Marketing & Sales

What is influencer marketing?

Using influencers to get a message across has become the in thing in the digital media space. Long ago, celebrities would be used as ambassadors for brands which would see them in TV and magazine adverts. Now, the game has changed. It’s a numbers game with new and fresh influencers becoming the faces of adverts

What is influencer marketing?

What is influencer marketing?

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What is influencer marketing? / Image: The Pull Agency
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Using influencers to get a message across has become the in thing in the digital media space. Long ago, celebrities would be used as ambassadors for brands which would see them in TV and magazine adverts. Now, the game has changed. It’s a numbers game with new and fresh influencers becoming the faces of adverts that pop up on our phones. This is the evolving game of the digital era.

In order for big companies to still remain relevant, they’ve figured out that they need to meet customers where they are by speaking their language.

So, what is influencer marketing?

Influencer marketing is a type of marketing strategy that involves partnering with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media or other online platforms. These individuals, known as influencers, have the ability to sway the opinions and purchasing decisions of their followers based on their credibility, authority, and authenticity within a particular niche or industry.

Here are the key elements of influencer marketing:

Identification of Influencers: Brands identify individuals who have a substantial and relevant following on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, or blogs. Influencers can be experts, celebrities, industry leaders, or everyday people with a strong online presence.

Partnership: Brands establish collaborations or partnerships with influencers to promote their products or services. This collaboration can take various forms, including sponsored content, product placements, reviews, or endorsements.

Authenticity and Credibility: Influencers are valued for their authenticity and credibility. Their followers trust their opinions and recommendations, which makes influencer marketing an effective way to connect with target audiences.

It is important for businesses to invest in influencer marketing that they can use as a tool to get their brand out there. Given the short attention span people have now, it’s advisable to grab people’s attention and to keep the brand visible enough for them to talk about the brand long after seeing it.

Marketing & SalesAfrican startups
Reitumetse Shebe

Reporting for Business Tech Africa on the funding, tools and strategy shaping the continent's founders and SMEs.

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