How would you compare Influencer Marketing with digital advertising?
Influencer marketing seems more promising in terms of product positioning. Today’s tech savvy consumer is overburdened with information and ads seldom do justice. However, choosing the right influencer is just as important, with a rise in pseudo-influencers, the chances of losing your customer base are high with the wrong influencer.
Which social platforms do you think will be the most used by influencer marketers in the next 5 years?
Instagram/ LinkedIn/ TikTok
How do you currently find relevant and high-quality influencers for your marketing campaigns?
Hashtags search
How would you decide which influencers to work with?
It is not an easy job to do- need history and data
How should brands use Instagram influencers to grow their business? What is your personal experience with Instagram influencing?
Instagram has transitioned from being a photo sharing platform to a rapidly evolving marketplace. Instagram influencers are great for increasing brand awareness, but with the advent of similar interactive platforms, like TikTok, there is a need for a shift in marketing strategies. Instagram influencers have helped to position many Generation-Z-centric brands like Freakins, Offduty, Diamondlady, Pulp, D’you and more.
In my experience, even after shortlisting influencers, you may or may not be satisfied with their approach or audience. Sometimes the perfect influencer is just not there.
What are some common tools and strategies to help grow your presence on Instagram? Are you currently using any tools?
There are many tools that can help e-commerce businesses stay afloat but the best are the simplest. Follow Instagram’s official account to stay updated on the new policies/ features that are coming onto the platform. Focus on proper hashtag analyses, audience engagement, trendspotting, and keep an eye on what your competitors are doing.
Which content categories (i.e. verticals) are likely to become the most popular on Instagram for influencers?
I think Beauty, Food, and Music are the best positioned verticals for Instagram influencer marketing. Instagram is mainly a platform that is used by the younger crowd and these are three areas that young people love to stay on-top of.
What advice would you give to a new business that wants to gain and grow its paid sponsorships?
The best way to get more paid promotions is to be accessible and engaging. Brand positioning should be in accordance with the influencer’s audience. A “brand-next-door” approach proves to be the best for a younger crowd and to connect with influencers.
How do you think Influencer Marketing will grow among small businesses in the near future?
Influencers provide an ordinary and simple visibility that is the perfect compliment to a small business. More small businesses will start to use influencers to promote their products.
