(Source: TechHQ)
As influencers continue to prove their worth, what do they need to focus on to ensure that respect for their craft will continue to increase?
After a remarkable rise, influencer marketing has become a polarising topic. Accusations of fake followers, dishonest practice and ambiguous pricing conflicting with praise for its authenticity, engagement power and delivery on ROI.
As it continues on its path to becoming the US$10 billion industry it’s set to become in 2020, it is evolving.
Instagram updates, such as shoppable tags and IGTV have given influencers more opportunities to connect with their audiences and shorten the path between inspiration and purchase.
Yet both brands and influencers have faced new challenges from audiences – more demanding and savvy than ever – and tighter regulations.The key to maximizing its true potential is staying a step ahead of these changes to protect your brand and optimize results.
The industry has an exciting future ahead and the following points are set to have the most transformative effect on the influencer marketing landscape.
Transparency will be essential
Transparency has become the buzzword for the influencer marketing industry.
With Unilever’s announcement that they will not consider working with content creators who buy followers and the recent crackdown on ‘fake followers’ on Twitter; it is clear that dishonesty within the industry will not be tolerated.
This is good news for everyone. Unscrupulous creators who choose to purchase followers or use bots, in a bid to access better opportunities, are damaging to both the community’s reputation and the brands they represent.It’s a pointless practice, tainting the perception of the entire influencer marketing industry. Not only does this destroy reputations once discovered, it hinders the effectiveness of the entire campaign.
Rushed collaborations without background checks, or self-serve platforms that allow anyone to submit content, are leaving brands open to fraudsters.
It’s important for brands and agencies to properly vet the influencers they choose as ambassadors. Integrity, engagement, and quality of content must be prioritized over huge followings.
Influencers turn content creators
There has also been a significant shift in the perception of influencers from vehicles for product placement, to content creators.Savvy brands have been re-amplifying influencer assets in their owned social channels for some time now, but others are going a step further.
Those who have prioritized quality, have realized influencer’s potential to create engaging and authentic assets at the fraction of the cost of traditional creative agencies.Because of this, influencers are receiving briefs for content creation only.Briefs that would have once gone to agencies. Both parties benefit here.Content can be used in digital adverts, e-commerce, and even out-of-home advertising.
The visuals created are the best of both worlds, influencer authentic and top-quality, often outperforming a brand’s own.