If it wasn’t already obvious, Influencers on social media hold a lot of power. With them, they’re just one click away on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and so on, from relatively launching your unrecognized business or brand right in the spotlight. Industry leaders can put your brand right in the center of an enormous radar you didn’t even know existed. It’s why when they have positive ratings and can vouch for you by promoting your brand, that one mention alone holds all the power.
But it’s not as easy as it looks; you don’t just send them an add-up and figure it all work out from there. You have to build up the rapport and put work into building a relationship with them. This can give both parties long-term benefits, so here are a few ways how:
#1 Start Following the Feeds of Potential Influencers on Social Media
A good start would be a little research and start checking out the potential influencers on social media. Look at what they’re doing or what they’re marketing at the moment. Try to figure out how they connect with their associates and how you can better communicate with them.
You can also share their content on your own feed to start reaching out and making that connection a bit stronger. It will not only show that you value what they have to say, but it will also put emphasis that you know what you are doing. When your potential influencers on social media get in touch, do your best to respond to what they’re trying to say. Try your best to be consistent without channeling an irritating persona.
#2 Practice E-mailing
Another good practice would be to try or make it an option to directly email your influencers. If you don’t have their contact details, there’s always the option to direct message on almost every single social platform. You can try personally contacting them through their own backlink or website; it’s less invasive that way. When sending those first e-mails to your influencers on social media, pitch about what you’re offering and all of its pros.
When your potential influencers get back in touch with you, don’t hesitate; now’s the time to start talking about how things will go from there. Remember they’re the ones doing you a favor, after all.
#3 Practice Patience
Talk about one of the hardest things to practice, but the truth is patience is a virtue. Sometimes you won’t hear back till after a week, which you can usually amend with a follow-up. Sometimes that’s the little push that your social media influencers need for a faster response. However, if you’ve waited more than a week, it’s probably time to cut your losses.
Don’t get upset if you don’t hear back though; most influencers have their own goals and things to focus on. And sometimes they just don’t connect with what you have to offer. However keep trying to reach out to other potential influencers on social media, everything is in good time.
#4 Always Stay Engaged
If you really want to keep up with the social stakes and competitors all around you, you need to properly engage your influencers on social media. Try blogging for other sites, instead of going straight to the top. Reach out for the smaller potentials first, seeing as there is a lot they can also offer you in return. From there move your way up, till you see the highlight of your efforts in doing so.
When potential influencers in your niche see you actively communicating with multiple connections, they will want to make people connect with you. Constantly creating content and being involved will really help in showing them, this is something you take seriously. You have to prove them that you are indeed committed to your ideas, simply because you are always engaged.
Staying engaged and maintaining this practice to build a stronger relationship with influencers over time will definitely give you more benefits and more opportunities. Reach out from time to time and get plus points for the effort.
#5 Figure Out What You Can Offer In Return
Take the time to also figure out what’s in it for them. This is very important to potential collaborators; they care about this across the board. Figure out what you can offer and then offer to do it for free. When you get connected with your influencers, you bring value into everything. This can be something as little as your time, designs or skills that could help them benefit. Try offering to do certain things for free. If you can offer up enough value for their efforts and deliver accordingly, you’ll create an opportunity for them to recommend you to their own network.
For some more strategic and higher up strategies you can try these 3 important things:
#6 Be Your Own Social Media Power User
The greatest thing about the internet is that it’s a gaming field for everyone and every brand. Anyone can publish their own thoughts and ideas, and make something out of it. The only question is having the skills to make something great or mediocre. If the quality of your work is the best of the best, you have a greater chance of getting recognized, not just by anyone but including those influencers that you honestly need. They, in turn, will give you that audience that you desperately are searching for.
If you’re a business expert, there’s no limit to the number of accounts you intend to get connected with. So find those top influencers in your target market who are constantly active and give them a roll for their money.
Start building a presence with them, that they will deem worthy of their time, don’t have them second guess you. Make sure all the information they can find about you is complete and that you already have a good following behind yourself. Promote quality content and make sure to share your thoughts accurately. With a little bit of luck, and a tad bit of hustle you can be a power user.
#7 Be a Part of Industry Lectures and Events
Just because you have easy access to the internet, and it seems like things can get done from there, never substitute that for a meeting face to face. Being up close and personal with the very people you are trying to connect with is the best way to get things rolling. You want to make a lasting impression that they are going to love, and connect on a more personal level.
So attend those formal events and meetings, make sure to stay connected with your new found friends and start making a name for yourself. Join their networking community and get related to their interests and professions. Be at those monthly lectures they might host, and show that you’re paying attention. The more consistent you show yourself to your influencers on social media, the more confident you will seem.
Do your best to push yourself to refine your skills, and let others know that you’re an expert in what you’re doing.
#8 Authenticity is the Key to Everything
The most important tip we would give any brand is this:
Being authentic is the main point of everything.
Don’t play the field simply because you’re going after recognition or money.
Remember you want to be happy doing what you are doing; you should have that feeling of being satisfied with your work and achievements. Sometimes the temptation to fear or doubt a move you might make can hold us back.
However, replacing that with confidence and drive will only help you build a better foundation not only in yourself but your brand. You have the skills and the knowledge, use it. If you can, take the time to explore things you never thought you’d be comfortable exploring in.
Influencers are always a big deal, but don’t let that get to your head. Never lose your originality or the thought of why you started everything in the first place. Just think that, if you so happen to be able to get their attention and build a good relationship with them, it will indeed benefit your brand and your reputation, including those long-term benefits.
Wrapping it up
Put it in your head that influencers on social media are honestly vouching for you and your brand. You can just as quickly gather traffic, build your brand awareness, boost your reputation, and possibly increase your sales.
These influencers can and will make a huge impact on your campaign. Thanks to the endless possibilities social media has provided, it’s now easier than ever to find and connect with these influencers. So start creating a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship; and maintain it.
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