Is there a trick to get a response from an influencer?

Do I talk with the right influencers? 

How can I take the relationship with an influencer to the next level?

Everyone who collaborates with influencers faces these hard questions.

Although 80% of marketers intend to increase their influencer marketing budgets this year, the details of how to execute the influencer strategy are still in question.

We’ve recently had the honor to be the guests of the Paper.li‘s #BizHeroes Twitter Chat. It was great to hear what are we marketers talk about when we talk about Influencer Marketing. 

Here’s what we discussed and what we’ve learned:

Why are influencers important?

All influencers forward brand narratives. Stories are the currency. #bizheroes

— Brian Weems (@culturehustler) April 12, 2016

@paper_li #BizHeroes they're vital for extending your reach beyond your current audience and further into your niche

— Duda (@DudaMobile) April 12, 2016

How can we identify the right influencers to connect with?

The Biz Heroes shared great practices in identifying influencers within the social clutter. As you can see, they do not focus solely on metrics, but also on the content and how it aligns with the brand’s strategy.

A3: Key is to identify the demographics first. Who are you trying to reach? #Bizheroes

— Connie D Woodson (@connieurway) April 12, 2016

A3: Hashtags are a great way to identify influencers in your industry. Stay on top of who's talking about your niche! #bizheroes

— TheAlternativeBoard (@TAB_Boards) April 12, 2016

a3 – synergy in vision,,, #BizHeroes

— Robert Leonard (@T4Leonard) April 12, 2016

A3 A collaborator's brand should align with yours. They're a reflection of you so make sure there's nothing to taint your brand #BizHeroes

— KeLuxe Media (@keluxemedia) April 12, 2016

A3: Also, make sure their values align with your brand! Just because they have a high reach doesn't mean they're a good fit. #bizheroes

— Ryan Eisenacher (@ImAGirl_YouKnow) April 12, 2016

It's crucial to distinguish authentic, passionate influencers from big volume, low quality influencers. Do they truly listen? #BizHeroes

— Brian Mirek (@BrianMirek) April 12, 2016

How do you reach out to an influencer?

Once you know who you should connect with, the next step is reaching out. What is the best way to connect with an influencer? On which platform? And what should you say?

@paper_li A4 a tweet. An email. An invite for coffee. Need to build a rapport for them to trust you. #bizheroes

— Monina Wagner (@MoninaW) April 12, 2016

A4 Start with "Hi." Be friendly. Think "relationship building," not "influencer marketing." #bizheroes

— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) April 12, 2016

A4 Don't send out mass, canned requests. Research the person & their brand and approach them as an individual business person #BizHeroes

— KeLuxe Media (@keluxemedia) April 12, 2016

A4. Every tweet can be a pitch, trick is to be social, witty, catch the attention. go into conversation w/out being obnoxious #BizHeroes

— Communityworks (@cmtyworks) April 12, 2016

Connect on a human level. Treat them like an individual, not a pot of gold. Humanity makes you distinctive on social media. #BizHeroes

— Brian Mirek (@BrianMirek) April 12, 2016

A4: Try to help him, engage with his content. First touch point should be very authentic. #BizHeroes

— Eytan (@normal_ppl) April 12, 2016

Are there any tips or tricks to help us get a response back?

@paper_li A5 read and comment on their content. Let them know you're willing to make this a relationship. #bizheroes

— Monina Wagner (@MoninaW) April 12, 2016

A5 Make sure you use the correct name & spelling. #1 complaint from lots of influencers #BizHeroes

— KeLuxe Media (@keluxemedia) April 12, 2016

A5 Tip. Don't sell yourself, ever. Make connections via love. that's chemistry. If someone likes you, they'll figure u out. #bizheroes

— Lisa Radin (@milguy23) April 12, 2016

Q5 Tip. Every Friday, I choose a song and send to ppl who have connected w me that week. Shows my personality w fun. #bizheroes B different

— Lisa Radin (@milguy23) April 12, 2016

We contacted the influencer, now what?

A6. For starters, be transparent it's a business opportunity, find the best arrangement that works best for both sides. #BizHeroes

— Communityworks (@cmtyworks) April 12, 2016

A6 like with ANY relationship, don't just think of what you might gain and how to get there. Treat it like dancing, two-way comm #BizHeroes

— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) April 12, 2016

Too many times I've seen people "genuinely" engage, and once a connection is made, they leap into the sales pitch. Don't do that. #BizHeroes

— Brian Mirek (@BrianMirek) April 12, 2016

@cmtyworks True influencers inspire action over the long term. The others are just in it for the short-term grab. #bizheroes

— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) April 12, 2016

Reading through the Biz Heroes tweets, there’s a strong feeling of maturity in the way influencer marketing is practiced today.

The experts are already experienced with working with influencers and they developed influencer marketing best practices that work. They have a notion of how to reach out to them, what to expect while working with influencers, and when to give them the creative freedom they need.

We would be happy to hear your experience. What are your influencer marketing best practices? Feel free to share them with us!

Looking for Influencers? Discover Klear: