How to Introduce Influencer Marketing to Your Social Media Strategy. Increase Own Brand Authority!
By Lilach Bullock
Ever heard of the term Influencer Marketing? What is it when its at home?
Well, today we have the amazing Lilach Bullock; lifting the veil on this topic for your Business success.
Lilach is an Author at Agorapulse, who is highly regarded on the global speaker circuit. She has been named one of the Top 20 Women Social Influencers by Forbes.
Oracle also named Lilach top Social Influencer of Europe in a highly contested race, that she won hands down, Here is what they said:
It was a close call, but Lilach won by the number of views and shares of her blogs, the number of views and ‘supports’ for her microsite profile, her Google Hangout performance and her all round social influence.
Career Experts also named Lilach #1 Digital Influencer 2016… She was also the recipient of a Global Women Champions Award (by the Global Connections for Women Foundation, GC4W) for her outstanding contribution and leadership in business! Her books on Marketing, Small Business and Entrepreneurship are Amazon best Sellers!
When she isn’t busy influencing masses, Lilach is a mom and loves Zumba!
We are chuffed to bits that, she is sharing with us her Best battle tested tips on how to leverage influencer marketing techniques to create a veritable brand.
So book mark this post and go implement….
Influencer marketing is one of the most popular forms of marketing in 2017.
It helps raise brand awareness, engagement and traffic. Not forgetting, it’s a great way for growing your own influence in the online medium.
In this post, I’m going to show you how you can introduce influencer marketing to your social media strategy.
Why Influencer Marketing?
Influencer marketing offers businesses a way to stand out and get results for their business much faster than they would with ‘traditional’ social media marketing methods.
Social influencers have engaged audiences, of all sizes, that care about their opinions and recommendations. Influencers could have anything from tens of thousands of followers to millions, but the common denominator here is that they have influence over their audience, no matter its size.
[bctt tweet=”They have influence over their audience, no matter its size. #lilachbullock #influencermarketing #socialmediatips” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
Because of this influence, whenever an influencer shares your content, or associates with your business in any way, they help you reach a bigger audience. This can help you raise your followers, engagement, as well as traffic.
It can even lead to more sales, particularly if you wrote or they write a product review. 
There are several ways that you can use influencers. For example, you can simply connect with them and build long-lasting relationships that lead to social shares and other forms of engagement.
Or, you could include them in an expert round-up post on your blog.
Other options include product reviews, guest blogging on their website and guest blogging on your website.
Plus, getting influencers to support you and back you, can help you gain more influence yourself.
Now, let’s move onto how you can start identifying and connecting with influencers.
#1. How to find Social Influencers
The first step is to identify appropriate influencers in your niche. Before that, though, you should determine what types of influencers you want to connect with, based on their size and influence level.
If you’re a smaller business, or just starting out, it’s best to start with smaller influencers and move your way up as your own social profile grows.
If you hit for the biggest influencers, it’s quite likely they won’t even notice you or respond to your emails; plus, even smaller influencers can make a big impact on your success.
Now, to start looking for influencers; first off, you should check to see if there are social influencers that are following you on social media. You can use tools like Agorapulse and Followerwonk to find out.
Since these influencers are already following you, that means you have an ‘in’ with them, which makes connecting much easier.
Next, it’s time to start looking for more influencers in your niche. For this, I use a tool like Buzzsumo.
I simply add relevant keywords in search and click on the influencers tab to see the results. I then sort them by their page authority or number of followers to find smaller or larger social influencers.
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Next Step #2: Connecting with influencers
Now that you have a list of relevant influencers, it’s time to reach out and connect with them.
Social media is the perfect platform for doing this. To start, simply follow them on all the social networks they are on. Ideally, start engaging with them, so that in time, they will recognize your name and your business and start sharing your content.
You can do this by:
- Sharing, re-tweeting their content: Be sure to include your own short message with why you liked that blog post/video/etc.
- Engaging them in conversations: It could be via another conversation that you can join. Or you can directly ask them a question, or answer one of theirs etc. The important part here is to engage as much as possible, in an organic way. Use a social media management tool to monitor them and their conversations and to organize them so that you can more easily keep track of all the influencers you’re talking to. (You can compare the best social media management tools based on their costs here)
- Joining the same groups: Check what groups the influencers in your list are in. Join those groups. Get active in these groups, and engage with the members as much as possible. Who knows, you might attract the attention of other influencers as well in the process!
- Join their Twitter Chats, live streams etc.: If they are holding an event of some kind on social media, such as a Twitter Chat or live stream, make sure to join as well and participate by commenting, asking questions etc.
[bctt tweet=”The important part here is to engage as much as possible, in an organic way. #influencermarketing #socialmediatips” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
Step #3: Keep Going
Connecting and engaging with influencers should, ideally, be a big part of your social media strategy. This is because it can have lots of benefits for your business, as I pointed out earlier in this post.
It is, however, a lengthy process, and can take some time to build these relationships and start reaping the rewards. It’s very much worth it though, because it will get you more results, faster than without using influencers.
To make your job just a little bit easier, try to stay as organized as possible. Use a CRM tool (many social media management tools have one). Use it to tag all of the influencers you’re targeting, so that you can check to see that you’re actively engaging with each one of them, regularly.
You can also set up a separate monitoring tab for them where you get all the content they’re sharing, so that you can easily share it as well with your followers.
The important thing here is that you need to be consistent in connecting with influencers. Just like you need to be on social media in general, or else you could lose the contacts you’ve made over time.
And if there’s one thing that you should remember here, is that you need to engage as much as possible with them and as often as possible. Not just every once in a while, or every few weeks, but multiple times a week.
It doesn’t have to be lengthy process, though. If you keep things organized, you can get great results just by spending 10-20 minutes a few times a week, sharing their content and engaging with them.
Influencer Marketing – Final words
Including influencer marketing in your social media strategy can help you reach a bigger, targeted audience that leads to better results for your business. You will gain more brand awareness, engagement, more traffic and just more of all the good stuff.
You just need to be organized and keep engaging to build long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with social influencers.
Are you using social influencers to grow your business online? How have you integrated influencer marketing with your social media strategy?
More Resources for your Influencer Marketing Journey:
Your Social Media Content Calendar – Learn and Download Copy here.
Create Unlimited Profits via your Fan page – Learn How.
Double your Influence and Traffic from Pinterest in 9o days or less – Learn How.
Share your thoughts, insights and experiences below. Like, bookmark, and what are you waiting for, go reach out and connect with Influencers in your niche. Start with Lilach on Twitter right here. Consistency, a healthy dose of patience, persistence, focused action, gets you The Results you desire.
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More About Lilach: Highly regarded on the world speaker circuit, Lilach has graced Forbes and Number 10 Downing Street. She’s a hugely connected and highly influential entrepreneur. Listed in Forbes as one of the top 20 women social media power influencers and was crowned the Social Influencer of Europe by Oracle. She is listed as the number one Influencer in the UK by Career Experts and is a recipient for a Global Women Champions Award for her outstanding contribution and leadership in business.
Lilach Bullock
Here is how To Work With Lilach
PS: IF YOUR UPLINE DOES NOT HAVE A STEP-BY-STEP BLUEPRINT FOR ONLINE MARKETING SUCCESS, CHECK THIS OUT (UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE TOO MANY LEADS) – GAIN INSTANT ACCESS HERE.
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A recent survey revealed 84% of marketers plan on executing at least one influencer marketing campaign during the next 12 months.influencer marketing is getting more and more popular in recent years.Five years ago, it would have been thought ludicrous for a teenager to have a million followers on Instagram. Now? Those same teenagers are negotiating with big brands and calling the shots, always careful to ensure that they don’t “sell out” and just become a product pusher.
The best influencers work to integrate their branded campaigns into their unique stories without skipping a beat. They know their audiences are fickle and can quickly leave, so they treat each and every post with care
Hey Albert,
Its essential that one prospects up…and this also includes expanding one’s network up so connecting with and collaborating with social influecers is a key aspect of internet marketing and social media marketing that can very much increase one’s social reach and influence too. Thanks for your contribution 🙂
I cannot explain in words how this post proved so helpful for me. I got so many ideas from your post…Thanks a lot for sharing 🙂
Hi Albert,
Glad you got value and thanks for stopping by put Influencer marketing article!
I couldn’t agree more! It is so important to learn exactly how to market your blog in order to be successful, and being an influencer requires so much research. So, this post is super helpful!
Hey Cassidy,
Attracting or being a giving Influencer will be an amazing step towards improvingyour online brand and presence. We are glad you got value! 🙂
Hi Lilach,
Great ways to find influencers in your niche. Since Topsy folded, it’s been hard.
Janice
Hey Janice,
Glad you got value and while Topsy folded, Twotter,Facebook,. LinekdIn etc are still up and alive with lots of influencers. You just have tp chck out al the sponsored posts flying around your Newsfeed! Connect, communicate, find yor ace 🙂
These are awesome ways to connect with an influencer in your niche on social media! No more excuses now lol! Great post!
Indeed JOan, No more excuses, o connect wth some amazing peeps aka Social Influencers 🙂
Cheers to this wonderful content. Influencers always help people life’s change in a better way.
You are welcome Mike and yes we agree with you 🙂
Awesome post on Why Influencer Marketing Should be Part of our strategy.. thank you for sharing your post! 🙂
You are most welcome Jonathan.
Social media & all it’s glory is such a game changer beyond belief! Thank you for sharing these great tips – definitly good to know!
You are most welcome Sabiana, and we couldnt agree more 🙂
Influencers know what’s hot and what’s not! And lifestyle sells!
Absolutely Keren,
Thats why they are influencersand why every entrepreneur should have at least one in their corner 🙂
OOh superb post by the awesome Lilach, super tips that we can all put into practice. I’ve had some awesome results from some big influencers sharing my visual content – especially on Twitter!
Hello Emily,
You two seem to know each other, And I can see you all over twitter and Instagram, so yup you are crushing over there. Good to hear from you! 🙂
Wow ok this is definietly not something I would have thought of let alone been able to do myself, this advice has given me food for thought and steps on how to start along the path of influencer marketing so thanks a lot
Sounds like a plan Anosa, so much so you checked it out twice 🙂 So now whats left is to implement! Happy hunting!
Your Social Influencers await your pleasure! Go find them!
I guess social media influencers are really a powerful medium nowadays since everything and most people are interactive using social media. This post is a big help to writers and bloggers. Thanks for the inputs!
Helo Anosa,
Good to hear from you and glad you agree, Where have you been lately? Which country 🙂
These are great tips and resources. I haven’t tried Buzz sumo before, but I will check it out. Marketing is super important, and so it networking.
Hey Coralie,
Marketing is important and comes in all kinds of packages. Go test out Influencer Marketing and see your own brand authority grow! 🙂
Influencers really do a big impact. Thank you for this.
You are most welcome Jonna!
Influencer marketing is so important to growing your name, and this post was really helpful. I will have to try to do some guest blogging!
Do reach out to other bloggers in hyour niche Kait. for instance have ou reached out to Pkjulesworld.com? You may be surprised!
Thing is some guest blogging JV partners do not do their side of the bargain…they wait for traffic to flow their way without giving back…That is not how it works! Its a two way street!
This is really great read and awesome tips! Thanks for sharing this. It means a lot.
Hello Chei,
Glad you find it useful and awesome. 🙂
I’m currently opening a new business and we go live in a couple of weeks. I think it’s really important to have influencers on your side! Awesome tips!
Fond the doers in your nche Carol and conect, do what Lilach suggests above and 2-3 months you will start to reap the benefits.
We must point out that some Influencers are selfish, so may not reciprocate…Thats why one must connect with several! Time consuming yes, yet worth the time!
I am thrilled to report that I have been considered to be an “influencer” because I am the type that … IF SHE LOVES A PRODUCT or SOMETHING… She will promote the crap out of it! 😉
We are so thriled to hear your report GiGi 🙂 How about promoting juleskalpauli 😉
Thanks for popping here!
Influencers can really make a difference with the way you market your brand and your products. I think it’s a good move especially if you’re thinking of expanding and reaching a better, larger audience.
Yes they can Elizabeth and you being one, knows so right! We encourage every one to connect with at least 3 Influencers. If they in your niche all the better 🙂
Influencers of all sizes are a great way for brands and smaller biz professionals to reach their target audience. I think the only issue is making sure you choose the right influencer as well as making sure they are being authentic. It’s one thing to get a great review, but if it is forced or doesn’t feel real it could hurt your brand.
Thats why its a keep doing consistently reaching out consistently sorting and sieving till you find your tribe Cindy! Business is a game of Networking daily! 🙂
A great post, thanks for sharing
You are welcome Lindsey!
This is a good read! I haven’t heard of Buzz Sumo but it sounds interesting. Will definitely be checking out on this tool for my blog.
Hey Sharon,
We first heard of Buzz Sumo way back in 2014, we didnt take note…till a year later…Go utilize that resource. 🙂
this is what i need! im glad i have read this article, this is really perfect for me! great post!
Hello Kelly,
Glad you found us, go get em. And if you need help you knwo what to do…Connect with Lilach 🙂
This is a great post and a great read! Influencer marketing is DEFINITELY on the rise, it’s so great to see! Super informative – thank you!
Hey Adriana,
I hope you do implement anf go find some influencers already. We are on the hunt and we know good things about 🙂
Nice advice. It’s great that you think of these things that we might miss when we are sitting down writing our content.
hello Kash,
Glad you find value here 🙂
I actually think that all brands should work with micro influencers as their opinions are more authentic I believe, seeing as they are honest about companies they work with. Influencer marketing is an interesting one to ponder x
You are spot on Ana.
We know you do work with a few micro influencers and brands in your business. Every brand should work with imnfluencers at a higher level, to grow their own brand authority and expand their network. Thats why Lilach suggests you start with those closer to where you are at, as they arent so far ahead as to not feel like your collaboration would be of use to them.
With that said, go take action Ana, pondering never paid the bills 🙂
~JSyl
I have never come across Buzz Sumo but it sounds quite interesting and something I need to read as and when I find 5 minutes x
Hey Rachel,
Yo better find those five mins asap. You need to spruce up your social media strategy to get those checks regularly coming in! 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I have bookmarked your page so I can come back when I have more time to implement them. Appreciate any help with social media.
Hey Sandra,
Glad you got value. Do feel free to connect with Lilach, coz you will learn a ton from her experience, expertise and lessons! 🙂
~JSyl
Great post Lilach.
Very straight forward on how to get influencers attention. I think this would be a productive strategy since its all about branding.
Thanks for that. Very useful! 🙂
It sure would be productinve Andy,
Action Trumps anytjign anyday so go reach out to those Influencers. Connect with Lilach to start with, she is very highly connected for sure! 🙂
~JSyl
This sounds like a great way to raise the profile of your brand.
It sure does Jenny, esp. if you consistently apply and dont take No for an aswer! 🙂 Thanks for your time!
An interesting read – networking and engagement are very important.
Ps. Just want to say your website isn’t very mobile friendly – you might want to look into making it as it can affect your google rank.
I can’t tell you just how timely this post was for me!
Hey Emma, Glad yu got value, go check out Lilach, She has lots of awesome content on Building your business and soial influence 🙂
An interesting read – networking is very important I think!
Ps. Just want to say your website isn’t very mobile friendly – might be worth updating it so it is as it can affect your rank on google.
Hey Miss Pond,
Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for sharing your experience. W ewill look into that for sure. Immediately! 🙂
This is a really useful and fantastic post. thanks for taking the time to share 🙂 Happy Monday 🙂 x
Hey Melanie,
Happy monday to you too and thanks to Lilach for sharing her wisdom. We are glad to welocme her expertise! 🙂
~JSyl
This is super advice – and one I should start listening to I think! I need to connect more with people and engage in conversation….just wish my job didn’t get in the way sometimes!
Hi Lauretta,
Your job shouldnt get in the way of you connecting with other people. If we just look at it that way. You are reaching out and connecting, if they respond you the take it to the next level…We all have aquick 10-15 mins to send a quick reply to amessage, email, messenger message etc. You got this 🙂
JSyl
Hi Julie,
Great tips here that Lilach Shared, some i have heard of and some I have listed to look up and see how i can use them
Thankyou
Di
Glad you got value Di, Looking forward to hearing your results soonest! 🙂
~JSyl
Lilach,
This is a great article on social media marketing and using Buzz Sumo helps with the specific niche and it gives a lot of ideas for articles to write as well. Talking to others so they get to know you is definately important so you can interact and network.
Lori English
Hey Lori,
Buzzsumo is a great tool and resource for the job Lilach suggests. We also like to use it to research info that we’re writing about so yes its great for research and content curation. Thanks for your time! 🙂
~JSyl