Working with influencers can take your brand to the next level by increasing your reach and strengthening your brand image. However, the question that many brands ask themselves time and again is how to find the right influencers in the first place. The search is often tedious and time-consuming. In this blog post, we show you six proven ways to find the perfect influencers for your brand.
First Things First: Define your target group precisely
Before you even start looking for suitable influencers, it is essential that you define your ideal target group (and therefore also the target group of the influencers you will later work with) as precisely as possible. In addition to demographic characteristics, you should also include psychographic and behavioral characteristics.
These values then form the basis for your influencer research, which you can use to ensure the best possible brand fit for a successful collaboration. In the next step, you can then start your search.
1. Use an influencer research tool
Influencer research tools are specialized platforms that help you to identify and analyze suitable influencers. Tools such as HypeAuditor, squarelovin or Upfluence offer extensive databases in which you can filter according to specific criteria such as reach, engagement rate, target group and subject area. These tools not only save you time, but also provide detailed analyses that help you make informed decisions.
2. Research via social media
Social media is the main playground for influencers and offers great potential for finding suitable creators for a collaboration. . Search platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter for relevant influencers in your niche. Pay attention to the quality of the content, the interaction with the followers and the authenticity of the influencers. The platforms’ algorithms will often help you to find similar profiles once you have discovered a few relevant influencers.
3. Analyze your competitors
A look at the influencers who work with your competitors can be very revealing. Research which companies offer similar products or services and which influencers they work with. These influencers are already familiar with your industry and may have a target audience that is also relevant to your brand. Pay attention to how these influencers present the products and what reactions they evoke. One way to find out which influencers have already
worked with other brands in your niche is to look at the tagged content on their Instagram profile. Alternatively, you can also use software-based solutions here 4. involve your community
Your existing community can be a valuable resource when searching for influencers. Ask your followers directly which influencers they find particularly inspiring. These recommendations are often authentic and based on real interests and preferences. Additionally, you can organize polls or contests to gain valuable insights while encouraging engagement from your community.
5. Search for hashtags
A targeted search for hashtags can help you find relevant influencers. Use specific hashtags that match your brand and product. For example, if you’re looking for dog influencers, use hashtags like #petfluencer, #dogfood or #dogmom. Through this search, you can discover influencers who are already creating content on your topics and thus address a potentially interested target group.
6. Research via search engines
In addition to social media, traditional search engines such as Google or Bing also offer numerous opportunities to find influencers. Blogs, forums and online magazines are often platforms where influencers are active. A simple Google search for the best influencers in your industry can provide you with a list of names that you can investigate further. Again, be sure to check the influencers’ online presence and make sure they align with your brand values.
Quality check: Do the influencers really fit your brand?
Once you have found a number of influencers that you can imagine working with for your brand, it is important to take a look at a few essential KPIs before actually collaborating. This is the only way to ensure that the campaign is really worthwhile for your brand and that content is created that offers real added value.
Metrics that you can use to determine the quality of an influencer are, for example, the number of followers, engagement rate or the authenticity of the followers. You can find out more about this in our blog post on the topic.
Finding the perfect influencers takes time and careful research, but the investment is worth it if it results in long-term collaborations. These six steps will definitely get you started.
Good luck with your search!
