If you’re a PR or marketing professional, you may be wondering: what does it take to turn a popstar influencer into an ambassador for your brand? Influencers have a direct line to your target audience, which means your customers are eager to hear about and try out new brands recommended by influencers. It is possible to build long-term relationships with influencers and their followers through long-term partnerships. Because of this, many companies are turning their influencers into brand ambassadors rather than just posting one-off Instagram images.
Partnering With Influencers For Brand Ambassadorship
Micro-celebrities with the ability to sway others’ perceptions and actions are known as “influencers.” Social media influencers are those who have built a loyal fan base through the creation of interesting content that helps them build their personal brands online. As a result of the daily interactions they have with their audiences, influencers enjoy a level of trust and authority that is bestowed upon them. So it’s no wonder influencers enjoy such high levels of online engagement.
There are many factors to consider when building a network of brand ambassadors, but here are four key steps to help you develop a long-term relationship with influencers who reach your target audience.
4 ways to Turn Influencers into Brand Ambassadors:
Make a connection
Establishing a personal connection with an influencer is the first step in developing a fruitful working relationship. For example, compliment a recent blog post they wrote that resonated with you when you come across someone who you think would be an excellent fit for your brand and reach out to make a human connection with them. Rather than a generic pitch, they will appreciate your effort to learn a little about them and send them a personalized message. Make a personal introduction to the brand you represent and ask them to use your product or service, or invite them to an upcoming event.
Provide them with sneak peeks and fun perks
One of the best ways of letting influencers know that you want to continue working with them is to share information about upcoming events. Invite them to try new products before they hit the shelves, host a private tasting of new menu items, or give them early access to major announcements and product launches. Customers feel like they belong to an exclusive club if they are included in the company’s most important events.
Value their opinions
Asking influencers for personal feedback on your brand is a great way to turn them into brand advocates. They will feel more connected to your brand if you encourage them to express their honest opinions about the products or services they try. Even more importantly, it will show your customers and influencers that you value their opinion and that you are listening to what they have to say about your products and services.
Understand that all relationships, even those with influencers, are a two way street
There are times when influencers will approach you with requests or ideas that you can use to help them grow their audience, and it’s important to be prepared for this. A birthday party for their daughter or an event with other bloggers might be a good opportunity for them to use your product as a giveaway prize. You should not only ask bloggers and social media users to promote specific products or topics, but you should also support their efforts and allow them to customize their content. To be a true brand ambassador, an individual must have a strong emotional attachment to the company’s image and actively promote it to others. The most important thing to remember from all of this is that building a relationship with an influencer that benefits both parties is essential if you want to turn them into an ambassador for your brand.
Conclusion
The four steps outlined above will put your brand in a good position to build these valuable relationships. The more they realize that they are brand ambassadors for a product, the more connected and accountable they feel for the brand’s reputation and the positive feedback they receive about the product.
Visit www.pop-star.me or email our Account Group Head at jamie.garcia@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar Philippines can help you start your Influencer Marketing strategy today.
