Choosing the Right Influencer Marketing Platform: Essential Questions to Ask
The Evolution of Influencer Marketing Platforms: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs
In the early days of influencer marketing, businesses struggled to find the right influencers for their campaigns. They would spend hours scouring the internet, trying to identify influential figures in their niche and building relationships with them. However, this process was time-consuming and often yielded little results.
Enter influencer marketing platforms – the Yellow Pages of the influencer world. These platforms revolutionized the way businesses connect with influencers, offering a one-stop solution for discovering, comparing, and collaborating with influencers. According to the Influencer Marketing Hub State of Influencer Marketing 2019: Benchmark Report, there are now 740 influencer marketing platforms and agencies, with 320 new ones emerging in 2018 alone.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right influencer marketing platform for your needs? Here are some essential questions to consider:
1. Do you already have a roster of influencers, and how many are on it? If you already have a network of influencers, you may not need a platform to find new ones. However, if you’re looking to expand your campaign or work with influencers in a different niche, a platform could be beneficial.
2. Are you constantly recruiting new influencers, and which platforms have you used in the past? If you’re regularly seeking new influencers, you’ll want a platform that offers robust influencer discovery capabilities. Consider your past experiences with platforms and what features were most helpful to you.
3. What data do you care about most when selecting influencers? When choosing influencers, focus on relevancy, engagement, and authenticity over follower count. Look for a platform that provides the data you need to make informed decisions about which influencers to work with.
Ultimately, the key to selecting the right influencer marketing platform is to assess your specific needs and goals. Choose a platform that aligns with your objectives and provides the tools and data necessary to execute successful influencer campaigns. By leveraging the capabilities of an influencer marketing platform, you can streamline your influencer outreach, track campaign performance, and achieve your marketing goals effectively.