The Influencer Influence

Brands are increasingly looking for new ways to communicate with their customers and tell their authentic story. Influencer marketing is an effective way to reach customers in an authentic and rewarding way.

By understanding how influencer marketing is changing in response to the pandemic, you can consider if influencer marketing could be right for your business. 

Brands are now spending less on marketing and advertising, and those working with influencers are moving towards long-term collaborations rather than one-off partnerships. 

Combined with renewed user awareness of authentic versus paid posts, traditional influencer revenue streams in the form of brand promotions are dwindling and influencers are pivoting their content. 

With production crews and studios shuttered, brands are abandoning TV ads in favor of more cost-efficient influencer-led ads. Further, influencers are skilled at producing a range of  high-quality creative content that can reach more channels. 

The pandemic has accelerated a shift in brand goals for influencer marketing, with businesses increasingly prioritizing sales over awareness. 

When assessing whether influencer marketing is a good fit for your brand, it’s important to look beyond the current rise in social media usage and influencer engagement to seek influencers who can demonstrate their value with tangible evidence of ROIs.

Just as consumers are now seeking authentic branding, they are also seeking authentic influencers with something to say, not just something to sell. In response, influencers are moving away from aspirational messaging in favor of purpose-driven and meaningful content that reflects their values.

Brands looking to invest in influencer marketing should seek influencers with authentic messaging that connects with their community and aligns with the brand’s values. 

The term “influencer” is giving way to “creator,” thanks in large part to TikTok’s meteoric rise to popular usage. The app has everyday users becoming global icons and creating content that garners engagement and drives trends, reflecting a larger shift in influencer culture. 

Real people now have the opportunity to occupy influencer-like positions, and brands are thinking creatively about who can be an influencer. 

For instance, Zyper, a marketing platform that allows fans to produce promotional content for their favorite brands in return for rewards, has seen greater interest from brands since the crisis began.

Want to learn more about influencer marketing? Considering adding influencers to your marketing mix? We’d love to help – reach out at hello@refineandfocus.com.