Influencers have become increasingly popular on social media platforms like Snapchat. With huge followings, influencers can have a big impact on their audience. As a brand, it’s important to engage with influencers in a genuine, value-adding way. Here are some tips on how to best respond to influencers on Snapchat.
Be authentic and personalize your response
The key is to not treat influencers like traditional media. Avoid canned corporate responses. Instead, personalize your message and show that you value them specifically. Use their name, mention their content that you admire, and speak in an authentic voice. This shows the influencer that you respect them as an individual creator, not just a means to reach their audience.
Respond quickly and thoughtfully
Influencers often have engaged, loyal followers who are quick to interact with their content. You want to become part of that conversation, so respond in a timely manner. But avoid knee-jerk reactions. Take the time to craft a thoughtful, value-adding response. The influencer and their followers will appreciate that you took the care to properly engage.
Give them control
Remember that as the brand, you are coming into their space. Avoid demanding things like “Post about my product!” Instead, politely ask if they would be open to featuring your brand. And always make it clear there is no obligation. This gives the influencer control and makes it more likely they will want to work with you.
Offer value
Look for ways to provide value to the influencer and their audience in your response. Offer useful information, exclusive content, or perks that would appeal to their followers. This makes the influencer more inclined to want to feature you. Some ideas are:
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Advanced access to new products
- Discounts or giveaways for their followers
- Industry insights and data
Suggest relevant collaborations
If appropriate, suggest collaborative opportunities that make sense given the influencer’s brand and audience. But don’t force it. The goal is to develop an organic relationship that provides mutual value.
Thank them
Always thank the influencer for their time and consideration, even if they decline to work with you. Express appreciation for the content they create and the value they provide their followers. This positive reinforcement makes them more likely to collaborate with you in the future.
Avoid overpromising
It can be tempting to promise influencers extravagant perks in order to get their attention. But under-delivering on those promises will damage the relationship. Stick to offers that you can realistically deliver based on the scope of the partnership. Trust and transparency are key when building influencer relationships.
Have realistic expectations
Not every influencer will want to partner with your brand, and that’s OK. Focus on developing a few authentic relationships rather than carpet bombing influencers with generic requests. Quality over quantity is key. The influencers who do work with you are more likely to share content if the relationship is strong.
Follow up and iterate
Treat your initial outreach as the start of an ongoing conversation. Follow up with the influencer to get their feedback on the collaboration and ideas for the future. Successful influencer marketing requires constant communication and iteration to maximize the partnership over time.
Track ROI
Use trackable links, discount codes, and campaign hashtags to quantify the impact of your influencer collaborations on your bottom line. This allows you to optimize your approach and focus your budget on what works.
By taking the time to craft thoughtful, tailored responses to influencers, you can build authentic connections that pay dividends for your brand. The key is to engage them as creative partners, not just marketing channels. With strategic relationship-building, Snapchat influencers can become powerful brand advocates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I respond to every influencer message?
You don’t need to respond to every single influencer outreach, especially from influencers who may not be a great fit for your brand. But do try to respond thoughtfully to influencers who create content aligned with your brand and seem invested in starting a genuine partnership.
What if an influencer has a small audience?
Don’t automatically dismiss influencers with smaller followings. Micro and nano influencers often have highly engaged niche audiences that can be valuable. Focus more on the quality and relevance of their audience rather than just the size.
How long should I wait to respond?
Try to respond to influencers within 1-2 days max. Quick responses show you are tuned in and enthusiastic. But take the necessary time to provide a thoughtful answer rather than just a hasty reaction.
How often should I follow up?
Don’t bombard the influencer, but do follow up if you haven’t heard back after about a week. Send no more than 2-3 follow ups, politely spaced out over time. If they continue not to respond, it’s best to move on.
What perks can I realistically offer?
The level of perks depends on the campaign budget and scope of the partnership. Some realistic perks to offer are:
| Perk | Examples |
|---|---|
| Product samples or discounts | Free products, discount codes |
| Exclusive content | Behind-the-scenes, previews |
| Brand swag | Branded items, merch |
Avoid over-the-top perks like extravagant free trips unless you have a large budget. Focus on perks that provide value but are within your means.
What kind of content should I suggest?
Tailor content suggestions to the influencer’s typical content style and audience interests. Some examples are:
- Product reviews and unboxings
- Sponsored Snapchat lenses and filters
- Discount codes and giveaways
- Behind-the-scenes and personal vlog content
- User-generated content featuring your products
How do I quantify the ROI?
Use trackable links, unique promo codes, and branded hashtags to measure traffic, conversions, sales, engagement, and reach driven specifically by your influencer partnerships. Compare to campaign costs to determine true return on investment.
Conclusion
Authenticity and personalization are key when engaging Snapchat influencers. Avoid treating them as just another advertising channel and instead nurture real relationships that provide mutual value. Thoughtful relationship building combined with relevant perks and content suggestions can lead to fruitful collaborations that benefit both your brand and the influencer.