The Future of Influencer Marketing - Influencers Unhooked Event
Unless you've been living with your head in the sand for the past 6 months, you'll probably know about the massive controversy that bloggers, vloggers and social media influencers have had in the media.
From public humiliation by peed off PRs (yes, we mean THAT hotel...) to YouTubers having their ad revenue revoked for posting inappropriate and harmful content.
The business of creating content online has evolved rapidly in the past few years, and the industry is running to keep up!
Which is why Claire Gamble, head of Unhooked Communications, decided to host a panel of WeBloggers recently to discuss the future of influencer marketing.
From developing positive PR relationships, common 'no no's and more, the panel was an honest, engaging discussion of what it's really like from both sides of the industry.
At WeBlogNorth, we're so passionate about championing the talent of our community in a way that maintains the integrity, authenticity and passion of the industry.
Creating content and earning money from it shouldn't be a taboo, which is why it was so great to have an open discussion about how we can all be creating a better industry.
Take a look at this fantastic video by Slant Media to get a glimpse at the event.
Key takeaways from the event
- Engagement over followers now influencer marketing has evolved. A small but engaged and loyal audience means more to brands than a massive number - that could potentially have been bought OR be disappointing in terms of follower/engagement ratio and therefore return on the brand's investment! AKA - You don't have to have a million followers to make a name for yourself anymore. It's about the quality of your content and the loyalty of your community. If they listen to your advice and want what you recommend - that's gold dust to brands!
- Never be afraid to pitch to brands. All the WeBloggers on the panel said they pitch to brands 50% of the time vs. the brand coming to them.
- Research is key from either side. Both content creators and the brands are completely turned off when they feel like no research has been done, or they've received a copy and paste email. Always research and go to a brand with a tailor-made pitch for them and why your content fits.
- Communication and ALWAYS be nice! When it comes down to it, there's still a lot of confusion on both sides, so be professional, friendly and understanding. In this industry, you have to be nice, professional and a pleasure to work with if you want to develop relationships with brands you love.
Big thanks to fabulous WeBloggers Holly (our founder!), Katie, Fiona and Kate for taking part in the panel and sharing their experiences, tips and insight into such a taboo topic.
Also, thanks to Alexander Ward @ruggedwisdom for providing the photography for this post.
