?
Know what you want tracked. Relationships, traffic, sales?
Consider offering a discount code to see if bloggers or influencers are driving traffic. Were relationships developed at the event? Was it well attended and did your social media followings grow? And don’t forget the influencer. Provide feedback.
Keep the energy going. Follow up after events. Don't go silent as a brand. #SMBHou #InfluencerMarketing
— Rashida (@Rashida48) August 12, 2016
Keep the energy going. Follow up after events. Don't go silent as a brand. #SMBHou #InfluencerMarketing
— Rashida (@Rashida48) August 12, 2016
Use submitted #content, like blog posts or videos, from influencers to help promote your product. Be creative. @beautyandbinky #smbhou
— PRKristyna 📲 Social Media Strategist (@PR_Kristyna) August 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/RebCouncill/status/764109777110568961
Tracking with discount codes or hashtags can prove ROI. #engagementmarketing #contentmarketing #smbhou
— PRKristyna 📲 Social Media Strategist (@PR_Kristyna) August 12, 2016
Allie of @IntegrateTeam explains how they measure the impact of influencers after event at #smbhou pic.twitter.com/Rskutg9Lp7
— Cheval John, Social Media Professional (@chevd80) August 12, 2016
While sometimes it’s tricky to track, building the relationship for future is important.
***
About Sarah Shah
Sarah Shah began using her blog and social media to provide resources for her image and media clients, share her TV appearances and highlight her services.
Overtime, her social media took on a life of it’s own. Brands invite her share their fashion shows, events, products and services on her social media channels. Her following is smaller, but very engaged. Sarah has appeared on TV more than 90 times, has over 100,000 views on YouTube and a Klout Score of 65+.
Twitter:@SarahShah
Blog: SarahShah.com/blog
Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook:@SarahShahTV
Jaclyn Kent – Blogger experienced in PR Partnerships
Jaclyn wears many hats and not all of them are stylish. She is in a small corner of the internet that combines fashion and motherhood. Jaclyn had partnered with brands like Shoe Carnival, Elaine Turner, and Francesca's. She has also hosted events with Peska Seafood Culture, Hotel Sorella and Kendra Scott both through corporate contacts and PR contacts.
Blog: BeautyAndTheBinky.com
Facebook/instagram @BeautyAndTheBinky
Twitter/Pinterest:@BeautyAndBinky
#BeautyAndTheBinkyBash
Allie Danziger, President and Founder, Integrate Agency
Don't let her 5-foot tall frame fool you; Allie is driven, full of spunk, creativity and drive. Fueled by Diet Dr. Pepper and a daily minimum of three cups of coffee, this thriving entrepreneur is dedicated to surpassing expectations and developing strong client, media, employee and community relationships. Leading the team through booming success over the past 7 years, Allie is creating quite a niche in the PR industry with uniquely “integrated” campaigns that capture people's attention.
Allie started Integrate to help brands and individuals differentiate and prevail by embracing change and integrating new and traditional tools in their communication mix. Her experience, network and management skills cultivate the top PR, marketing and social media professionals in the industry who, under her leadership, consistently deliver the best results for clients across a wide-range of industries.
Allie's well-connected finger is constantly checking the pulse of today's fast-paced social media and digital worlds, always searching for the next big thing that can help clients' businesses flourish. She is a recognized speaker in the industry, delivering her insight and unique perspectives to audiences across the nation.
Integrate PR’s Profile
Twitter: https://twitter.com/integrateteam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inte…
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrateTeam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrateteam/
Snapchat:@IntegrateTeam
Website: http://integrateagency.com/
Emmerey Rose says
Great tips! But I was wondering, how about reaching influencers using only the internet? how do you do it?