How to Approach Micro Influencers in the Philippines: Building Strong Relationships for Authentic Collaborations

Approaching influencers can feel a bit daunting, but with the right strategy, you can successfully build a relationship that benefits both your brand and the influencer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to approach influencers , particularly micro-influencers in the Philippines , and how to increase your chances of a positive response. 1. Research Thoroughly Before reaching out, do some thorough research on the influencer you want to approach. Familiarize yourself with their content, audience, and overall tone. Make sure they align with your brand’s values, and that their followers match your target audience. Here’s what to consider: Content Style : Does their content match your brand’s style and tone? Audience Engagement : Do they have an active and engaged audience? Relevance : Do they talk about products or services similar to yours? When you understand what makes the influencer tick, you can craft a more personalized and meaningful outreach message. 2. Engage with Their Content First Before sending that first message, start building a relationship by engaging with their content: Like and comment on their posts. Share their content if it’s relevant to your brand. Respond to their Instagram Stories or TikToks. This interaction shows the influencer that you’re genuinely interested in their work and not just looking for a transactional relationship. Make your engagement thoughtful—comment on specific details about their posts or videos, not just generic compliments. 3. Send a Personalized Message When you’re ready to reach out, whether through email or direct message, make it personal . Avoid sending generic templates that don’t address the influencer’s unique qualities. Here’s what a personalized message should include: Introduce yourself and your brand : Explain briefly who you are and what your brand is all about. Compliment their work : Point out something specific that you admire about their content. Whether it’s a recent post, a campaign they ran, or the way they engage with their audience, this shows you’ve done your homework. Explain why they’re a great fit : Tell them why you think they’re the perfect influencer to partner with. Be clear about how their values, style, and audience align with your brand. Make your offer clear : Be upfront about what you’re proposing. Whether it’s a sponsored post, product collaboration, or an event invite, explain your vision and what’s in it for them (free products, payment, or exclusive access). Leave room for collaboration : Don’t just dictate terms. Let the influencer know you’re open to their ideas and input. Influencers know their audience best, and they’ll appreciate the opportunity to share their thoughts on how to make the partnership more effective. Example Message Template: Subject : Exciting Collaboration Opportunity with [Your Brand Name]! Hi [Influencer’s First Name], I hope you’re doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m the [Your Role] at [Brand Name], a [brief description of your brand]. I’ve been following your content for a while, and I love how authentic and engaging your posts are, especially the one about [specific post you liked]. We’re planning a new campaign and think you would be a perfect fit for our brand. Your [mention why they’re a great fit, e.g., connection with your audience, content style] aligns with what we’re looking for in a collaborator. We’d love to work with you to promote our [product/service/event] in a way that speaks to your audience. Are you interested in discussing this further? We’re open to hearing your ideas on how we can make this collaboration fun and impactful for both of us. Looking forward to hearing from you! Best, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] 4. Highlight the Value for Them Influencers, particularly micro-influencers, are selective about the brands they work with. Monetary compensation : If your budget allows, offering payment is often an effective incentive. Free products or services : Offering free products or early access can entice influencers who are interested in trying and reviewing something new. Cross-promotion : Let them know how you’ll promote the collaboration on your own channels, potentially boosting their exposure to your audience. Exclusive opportunities : Influencers love unique experiences. Offering them VIP access to events, insider news, or special product releases can make them feel valued. 5. Respect Their Time and Flexibility Influencers often receive many collaboration requests, so be patient. If they don’t respond right away, wait a week or two before sending a polite follow-up message. Respect their time and acknowledge that they might be balancing multiple projects. 6. Be Open to Negotiation Be prepared to negotiate terms. Influencers may have their own rates or ideas for how they’d like to collaborate. Stay flexible and open to working with their preferred format, whether that’s Instagram posts, Stories, YouTube reviews, or TikTok content. 7. Offer Creative Freedom Influencers know their audience best, so give them creative control. While you can outline your expectations and provide brand guidelines, avoid micromanaging the content creation process. Influencers will be more motivated if they can share your brand in a way that feels authentic to their personal style. 8. Follow Up and Build Long-Term Relationships Once the collaboration is complete, make sure to follow up and thank them for their work. If the partnership was successful, consider building a longer-term relationship. Influencers appreciate brands that show loyalty, and ongoing collaborations can help strengthen your connection with their audience. Offer them feedback on how the campaign performed, and share any positive results. This can help build trust and increase the likelihood of future collaborations. Final PopStar Tip Approaching influencers in the Philippines, especially micro influencers, requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. Start by engaging with their content, build a relationship, and then send a personalized, value-driven message. By offering creative freedom, respecting their time, and being open to collaboration, you can form strong influencer partnerships that deliver meaningful results for your brand. Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help your digital marketing here in the Philippines.