Why Is Social Influence So Important Today?

There was a shift in 2008 from just traditional advertising mediums to add social media. Brand's found big benefits in the analytical data that became available. Big data let's us know much more about who's visiting your website than we ever could learn from mainstream print and traditional broadcast media.

What's been the effect? 

Today there is so much noise (brand's participating) in the social media space that the base of users is segmenting. The youth are seeking various splinter platforms to run from their parents and advertisers.

Statistic:  

• 47% of online consumers use ad blocker (source)

Rising Trend:

Adults are starting to employ technology to limit their advertising exposure. 

Everyone Wants A Referral

Busy consumers don't have the time to research and check the background of a product or service provider. They want a referral from someone they know and trust, to a brand that meets their need.

• Do you know a good car mechanic?
• Who should I call to repair my roof?
• What's the latest diet that’s worked for you? 

Over the last few years we have seen the rise of commercial reference providers with brands such at Angie's List or Home Sense. 

Statistics: 

• 71 percent of consumers are more likely to make a purchase based on a social media reference. (Source)
• 86 percent of women turn to social networks before making a purchase. (Source)

What Every Brand Wants...

Every brand's fantasy is to find that perfect customer who had a large, very engaged social media following located on the best side of town. They are not only a customer but they became a big fan of their business. This customer would post regularly on social media praising the merits of their brand. That customer's social media posts would keep their brand top of mind. 

The Age Of The Social Influencer

In 2016, brands started to tap into those perfect social media users who had the right niche and an engaged audience.  They gain an authentic and honest opinion on their products and services through these users.

The results

• 86% of marketers used social influencer marketing in some capacity (source)
• 94% of whom found it effective (source)

Because of these results, brands are doubling down on their influencer marketing efforts in 2017, 

Reasons Brands Work With Influencers

• Content promotion
• Product launch
• Content creation
• Event management
• Event promotion
• Corporate communications
• SEO
• Crisis management

Statistics: 

• 70 percent of teenage YouTube subscribers trust influencer opinions over traditional celebrities. (Source)
• 86 percent of women turn to social networks before making a purchase. (Source)
• 71 percent of consumers are more likely to make a purchase based on a social media reference. (Source)
• 86 percent of the most-viewed beauty videos on YouTube were made by influencers, compared to 14 percent by beauty brands, themselves. Beauty video views have increased 65 percent year over year. (Source)
• 57 percent of beauty and fashion companies use influencers as part of their marketing strategies, while an additional 21 percent are also planning to add this strategy to their campaigns in 2017. (Source)
• 11.7 percent of US marketing budgets is devoted to social media, up from 3.5 percent in 2009. (Source)
• US digital ad spending will hit $72.09 billion in 2017, about 37 percent of total ad spend. (Source)
• On average, businesses generate $6.50 for every $1 invested in influencer marketing. (Source)

Wait A Minute... Why Did You Say That? 

Did you notice those statistics sited teenagers, beauty and fashion? Let me explain... Youth culture sets the trends for fashion and beauty. You will see what's cutting edge start there and ripple through the rest of the market place. So when you want to learn what's cutting edge and working watch the youth, fashion and beauty industry.  

Social Influence Campaigns Are The Answer!

Let us combine your great product or service along with a dynamic local personality to create a campaign of unique content that educates, engages and informs while being entertaining. That's a win win that will attract consumers to your brand. 

Want to know how this can work for your brand? Complete the form below to schedule a FREE initial phone call with Chris Reed. In this 30 minute phone call you can expect the following.

• Questions to understand your business
• Introduction to the social influence concept
• Easy to grasp concepts for a social influence campaign

Based on the outcome of the call we can discuss the next steps in designing a social influence campaign for your brand!