Is blogging dead? According to Google’s search results (as of this writing, anyway), there are over 34 million answers to this question, all of which vary by author opinion. In my experience as a previous blogger and current CEO of an influencer marketing agency, blogging is alive and well, but it sure does look different.
For a consumer scrolling through their favorite blog or social media feed, a successful sponsored post doesn’t feel like an advertisement — rather, it’s perceived as a natural extension of the influencer’s regular content, leveraged with the trust and credibility built up over time between influencer and audience.
Word of mouth has always been a highly effective form of marketing. That’s why influencer marketing has become such a popular strategy in the social media age: Nearly 80% of marketing decision makers plan to invest in this strategy in 2018.
Using technology to reach your customers is a make-or-break opportunity: it offers you the ability to better connect with some but can turn others off who are looking for a more personal experience.
There are over 270,000 Google results for the search term “marketing to millennials.” This demographic is set to officially become the largest living adult generation in 2019, with population numbers soaring to 73 million. It’s no wonder so many brands are focused on cracking this diverse, evolving segment with over $200 billion in buying power.
When you hear the term “Instagram aesthetic,” a certain visual theme is likely to come to mind — most likely reminiscent of what you tend to see on your customized Instagram feed. Maybe you think of lots of white space and immaculate interior spaces, grungy high-contrast fashion shoots or a green, perfectly lit smoothie.
When you picture the sales funnel — awareness taking up the widest part, narrowing through interest and decision, finally ending in action — where do you think influencer marketing fits in?
In an ever-shifting technological and social landscape, getting started with influencer marketing can feel like an intimidating venture for brands that are new to the space — especially given the always abundant, yet sometimes conflicting information about what works and what doesn’t.
As brands are increasingly turning to influencer-created content to highlight their products and services, it’s easy to see how certain verticals are particularly well-suited for this type of marketing. Beauty, food, crafts, decor and fashion are just a few. These categories are often aspirational in nature, highly visual and offer broad appeal. Bloggers, Instagrammers and other social media stars have become incredibly skilled at seamlessly working sponsorships into their carefully curated content by using their signature style to showcase brand messaging.
Great influencer marketing content can sway opinions, spark conversations, increase brand loyalty and boost sales. It’s the critical difference between a potential customer tuning out your message or embracing it wholeheartedly.
Advertising agencies generated a generous $48.3 billion in revenue in 2016, according to a report by AdAge, revenue that was up by 4.4% from the previous year. While these revenue growth numbers sound good, the numbers represent the slowest amount of growth since 2013, according to the report. This means that start-up agencies may find themselves facing increased competition, which can impact growth.
Whether you don’t have the necessary resources or expertise, or you just need extra help to improve your organization’s sales and overall performance, hiring the right agency is vital for the growth of your business.