Working with an influencer benefits brands, companies, and advertising agencies. But what about freelancers? Does it work to make contact with an influencer if I am a remote worker? It is perhaps one of the most interesting questions because, nowadays, influencer marketing is at its peak.
We'll give you a little bit of the answer because we're sure you'll like it: Yes, it works! And very well. For that reason, in this article, we will give you the keys to introduce you to influencer marketing and how to make it work in your favor.
Everyone wants an influencer
Did you know that the budget for hiring influencers in a company can exceed 50% of the total? Today, influencer marketing has become a constant bid to hire someone with the greatest affinity with an audience.
This marketing strategy seeks to find an opinion leader or recognized personality for a social group and establish a contract to promote products and services. In this way, the brand will not only climb positions in the minds of consumers but also increase its sales and visibility.
How does influencer marketing work?
People look for testimonials or opinions about a product before purchasing it, especially if it is the first time we do it. You've probably asked a friend about shampoo's effectiveness for frizz, if the new version of your favorite video game is worth buying, or if a specific essay writer really helped you understand your academic assignment.
Companies like Amazon also have their reviews section, which you may want to visit before purchasing a product. What if Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned soccer player, recommended using a running shoe brand? Or if supermodel Gigi Hadid would suggest you use a specific anti-wrinkle cream?
Both have become influential and credible in their respective fields, meaning their opinions are highly regarded by their community. It is likely that within the sports community, more people would opt to consume the brand recommended by CR7, as they trust the footballer's opinion. Likewise, with the American model's opinion in the beauty field.
It is influencer marketing: hiring celebrities to give testimonials (usually positive) about your product and encourage its consumption. Today, the influencer marketing industry is so big that in 2019 alone, before the massive migration to digital due to the pandemic, it already moved around $6500 million.
Influencer marketing for freelancers?
Do influencers work if I'm a freelancer? The answer is yes. Consider that influencers are hired to promote a brand and, regardless of the services or products you sell, a freelancer's brand is oneself. So, in theory, and practice, influencers can also promote personal brands.
Keys for freelancers who want to work with influencers
To enhance your work with influencers, you must have a strategy and some well-defined personal branding points, for example:
1. Define the target
To whom are you offering your product or service, and who are most likely to need it and, therefore, purchase it? Once you know exactly your niche, you will be able to identify opinion leaders and influencers in your community more effectively.
2. Set the goal
What do you want to gain or increase from the influencer's work? It will help you decide what action to take. For example, if you're going to raise brand awareness, mentioning the influencer and showcasing your products on networks or on the screen will be enough. On the other hand, if you are looking for more sales, the influencer could talk about the benefits of your product. And if you want network traffic, you could ask the influencer to participate in sweepstakes or activity on your profile.
3. Search for the influencer
Keep in mind that there is fierce competition for the most recognized influencers and that sometimes, the most famous face is not the most ideal. Micro-influencers are people who don't have as much recognition outside the community, but they know enough for their opinion to be taken into account by your niche. Please don't ignore them!
For example, if you want to promote yourself as an eco-fashion designer, you don't need to get Kim Kardashian to talk about your clothes, but you can ask an eco-conscious person to talk about your work. Or ask a fashion consultant to mention you in a speech about sustainable fashion. Your chances are sure to increase.
4. Keep in touch
Try to maintain a cordial relationship with the influencer. This person can help you know what topics interest your niche and what trends are the most preferred, among others.
5. Measure your campaign
After you have implemented your strategy, measure the results. It will help you know what to improve in your campaign and work with influencers. Take into account new followers, increase in likes, shares, interaction through comments, stickers, participation in activities, number of mentions of your brand, and, of course, increase in sales.
Influencer marketing is beneficial when you use it properly and know which influencer to partner with. The best part is that it often creates a win-win for both the brand (freelancer) and the thought leader.
