I feel myself in limbo. Should I start contacting an influencer?
Do I have to send my product?
I sell is original art, commissions, or a one of a kind special character journal, how do I start a collab or looking for an influencer?
Topic summary
A seller of original art, commissions, and one-of-a-kind character journals is uncertain about how to begin influencer collaborations and whether to send products.
Key Advice Provided:
-
Define goals first: Determine whether the objective is content creation, brand awareness, or direct sales before reaching out to influencers.
-
Product sending strategy: Influencers typically need the actual product for authentic promotion. For one-of-a-kind items, consider having influencers promote the type of product (e.g., special journals) rather than specific pieces, directing followers to find similar items on the website.
-
Tools available: Shopify Collabs can help build an affiliate program with creators and manage influencer relationships.
-
Alternative approach: If inventory constantly changes, focusing on growing the brand’s own social media presence on platforms where the target audience is active may be more effective than influencer partnerships initially.
First you should consider what your goals are for working with influencers before you begin to reach out to them. Are you looking for influencers to make content about your brand, brand awareness, sales? This will help you determine what type of campaign or program you want to start.
Regarding sending product - oftentimes it’s best for the influencer you are working with to have your actual product in order to promote it authentically. If your inventory is made up of one of a kind pieces, using influencers to promote a type of product you have more options in vs true one of a kind pieces will be more beneficial. For instance if you have multiple skus of one of a kind journals, they can promote your brand as a place to look for special pieces like the journal they received from you and share with their followers they can find similar pieces on your website.
You can also use tools like Collabs to grow and affiliate program with brand fans and influencers. Here is a quick getting started guide that covers how Collabs works, recruiting creators/ influencers and how the affiliate management system works to see if it is a fit for your needs.
However, if your inventory is constantly changing it may make sense to first grow your brand’s social presence on the social platforms your target audience uses to expand your reach before turning to influencers.