If you are tired of the phrase influencer marketing, buckle up. It’s because influencer marketing is here to stay. In fact, many brands are betting big on influencer marketing more than ever before. This is mainly because conventional marketing methods such as TV and radio aren’t considered effective anymore. Brands need to shift their focus more on online platforms, specifically social media platforms, where audiences are spending more and more time.
The best part: Businesses are finding incredibly good returns for their influencer marketing activities. In fact, businesses are raking in $7.65 on an average basis for every $1 spent on influencer marketing.
Influencer marketing campaigns are considered such a huge success mainly because people trust, almost blindly, those they follow on social networks. Obviously, they won’t follow those that they don’t like. So when an influencer talks about a service or product, the audience listens.
This post details the three most important metrics that you need to consider for Influencer Marketing in 2019.
#1. Video content and Live Streaming
Influencer marketing works best when it’s tempered by video content and live streaming.
Videos are real-time and fun to watch, not to mention engaging. Not surprisingly, influencers are leveraging videos to drive sales.
Brands are also getting influencers to do live feeds on social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Live streaming could include real-time unboxing, Q&As, behind-the-scenes footage events and more. The idea is to keep it real and engaging and include brand mentions throughout the broadcast.
#2. Storytelling is the New Normal on Social Media
Influencer marketing mainly comprises of storytelling. If you look at the best influencer campaigns, you will find unique story content that strikes a chord with the audience. Storytelling connects with the audience and prompts them to make a quick purchase. As per a study by an ad agency Hill Holliday, brands readily buy from customers with a good story. They might as well pay a higher price per item.
But then, for the content to really echo with your target audience, the influencer needs to capture the followers’ attention in a very striking way. Simply put: A simple image with a simple background isn’t enough to draw the attention of the audience or lead to sales. You need to use video content to make your story come alive and strike-a-chord with customers. For storytelling ideas and developing videos for the same, try taking help of top digital marketing companies.
#3. Bet on Up-and-Coming Influencers
Brands, these days are tapping into up-and-coming influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers on social media. Commonly referred to as micro-influencers, these people are more approachable and down-to-earth. More importantly, they are in constant touch with their followers. On the other hand, mega influencers, though they may have a million followers may not be that interactive and approachable.
Micro-influencers know about their niche, inside-out, and the followers tend to trust their recommendations. More than anything else, they don’t charge much compared to celebrities. If you need help with influencer marketing, try speaking to top social media companies, listed by GoodFirms team. They have the right resources and strategies figured out for you to take your influencer marketing strategies to the next level.
#4. Spotlight on Instagram More than Any Other Social Media Channels
Instagram is experiencing exponential growth in recent years. In 2018, the platform touched one billion monthly active users and is continuously growing with each passing year. Even in terms of brand and influencer collaborations, the platform is giving other platforms a run for their money. In 2019, more brands will be able to show better returns from Instagram. The main reason for Instagram’s high-flying performance lies in its highly engaged community that loads the platform with rich visual content. In 2019, brands that are able to utilize this platform stand to succeed.
Over to you now
I know, these influencer trends are just tip of the iceberg. There are several more trends that deserve a mention here. Can you bring to mind those trends and mention them in the comment box below?
