You likely know that it takes much more than just posting on Instagram to grow your brand.

The process involves using different platforms and experimenting until you see a steady flow of unique visitors.

Even then, growing isn’t a perfect formula, it is something you will always be tweaking.

If you’re looking for a different approach to grow your brand, influencer marketing is a great way to reach new audiences.

But first, what is influencer marketing?

Influencer marketing is the promotion of a brand by a widely known influencer within a specific niche.

In other words, it is a marketing technique that uses an influencer (a person on social media) who markets your brand to their following.

Most influencers want to make sure that they actually will/would use the product/service/blog you’re asking them to promote because they want to be authentic.

Influencer marketing is so useful because it gives you access to other people’s followings that you would have never gotten to before.

Just to give you an example, let’s say you are a beauty blogger and you’ve just created a new skincare product.

You may reach out to a couple of makeup vloggers on YouTube and ask if they would be willing to test out and promote your product.

Typically, this is a two-way street. Most influencers will want some sort of percentage or promotion from you in return for their promotion. 

There are many ways to go about implementing influencer marketing to grow your brand, but these key points are essential:

1. Find people within your niche

While it may sound self-explanatory, it’s one of the most important aspects to think about.

Influencers are only going to promote products to their audience if the product aligns with their brand.

Have you ever seen a food blogger advertise a makeup brand? Probably not.

Since influencers cherish their fans, they won’t advertise just any product or brand to them. It has to be right in line with the content they produce daily.

Think about people who align with your brand and ask yourself if their products/services are ones that you would be happy to promote.

Oftentimes, this is a great way to determine who may be a good fit.

2. Decide what you want to get from influencer marketing

Now, this is something that may change with each person you work with since everyone has different goals they want to get out of a trade. 

Decide what you’re willing and able to give in return for help from an influencer.

For some, this may be money.

This is a simple and easy exchange, but it can get very expensive.  You need to make sure what you’re offering or being asked to pay is in line with what you can afford.

Other options are offering to promote them in return, giving discounts on your products, or even providing free products/services.

Many brands also offer a percentage per sale or flat rate each time someone is referred by the influencer.

Reimbursing an influencer for promoting your brand can also entail a combination of these methods.

3. Reach out to influencers

Reaching out to influencers is an essential step to grow your brand, but it must be done the right way.

• Phrase your pitch in a way that is helping them
  • You both know that you are asking THEM to help YOU, but when you phrase it in a way that illustrates the ways YOU can help THEM—influencers are more likely to listen.
• Briefly mention the areas of their business that relate to yours or have helped you in some way or another
• Be direct about what you want from them and what you will give in return (you can leave the compromising for later)
• Be authentic in how you approach them; don’t promise compensation or rewards that you can’t guarantee
• Thank them for considering, leave your contact information, and let them know you’re excited to hear back

4. Really sell your brand

When reaching out to potential influencers, you have to get their attention.

They likely receive TONS of requests from people looking to promote their products, so this is why you have to stand out from the rest.

You must highlight the areas of your business that you think will give your brand its most authentic description to potential influencers.

The best way to connect with someone who you want to promote your brand is by growing a relationship with them.

Influencers are going to pay no attention to the people who don’t put any effort into relating to them or their business.

They want to feel like they are making a difference in their own audience by promoting brands and products that they believe in.

So, show them you’re worth it!!

5. Be patient!

Not every influencer is going to want to collaborate with you and some may never even reply.

Despite that, your brand still has value and meaning! It just may not be the right fit for the influencers you’re reaching out to.

Remember, influencers are typically busy (like you) and will probably not be replying to you within the first day or even week.

Have patience and trust that the collaborations that happen are the ones that are meant to be.

However, if multiple influencers over time are turning you down, consider changing the way you’re approaching them.

You can also reach out to trusted people within your community for advice on what you’re doing wrong and how you can improve.

This process will be a game of trial and error. Don’t give up if your first couple attempts don’t work out, success takes time.

If you’ve come this far, you are definitely on the path for success and will grow and expand your brand in no time!

Additional articles you might be interested in:

• How To Choose The Right Social Media Platform For Your Business
• How To Build Strategic And Loyal Business Relationships
• What Is Influencer Marketing And How Can Marketers Use It Effectively?
• How To Create A Brand That Stands Out On Instagram
• How To Pick The Right Influencers To Market Your Products
• 25 Things You Should Look For In A Social Media Influencer
• 12 Most Profitable Niches For Making Money Online
• How To Become A Full-Time Social Media Influencer
• How To Get Brands To Notice, Collaborate, And Pay You As An Influencer

Fran Kolars is a blogging intern for LadyBossBlogger. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising and Interior Design at the University of Minnesota. Blogging is an interest of hers that was sparked by her passion for mental health, self-care, and motivation for women.