Recently, I ran an influencer marketing campaign for a startup client who already had a robust user base with around 100k daily recurring visitors. The strategies I’m about to share not only skyrocketed their user base by 20% within a week but also garnered over 4 million eyeballs for the brand, all at a budget-friendly CPM of about $1.50.

1) Cross-Pollination:

Seek influencers who are entrenched in your niche but also have a significant following in a complementary domain. This dual-domain influence is a cost-effective strategy as it broadens your audience horizon without breaking the bank.

Example: If you’re an AI startup, zero in on influencers with a substantial following in both tech and finance. This will not only deepen your reach within your core audience but will also let you tap into a finance crowd that has an interest in tech.

2) Engagement > Followers:

It’s a common misconception that an influencer with a million followers is a guaranteed success. The reality is, it’s the level of engagement that matters. Low subscriber count creators often have thriving, dedicated communities. By partnering with them, you are likely to enjoy a higher engagement rate and a better conversion rate, all at a lower cost.

3) Empower the Creator:

You’re a founder, not a content creator. There’s a reason why influencers have amassed their following—it’s THEIR voice, not yours. Let them have the creative liberty to present your brand in a way that resonates with their audience. Authenticity is key to successful influencer marketing.

Reality Check: If a content creator started advising you on how to pivot your startup, you’d likely be skeptical. Similarly, let the creators do what they excel at—creating authentic and engaging content.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions