For many small businesses, dedicating a large budget to marketing is in most cases impossible. Traditional forms of marketing like billboards, commercials, and newspaper ads are reserved for brands with money to spare. However, if you’re just starting out, we’re here to guide you on one very practical and important way to build your community while growing your business at the same time.
You’ve probably heard of influences on social media, but what about micro-influences? Micro-influencers have 1,000 – 100,000 followers and can help take your brand to the next level. They often speak to a niche audience ensuring you the reach the people you desire with profitable, guaranteed returns. Most micro-influencers cost less than traditional influencers, and depending on your vertical, can sometimes get you better results. Finding micro-influencers doesn’t have to be challenging and we’re here to show you how to leverage them to increase your sales.
Finding Micro-influencers
When looking for micro-influencers, you don’t have to look too far. These people are your followers, customers, and live in the hashtags you already use to promote your brand. To identify your ideal influencer, comb through your hashtags and see who is engaged. It won’t be hard to recruit since people are already expressing an interest. Your customers already believe in your product and are able speak to your brand in a very authentic way.
Create a Mutually Beneficial Relationship
After identifying the best micro-influencers to represent your brand, establish a mutually beneficial relationship. You want to make your influencers feel special and proud to be representing your brand. You can do this by offering discounts, free products, and exclusive offers. If you can’t offer to pay a fee, these are great alternatives, especially if they’re already customers!
Encourage influencers to convert friends
Influencers need to do more than just post images of your product. Have a discussion with them about a Call To Action (CTA)—something that encourages their followers not just to observe your products, but engage with them directly. Offer friends and family discounts and encourage them to share with their followers with added incentives for doing so. This creates a broader reach.
Create a Community
Use your micro-influencers to create a community. Encourage your influencers to host their own meetups in their regions. That way your brand is spread far and wide without you having to necessarily be there. This could be virtually or in person. It’s important to test multiple scenarios to see what sticks. Use your micro-influencers to do just that.
Brand Storytellers
Your goal is to turn your micro-influencers into brand evangelists that can tell your story as well as you can. You want them to speak from a place of knowing and love for your brand. Consumers can spot messages or promotional posts that are inauthentic, and it is extremely important to choose influencers that are earnestly committed to your brand’s overall growth. Storytelling is an art form, and with the right influencers it can take your brand and the sales of your product to the next level.