GET TRENDING INFLUENCERS ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF MARKETING
I t ’s ra re to fi n d c o n s u m e r s w h o s t i l l t r u s t o n l y t ra d i t i o n a l m e d i a a n d a d ve r t i s i n g fo r m a t s. Wi t h t h e d e m o c ra t i s a t i o n o f k n ow l e d g e i n t h e a g e o f s o c i a l m e d i a , u n d e r s ta n d i n g h ow to u s e t h e s e p l a t fo r m s to e n g a g e w i t h a u d i e n c e s i s o f v i ta l i m p o r ta n c e .
BY MICHELLE MARAIS
A
s consumers use the internet and social media to research almost everything marketed to them,
companies are realising the importance of social media in communicating to their audiences – both existing and emerging – more effectively. The shift from traditional marketing models to those that use influencers has profoundly impacted brands and companies. The reality is, however, that most marketers still don’t understand how to incorporate influencer marketing into their overarching brand strategy. While the concept still eludes many brands, it can provide a nearly 800% return on investment, making it one of the most important tools in a marketer’s box. WHAT IS INFLUENCER MARKETING? Influencer marketing focuses on creating awareness on an individual level by word-ofmouth marketing. Influencers have credibility and influence over a large network of people. These individuals have a significant impact on vertical markets and/or social media platforms. Brands and agencies partner with influencers in order to create authentic engagement and awareness around products and services.
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Top Performing 17 th Edition
