Once you have found influencers you want to work with it’s important to build a good relationship with them so you both win. It’s not about how much money/many followers they will bring your way. It’s about building long-term relationships that benefit you both mutually.

 

• Treat influencers with respect. Respect their time, privacy, and opinions. You should know that influencers need sufficient time to create original content that is engaging for brands. This is important as many influencers have full or part-time jobs aside from being an influencer.

 

• Reach out to influencers in creative ways. They receive hundreds of emails from others seeking to work with them. Most of them are selective about who they work with. Connect with them by sending a card on their birthday or some milestone event in their life. Attend conferences they recommend. You may naturally run into them. Be creative in how you connect.

 

• Treat them as collaborators by showing them why they would make an excellent ambassador for you. You want influencers who believe in your brand or service.

 

• Understand the influencer’s following the same as you would any buyer persona. Base your conversations on that audience’s interests and needs.

 

• Show that you are passionate about what they care about. Offer to support or help their causes in some way.

 

• Be genuine and take the time to tell the influencer why you want to work with them. Be curious about them and their followers.

 

• Connect with them socially. Follow them and comment on their social media accounts, on their blogs, and other places. Promote their services, their products, and their blogs and be genuine in your praise.