The other week, we spoke about influencer marketing tips for business owners and marketers. This week, we’re revisiting what influencer marketing is, but this time, specifically for influencers. Why? Because, business owners and influencers have different goals. Business owners and entrepreneurs use influencer marketing as a part of a campaign to drive sales, or build brand equity, among other common tactics and goals. Influencers use influencer marketing to develop their business and cultivate a community or audience.
Previously, I wrote on defining influencer marketing and tips for business owners to succeed using influencers in their campaigns (include link here). This week, we’ll be diving into tips for influencers to help really grow their brand and content into a successful business.
Before we dive in, here’s a recap on a general definition of Influencer Marketing:
A marketing tactic that makes use of online personas (who generally has over 1,000 followers) known as influencers to promote products, launches and brand messaging on their owned channels.
So, let’s jump right in. Shall we?
INFLUENCER MARKETING TIPS FOR INFLUENCERS
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been building your online presence for a while, it’s always important to go back the basics every once and awhile. A lot of people are starting blogs and online channels in hopes of building it into a business. So, if you’re looking to develop a influencer brand that will have a returning audience and brands raving about working with you, here are a few best practices to use as you build your online brand:
- Consistency is key
- Think about what you look for in a blog or channel. Personally, I really enjoy blogs and channels where I know what content to expect and I find myself logging on consistently or clicking on their newsletters regularly because I’m excited for their content. Defining your niche is going to be one of the most IMPORTANT things you do for when you’re building your online presence. Here’s a great 5 Step Process in defining your niche from hubspot.com – give it a read!
- Be accountable
- This is a good rule in general, whether your developing your online brand or channel or whether you’re working a 9-5. It will especially serve you well when you first start out because if someone loves your content knows you’re going to post content on Wednesday mornings, they’ll be sure to log on Wednesday afternoon to see what’s new!
- Have an up to date media kit
- Please. If you’re at a point where you want to reach out to brands, or you have brands reaching out to you, have an up to date media kit! It makes their lives easier because they have numbers to back up why they want to use you in their campaign (which means money for you) and it makes you look really organized and on the ball (which is super attractive from a marketers perspective).
- Have a clear “About Me” section of your page
- How else are people going to fall in love with your brand if they don’t know the face behind it? I know privacy can be a concern, but you can easily create a fun, unique About Me page that share all the important info without compromising your privacy (and marketers will love you for it, because it’ll make recommending you a lot easier!) Here, check mine out, for example!
- Read the contracts
- This is specifically for those who are starting to work with brands. I know sometimes you’re so excited that a brand wants to work with you you just take a quick skim and sign it. Please don’t! Know what you’re getting into. Know your value, and if you see something fishy in a contract, call it out! This is your brand and livelihood, protect it.
- Create an open and flexible brand
- There have been many an influencer who, when they’re thinking of their brand name will come up something super niche that doesn’t allow for much room for growth. My advice here? Pick something that’s clever and relates to your niche, but allows you to branch into other topics as well. Who knows, you may develop new interests and passions outside of your niche, and you don’t want to be pigeon holed and have to re-brand 3 times in 5 years (speaking from personal experience here). 😉
Developing your own online brand is a chunk of fun, and when you’re aiming to build a business out of it, you should be strategic. These tidbits will help you at no matter what stage you’re at, and they’re are only the tip of the iceberg.
If you’d like to check out the rest of the iceberg, leave your email here and I’ll send you chunks of ice as they come my way. Or, in not iceberg related terms, if you’re an influencer who is looking to develop their skills and capitalize on influencer marketing, stick around! There’s plenty more information to be shared.
Until next time!
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