How to Form Your Flock of Influencers

You want to grow your presence online and get your name out there…that means you need influencers. So many influencers

The Dark Knight. The Godfather 2. Son of the Mask.

 

There are a plethora of incredible and important sequels out there (save that last one, no one beats Carrey). And at TFR, we’re no different. That’s why we’re bringing you a very important Blog SequelTM!

In our previous post, "How to Spot a Fake Influencer," we explored the power of influencer marketing in 2024. Quick refresher: it’s extremely powerful. But a lingering question now might be: how do I build genuine connections with these influencers, and start forming my flock of online disseminators? My gaggle of geese? My flamboyance of flamingos??

Yes, there are brand influencer platforms like LTK, Creator IQ and GRIN. Which, if you didn’t know about, is totally ok! Now you do. That’s where you find them. However, many of you have likely sent countless DMs with no response, leaving you feeling ignored. Or, feeling like reaching for your favorite comfort food and “You’ve Got Mail.” Another solid kind-of sequel. And a pretty good Tuesday night.

Your success with influencers needs to go beyond that, though. You should be focusing on long-term relationships with these influencers. That’s your best path to success and how you really get your name out there. Go beyond the transactional offers. Focus on fostering real relationships with these people. Here are a few quick tips on how to accomplish that, and establish your longterm relationships that will prove fruitful.

Setting Clear Expectations

It’s a numbers game. So go after as many influencers as you can. Some will say yes, some will say no. Que sera, sera.

Then once you have your grouping of “yesses,” you have to treat them with the utmost respect from the jump.

Clearly define what you expect. Do you want to approve draft content before it goes live? Great. Tell them that and be honest with your needs. Specify the hashtags, coupon codes, and brand accounts you want them to reference. Influencers are busy; clear instructions ensure your brand image is protected. They’ll respect your set expectations and know exactly what they need to do in their relationship with you.

Money Matters, But It's Not Everything

While compensation is important, successful influencer marketing goes beyond just throwing money at the problem. Sure, throwing money at stuff can be fun. That’s how we scratched our itch for a dessert made from actual gold for $1,000 (kidding! but it does exist).

Remember, many influencers create content for a living. So respect them via timely payments to ensure prompt compensation. Explain any internal payment cycles your company has. If using services like PayPal that charge fees, communicate upfront whether you'll cover them or deduct them from the influencer's fee. Transparency avoids future disputes.

Be upfront about fees. Be upfront about as much as you can. Be upfront about everything. Ask for their rate card for specific deliverables, such as Instagram Reels, Stories, or posts on other platforms. Will they charge extra for additional platforms? Do they allow the content to be used in your advertisements?

Many influencers provide rate cards, but negotiation is possible. Some might offer reduced rates based on specific conditions, as well. Clear communication is vitally important.

And absolutely don't expect free promotions. Again, this is their livelihood.

Focus on establishing a strong partnership with them, built of respect. Then you’ll amass a group of strong bonds, who will want to work with you again because you treat them well.

THEN…see if they can get you some free stuff. Just read the room and feel it out.

Be Your Own Salesperson

The truth of the matter is that money IS a huge component of the relationship. Influencers can be found under a lot of trees. The question is how to get them interested in reviewing your product, and a lot of time, the answer to that question is, “money.”

Like any good business relationship though, the other components are enormous factors. So, sell your product. Make potential influencers understand the value of what you have, and what they can push out into the world. Specifically, the world wide web. Like it’s 1998 again.

Then, sell yourself. Prove your own value by showing them theirs. Treat them with respect and they’ll want to work with you longterm.

Influ-HENCE…

If you focus on building those long-term relationships with a curated group of influencers, not just amassing a large but impersonal network, not only will your reach go farther, but you’ll have a workforce of wide-reaching independent contractors ready to go to bat for your company whenever you need them.

While platforms like LTK are popular in the U.S. for influencer marketing agencies, consider this a more personal, "analog" approach, that will absolutely pay you dividends in the long run.

Sounds like a lot of work? Book a call with This Feels Right for influencer support today!