Search and partner with influencers

1. Identify which products will perform best on social media, and brainstorm content ideas you can create with future influencers to promote them.

For example, if you sell vintage cameras but you need your audience to see how they work, create a video or pictorial of the product in action.

2. Search and find influencers who fit into your product niche by creating Google Alerts for your industry and using influencer search tools like Traackr, Grin, or CreatorIQ.

For example, if your industry is beauty and fashion, set up an alert to notify you of new articles in that niche. You’ll see a list of influencers regularly writing about those topics.

3. Evaluate potential social media influencers for partnerships.

Refer to the size of their audience: mega, macro, and micro-influencers. All influencers should have an audience that largely overlaps your target customer base.

4. Create a spreadsheet with each influencer's information, such as their name, social handles, website, follower count, location, and demographics.

If the influencer has a website or blog, use Ahrefs or Moz to find their domain authority score. Aim for 30+.

5. Use a tool like Followerwonk or Buzzsumo to gather extra data - like engagement rates - on potential social media influencers.

6. Build genuine relationships with your influencers before you pitch, through comments, likes, and direct messages.

7. Determine how the content will be delivered to the influencer's audience.

Product reviews, sponsored posts, advertorials, and giveaways are all types of influencer partnerships. For example, if you sell bartending equipment, find a bartender influencer and ask them to share a video of themselves using your tools to make a cocktail.

8. Clearly define the expectations and deliverables that each party is responsible for, as well as posting dates and deadlines.

For example, if two social media posts are due after two weeks, that should be clearly stated in your project proposal.

9. Make sure all campaign goals, execution, and quantifiable success measurements are clearly laid out.

For example, if your goal is to increase social media followers, encourage the influencer to write a caption that directs their audience to your profile.

10. Throughout your campaign, track progress on your metrics and continue the engagement or conversation.