Many businesses collaborate with influencers to improve brand awareness, engagement, reach and connections. With 51% of Canadians following influencers, collaborating with them can provide big opportunities. Once you’ve established an influencer collaboration, how do you take it to the next level to reap even more benefits? We offer four ideas plus influencer giveaways.
- Transform influencers into reporters
- Host an influencer takeover
- Create a new contest
- Transform influencers into brand ambassadors
1. Transform influencers into reporters
Invite influencers to an event you’re sponsoring. The influencer can act as a “reporter,” telling their followers what’s happening, what’s cool, what’s new and their personal experiences related to your brand.
Remember to include the influencer when handing out event swag so they can share it with their audience. A commuter tote stuffed with a pretzel box makes a perfect swag bag for attendees. If you have a booth at an event, draw in attendees with a Snack Stacker and flashing LED bracelet.
2. Host an influencer takeover
A “takeover” occurs when you give an influencer a level of access to take over your social media account. A long-term trusted influencer may get full access for a certain period of time, whereas others could send in captions and photos that must be approved first.
Prior to the takeover, send your influencer social media giveaways, like a light-up stylus twist pen with a notebook to jot down post ideas. Spark inspiration and further boost engagement by sending the influencer swag they can show off during the takeover. For instance, a performance polo for professional-looking comfort and a chiller insulated bottle to help keep them hydrated.
3. Create a new contest
Challenge your influencer to come up with a new, one-of-a-kind contest. Consider doing a fresh take on a caption contest or an out-of-the-box challenge. Encourage participation by offering social media giveaways as prizes.
A picnic blanket carries your logo to the great outdoors when recipients go on an adventure. Give people a handy Cosmo Bag for running errands. Wireless ear buds and a speaker loudly proclaim your brand indoors and out as recipients clean the house, do yard work or relax. A wireless charging mouse pad reminds recipients of the fun contest they participated in, even when they’re hard at work.
4. Transform influencers into brand ambassadors
An influencer-turned-brand ambassador is a powerful thing. Brand ambassadors are solely focused on your company and won’t partner with competitors. They’re paid by your company to consistently promote your products or services and embody your values. Reward your influencer/brand ambassador with thoughtful influencer giveaways.
An coaster set in a metal stand keeps your logo ever-present while they’re relaxing on the couch. And a Slate Cheese Board Set is a stylish piece they can use while entertaining guests. Keep your brand top of mind with a Reusable Food Storage Bag they’ll use in the kitchen and on-the-go. Encourage their artistic side with a Colour Pencil Tin for much-needed brain breaks. With each giveaway, they’ll be reminded of how great it is to partner with your brand—even when they’re not working to promote it.
Take influencer collaborations to the next level
With influencer giveaways and ideas that help keep your content fresh and engaging, you can easily increase your level of collaboration with influencers. Good luck!