Influencer World

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Stay up to date with the latest trends and insights in the influencer marketing world.

  • Queer Influencers: why representation matters

    Date: July 5, 2023

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Types of Influencers

    Representation matters, and queer influencers are key to achieve this.

    That’s the starting point to write this piece. But, do we actually understand why? Well, because before 1994 when Ikea launched the first ad with two same-sex couple, queer people have never seen themselves represented in any kind of advertising; it’s not only about selling products or services, but feeling a connection with the content you consume, and therefore being able to imagine yourself in that context. When you don’t have representation, there is a lack of connection.

    As society progresses towards inclusivity, the presence of LGBTQ+ influencers plays a vital role in fostering empathy and understanding on this matter; audiences crave the opportunity to see, connect, and interact with these influencers, because they see themselves projected on them. Through authentic stories and relatable experiences, LGBTQ+ influencers have the power to bridge gaps and inspire genuine connections, giving to the communities what they need so much: a place to belong.

    Queer influencers and their audiences

    Niche communities are rising since the past years, and these small groups share a strong point of similarities that make them feel like family, but the numbers of them are not small: about 7.1% of American adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a Gallup poll conducted in 2022, up from 5.6% in 2021. The proportion jumps to 21% for adult members of Generation Z, and many younger consumers say they want to see inclusive ads, but not only during Pride Month.

    Actually, Harris Insights & Analytics, stated that 67% of consumers think Pride Month has become too commercialised, and consumers are quick to call brands out when their messaging doesn’t measure up. We need to remember that these consumers won’t hesitate to stop their relation with brands if they don’t align to their words and values in all sense, including the actions they do in terms of representation.

    For the past 10 years, the rise of the influencers has been the lead when choosing to connect to audiences, and LGBTQ+ influencers offer audiences authentic narratives and stories that resonate deeply. By sharing their personal content, struggles, and triumphs, they provide a sense of relatability and understanding that becomes a bridge between them, helping individuals feel seen, understood, and accepted; with this, the brand that talks thought the influencer finds an opportunity to connect with an effective audience.

    According to a study conducted by Out Now, 62% of LGBTQ+ individuals feel that social media influencers are essential in helping them explore and express their identity.

    Seeing LGBTQ+ influencers in influencer marketing campaigns sends a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance; it’s not only about the struggle anymore, but about being able to have a good, recognised life that inspires others. It allows individuals from the LGBTQ+ community to see themselves reflected positively in mainstream media, validating their identities and experiences. For those outside the community, it fosters empathy, breaking down barriers and stereotypes of the “being different”, and promoting a more diverse and inclusive society.

    • According to The New ConZumer Journey, 58% of Gen-Z shoppers have purchased a fashion item outside of their gender identity, compared to 40% of Millennials or 22% of Gen Xers – showing a deep sense and need for inclusivity and gender fluidity
    • In another finding of Nielsen states that 76% of respondents said they think brands can influence the evolution of LGBT rights. 64% of consumers worldwide will buy or boycott a brand based on its stance on social issues.

    For and by queer community: representation and safe spaces

    Influencer marketing provides a unique opportunity to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. Queer influencers often cultivate supportive communities, where individuals can engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek advice. These spaces foster a sense of belonging and understanding, empowering individuals to embrace their true selves. Audiences value these safe spaces, appreciating the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and form meaningful connections within a supportive community.

    • 71% of consumers surveyed by Forbes stated that they expect brands to promote diversity and inclusion in their online advertising, but more than half (54%) don’t feel fully represented in online ads
    • The study also found that 59% of consumers are more loyal to brands that commit to inclusion in their online advertising and 59% of that group prefer to buy from such brands.

    Influencer marketing featuring LGBTQ+ influencers challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions about gender, sexuality, and identity. By sharing their diverse experiences, LGBTQ+ influencers break down societal barriers, encouraging individuals to question and redefine their understanding of gender norms and sexual orientation, opening their minds to welcome all kinds of personal preferences.

    Queer influencers possess the power to inspire social change and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. Through their platforms, they raise awareness about important issues, share educational resources, and encourage activism. Audiences are drawn to these influencers’ passion and dedication, often feeling inspired to join the movement for equality and social progress. Their representation in influencer marketing amplifies the voice of marginalised communities, promoting empathy, ally-ship, and positive change, all characteristics of a more empathetic generation.

    According to our studies 70% of younger consumers are more trusting of brands that represent genuine diversity in advertisements, and 49% of them have stopped purchasing from a brand that did not represent their values.

    The empathetic power and the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in influencer marketing extends far beyond commerce—it touches hearts, changes minds, and contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate society, and we, as marketers, have the responsibility to keep opening spaces and platforms for them to grow and reach broader audiences; there is a lot of work left to do, but we have walked a long path since 1994, and we are just aiming for a more equal and healthy future.

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  • Activism and influencers: the real actors

    Date: April 21, 2023

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Influencers, Social Media

    In this advertising world there is space for everyone, but activism and influencers are getting closer than ever

    Social media allowed us, as a society, to do things that we have never done before. From connecting with people all over the world to having a space to express ourselves, concerns, likes and dislikes of everything around us and even, sometimes, changing the social landscape. And that might be where the activism and influencers came together.

    Users have become more conscious and compromised with their values and beliefs with the passing of the years, especially Gen-Zers, who have a huge access to information and are very aware of their impact in terms of consumption; what may have stayed on the streets in 1950 as a fight for social causes, now have found a digital platform to maximise and enhance the message. Then, any person who has something to fight for, can do it online too. And fighting can have many meanings, since we do not need to go violent to make a change.

    And that’s where activism and influencers came together. Many of the most influential people these days are people who defend a social cause and stand for it, and they have a large base of supporters because, thanks to social media, they can reach a vast number of people who have the same pain or worry, the same core values and love to be inspired to actually become part of the change they want to see in the world. Somehow, they see influencers as leaders, and are more than happy to be part of the community.

    Activism and influencers… Are they real?

    Absolutely yes. These are influencers who do not sell any product, do partnership for payment nor “sell themselves”. The reason for their success in social media is due to the way they communicate their social causes: they truly work for what they believe in, and use social media to expand their reach or even getting help to achieve some specific goal. 

    They don’t even wait for brands to reach out to them to help, they will go and find a way even by themselves; they just think what’s the activity they need to do to help their cause and go for it, and people follow and support them; of course, if a brand or any company support them in terms of logistics, reach, production or finance, it’s a perfect match. Partnering with these kinds of influencers can be a huge goal in terms of credibility and gaining trust, but it cannot be done only because of their reach or as a marketing strategy. 

    “People like to see brands commit to a cause (…) I’m not interested in promoting a product that I know is not going to be good. And besides, people notice.” – Connie Isla, argentinian influencer, to The Clarín. – “It’s quite a dangerous role (to be an influencer), because there are no rules on how to communicate. It is unfair to follow someone you like, but who constantly uploads content with subliminal messages because they are paid. You choose to follow the person, not the number of brands that finance your life. If you have followers, you have a responsibility.”

    Most of the time, these are regular citizens who advocate for a specific issue they care about, but they can be professionals as well, celebrities or even content creators. The only requirement is that you actually care what you stand for and live by it. 

    In terms of specific areas, there are as many causes as human spectrums: LGBTQI+ rights, veganism or special diets, feminism, environmental crisis (ecoinfluencers or greenfluencers), social equal rights, racial inclusion, sexual and gender diversity, mental health, body positivity, illnesses and diseases, particular needs… These are only a small number of categories, if there is such a name.

    It is a consequence of your “what for”. In other words, influencers become referents by the way they convey their cause. – Lino Hassan, social and environmental causes influencer. 

    Lino Hassan, social and environmental causes influencer. 

    Brand’s role in activism and influencers campaigns

    If a brand wants to get involved, they need to get involved for real. As explained by Isla, people will tell and reject if they sense the collaboration is not for the cause itself but to “wash” the brand’s image. 

    A key to make sure a brand is connecting the right way with the influencer and the cause works by two ways: 

    • The value and morals of the brands coincide with this influencer
    • The brand takes the initiative and contact with the influencer to work together to have better results (that will impact directly in the effectiveness of the campaign for the cause)

    Incorporating an influencer into an advertising campaign can enhance the brand’s credibility as the influencer is seen as an authority figure within their respective community. The public trusts that the influencer would only share products or services that align with their values, thereby improving the brand’s reputation. Also, the influencer’s endorsement can generate a positive impact on society and increase the brand’s reach through viral publications. 

    As we are constantly bombarded with countless messages and information, people will connect better through the content they actually feel related to, and activism and influencers are two powerful meeting points for them. 

    By collaborating with committed influencers who use their voice to support social causes and create impactful and persuasive speeches, they can differentiate themselves and communicate their message in a clear and effective manner, with the ultimate goal of being part of the solution for a society pain (or, at least, doing their share of help). With the support of committed influencers, brands can make a positive impact on society and enhance their reputation by aligning themselves with meaningful causes.

    We must all do our part

    Some of them aren’t dedicated entirely to their social cause, but include it as a part of their social media content, and since this is the honest and real part of them it’s perfectly fine, since the opinion, interest and passions are part of their life and not their job. Either way, we believe it would be better if we just show you some influencers who matches their activism with their social media work:  

    1. Lino Hass – Greenfluencer – Instagram – TikTok
    2. Santi Maratea – Social causes – Instagram – TikTok
    3. Connie Isla – artist, veganism and greenfluencer – Instagram – Tiktok
    4. Carlota Bruna  – ecoinfluencer – Instagram – TikTok
    5. Victoria Moradell – ecoinfluencer – Instagram – TikTok
    6. Teresa López – body positive – Instagram – TikTok 
    7. Spencer Barboza – body positivity – Instagram – TikTok
    8. Grace Beverly – green and positivity influencer – Instagram – TikTok
    9. Zinnia Kumar – antiracism influencer – Instagram 

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  • Influencer campaigns guide:

    Date: March 23, 2023

    Categories: Digital Influencer, Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Influencers, Tech & Entertainment

    SIZES, NICHES AND HOW TO CHOOSE THEM

    It’s clear that influencer campaigns are a highly effective strategy, as evidenced by the fact that 8 out of 10 marketers plan to allocate 10-20% of their budget towards it in 2022-2023. Actually, the market size of influencer marketing is projected to reach $21.1 billion, according to Viralyft.

    What all these numbers reveal? That brands and businesses recognise the value of influencer marketing, not just for increasing awareness, but also for driving sales. In fact, our study, State of the Influencer Marketing, shows that 36% of marketers consider driving sales to be the most important conversion metric for their IM strategy.

    The rise of influencers has created a booming “creator economy,” revolutionising the way businesses and brands engage with consumers

    Forbes, 2023

    Truth be told, influencer marketing is a profitable business. Various media outlets and studies have highlighted the key elements of an effective marketing strategy, including setting clear goals, selecting the right influencer, considering their reach and expertise, ensuring brand values align, developing a content strategy, and measuring results. The question, now, is how to achieve these goals.

    In the Influencer world, there is room for all sizes and territories

    Regarding the “size” or “reach” of influencers, it is outdated to believe that the largest influencer is always the best choice just because of that. Several factors must be taken into consideration, including the niche we are trying to reach as a brand, whether it’s our established target audience or a new business opportunity.

    Actually, selecting hyper-specialised influencers is becoming increasingly popular, with some brands finding their work to be more relevant and relatable to their fanbase, which provides a great opportunity for local and regional influencers as well.

    However, the main question remains: how do we filter, select, and develop a strategy with the right influencer? Many CMOs and CEOs are concerned with this issue. Fortunately, through innovation in technology and solutions, we have discovered a way to achieve these goals.

    The role of AI in Influencer Marketing Campaigns

    In today’s influencer marketing industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way brands identify and collaborate with influencers. By analysing key data such as engagement rates, audience demographics, and content quality, AI-powered systems can help brands efficiently and effectively select the right influencers for their campaigns, saving valuable time and resources.

    We have taken our 10 years of experience in the field to develop our own AI tools that enable us to plan, strategize, create, execute, and evaluate influencer marketing campaigns with unparalleled precision and customization. Our AI-based approach ensures that each campaign is tailored to the unique needs of our clients, delivering optimal results every time. 

    Influencer campaigns tools: we take the high Road

    We offer a range of tools and services to help brands optimise their digital marketing strategies. We start with our digital strategy audit, which measures brand reputation and compares it to competitors, giving us valuable insights into a brand’s current position and potential opportunities.

    This way we can analyse the latest consumer trends and social media content, using social listening to identify the topics that generate the most traction among audiences. Our ShineBuzz AI technology helps us identify the best match among over 120 million Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) for successful social media campaigns.

    In addition, we use advanced analytics tools to identify niche influencers and non-influential characters who are driving conversations on social media in specific territories. We also analyse the affinity between influencers and brand profiles to create awareness among target audiences.

    Our technology provides optimal benchmark prices for each influencer, taking into account performance KPIs, demographics, platforms, and formats. We also monitor campaign success and analyse KPIs of each publication comparatively, to determine the effectiveness of each influencer and compare strategies with competitors.

    With this suite of tools and services, we help brands predict, plan, and report on their influencer marketing campaigns, providing valuable insights into market benchmarks and performance metrics.


    Influencer marketing is here to stay as a powerful tool for brands to reach potential customers throughout various stages of their decision-making process. With the help of AI technology, brands can now identify the right influencers to collaborate with more efficiently and, combining the human expertise, develop hyper-personalised campaigns that resonate with their target audience and achieve their business goals of digital strategy, unlocking the full potential of influencers.

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  • The future of Influencer Marketing: live now

    Date: March 19, 2023

    Categories: Data & Metrics, Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Influencers, Social Media, Tech & Entertainment

    Influencer marketing has become an essential tool for brands to connect with their target audience, and that’s already said and set, embraced by companies of all sizes. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial for brands to keep up with the latest trends in influencer marketing to stay ahead of their competitors, and the way to go on this is by understanding the shape of influencer marketing strategy for these upcoming years

    “Brands are increasingly recognising influencers as professional publishers with valuable audiences (…) Even behemoth social media companies recognise the pull influencers have in connecting people and keeping them engaged on their platforms—so much so that they’re actually designing some of their new features specifically to support creators’ business efforts ”

    Forbes, 2023

    The need for authenticity: believe the expert 

    Authenticity has become a buzzword in the influencer marketing world. Both brands and consumers are becoming more aware of fake followers and fake stats on social media, and users resent that. They are not looking for perfect idols anymore, but authenticity and realness. Brands that collaborate with influencers need to ensure that the influencers they work with have an actual and genuine connection with their audience, and have a place among them as equals.

    In 2023, we can expect to see brands focusing more on authenticity and collaborating with influencers and niche influencers who have an honest connection with their audience, based on interests and talents.

    Consumers are more likely to trust an influencer who they perceive as an expert in their field, this means that brands need to work with influencers who have a solid understanding of the industry they are promoting, but also rely on their knowledge and expertise; no one understands the target as they do.

    Partnering with influencers who have an intimate knowledge of their niche will enable brands to establish a deeper level of trust with their target audience, thus significantly improving their likelihood of success in influencer marketing campaigns. To achieve this, choosing the right influencer is key.

    Exploring the Metaverse

    The Metaverse needs no explanation at this point, and it has become an exciting platform for brands to connect with their target audience, offering new spaces, goods, and experiences worldwide – all from the comfort of each individual’s home.

    One of the most interesting aspects of the Metaverse is the possibility of having virtual ambassadors, also known as digital influencers. These are characters developed by brands or individuals that can represent them in the virtual world and, getting ahead of the upcoming Fashion Week, beauty and fashion brands are the ones rocking these virtual ambassadors, showing how amazingly effective they can be in promoting products and the brand itself in the Metaverse.The use of virtual ambassadors is just one example of the many opportunities that the Metaverse offers to brands. As more and more people spend time in this virtual world, brands have the chance to engage with their target audience in new and innovative ways. By building a presence in the Metaverse, brands can create a unique experience for users and establish a strong connection with their audience that can translate into increased brand awareness and loyalty.

    Live Shopping

    Live shopping is becoming increasingly popular in the influencer marketing world. It allows consumers to interact with influencers in real-time and purchase products directly from the live stream, a whole entertaining and unique experience.

    The game changer here is to build confidence: people want to be sure about what they are buying, as well as excited to see their favourite influencer talk about it.

    According to Statista, the primary benefits of livestream shopping globally are the ability to access exclusive discounts and use it as a source of inspiration and ideas. Additionally, 31% of respondents stated that this purchasing channel enabled them to shop smarter and make more informed buying decisions.

    Therefore, we can assure that collaborating with influencers to host live shopping events will represent a great strategy in the upcoming years, and it will result in a highly engaging and interactive shopping experience that will significantly increase the possibilities of consumers making a purchase.

    Niche Influencers

    As stated in our report “The rise of niche communities”, with this action involved in a strategy brands will have direct access to the target audience, meaning they can talk and communicate with them directly. Not only will they increase loyalty towards the brand, but also will get first-hand insights, challenges, goals and feedback.

    Either way, users are extremely jealous and protective with their close spaces, therefore the best way to access to them is through niche influencers; who’s that might not seem as shiny, but have the strongest bond in the community, and understanding why they are there is the base to give proper information that will result into buying decisions for them.

    Why are communities looking for decentralised spaces?

    Discover new things77%
    Connect with people who have similar interests66%
    Find funny/entertaining content62%
    Keep up with the news/current events60%
    Ask a question to people knowledgeable about a topic60%
    To seek honest advice55%
    Get a recommendation for a product/service to buy54%
    To have a safe space to share ideas, thoughts, etc.49%
    To have genuine conversations with other people44%
    To share advice38%
    As we can see, it’s not only about showing off a product in these spaces, it’s about offering a solution based on the interests of people who belong there. And that’s why we, as brands, need an insider.

    Best Platforms to be IN

    In today’s ever-changing digital landscape, influencer marketing has become a crucial tool for brands to connect with their target audience. As the popularity of social media continues to grow, so does the number of platforms available for influencer marketing. While Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are currently the most popular platforms for influencer marketing, it is important to note that the best platform for your brand may differ based on your industry and target audience. For instance, a brand that caters to young people may find TikTok to be the best platform, while a brand targeting professionals may find LinkedIn to be more effective.

    Looking ahead, we can expect to see more brands explore new and emerging platforms for influencer marketing. Clubhouse, the audio-based social media app, has already gained significant traction among certain audiences, and brands are starting to take notice. Similarly, Reddit, Twitch, and Discord are all platforms that have the potential to become popular for influencer marketing in the near future.

    By staying informed on the latest trends and platforms, brands can stay ahead of the curve and effectively reach their target audience through influencer marketing.

    Down to business: is it worth the Investment?

    Influencer marketing has been proven to be a valuable tool for brands to reach their target audience and increase brand awareness. By connecting with their audience in a more authentic and personal way, brands can increase sales and revenue. As such, we can expect to see more brands investing in influencer marketing, since 8 out of 10 marketers intended to dedicate from 10% to 20% of the marketing budget to Influencer Marketing in 2022, given the potential for high returns on investment.

    However, influencer marketing is an ever-evolving industry, and brands need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to stay ahead of competitors. It’s, indeed, a huge effort and strategy that needs to guarantee that this ally will retrieve the investment in terms of growth and driving sales, and understanding the needs of brands and considering the over 90.000 content creators that signed up for TikTok only in 2022, we saw the need of developing specialised high-tech tools to assure effective influencer marketing campaigns.

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  • Instagram Avatar: Your Profile Pic for the Metaverse

    Date: June 16, 2022

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Social Media

    “Avatars are a key building block for the future of personal identity in the Metaverse,”  said Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram. 

    Said and done.

    Instagram has announced/released a new feature that is oriented to keep getting closer to the Metaverse. We are talking about its new avatars.

     The Metaverse is a big puzzle, still to be understood and defined, but these digital personas are the first part of the puzzle.

     Instagram Avatars are customizable 3D personas, and they can reproduce your physical features or reflect how you want to be perceived online.

    Adam Mosseri states that these avatars will be the virtual identity people will use to show up across the Metaverse – whether in an app built by Meta or any other company. 

    They are another forward step towards making the Metaverse a reality. 

    Who are these avatars?

    In the Metaverse, users will be able to interact with each other in a virtual environment. However, not everyone has access to a VR/ AR headset. Therefore, Meta has found its way of bringing a glimpse of Metaverse to its users in 3D avatars.

    These 3D avatars are functional, and users can customize them to be more aligned with their virtual identity. 

    Manish Chopra, Director and Head Partnerships at Meta, said, “Representations in the Metaverse should reflect the real world’s diversity. Avatars are just the first step toward enabling everyone to express themselves in their unique ways.”

    Why create your digital avatar?

    We see people comfortably talking to the camera, posing and feeling themselves, while we, on the other hand, can’t. Creating our avatar can help us confront this struggle and feel comfortable in front of the camera. Creating an avatar maximizes your creativity and freedom to be whomever you want. You can create a fictional character that does not depend on your physical barriers, just like when you are playing a video game, and you have to choose your skin. It encourages you to boost your creativity and develop new, breaking content beyond the physical world. 

     

    How can these avatars help your brand?

    The possibilities that an Instagram avatar will have for brands and advertisers is something that we will be able to assess in time. This inclusion of avatars has a lot to do with Meta’s attempt to enhance the Metaverse. Therefore, we can assume that Instagram avatar applications will follow this line. And trying to draw some conclusions, the avatar of a brand may become a communication channel for the brand with its customers. Suppose the avatar is sufficiently developed and capable of creating a loyal audience. In that case, it may replace some Instagrammers when promoting x-brand products or offering content. 

    However, it will be difficult for the avatar to supply the impartiality that flesh and blood Instagram is supposed to have when choosing what to tell us. 

    Everything that we choose to offer through the avatar of our brand will have to be measured because we run the risk that the public will finally assimilate our avatar as a mere customer service channel.





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  • Virtual Influencers: The New Reality

    Date: April 8, 2022

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Social Media

    Virtual Influencers are the new avatars that live on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and different brands’ advertising campaigns. Over the last few years, virtual influencers have been a growing reality of internet interaction, and their influence is such that some of them have managed to collaborate with large companies.

    Although they are not real people, virtual influencers (an avatar created digitally) seek to create a community on social networks and show a lifestyle like anyone else.

    Because of their continued growth and high engagement, large companies choose them to create advertising collaborations.

    Not the first virtual influencer

    We tend to think that virtual influencers can separate us too much from reality when the truth is that we’ve been exposed to this fiction forever. 

    We must remember that all the characters we’ve created through literature or the movies industry are virtual influencers. 

    Imagine if Harry Potter was an influencer? How would his IG be? Which brands would he work with? 

    Stories create characters for readers or viewers to interact with, fall in love or follow. They create communities and a lifestyle and even dictate trends; in other words, fictional characters were the first virtual influencers.

    Who are these new virtual influencers 

    Lil Miquela describes herself as a “19-year-old robot living in Los Angeles with 3 million followers.” Her publications reach more than 60 thousand likes. Among the brands that have decided to collaborate with her are MINI Cooper, Givenchy, Spotify, and Samsung. She has created a large community with whom she even shares parts of her life that have led her to existential crises. 

    Ronald F. Blawko, known as Blawko, is a self-proclaimed low-life who ident

    ifies as a robot man. He spends his time with his other virtual friends on IG or venting on Youtube to his subscribers.  

    Blawko has worked with brands such as Aliexpress. 

    KnoxFrost, another male virtual influencer with more than 600.000 followers on IG, has partnered with global organizations from the World Health Organization to Rock the Vote. Knox has also appeared in various media: Forbes, Business Insider, AdAge, Fortune, Adweek, Buzzfeed, Mashable, Dazed, Betches and CNN. 

    Mar.ia is the first Mexican virtual influencer. Her main focus is to raise awareness about different issues the world faces, such as climate change and other human issues such as gender equality.

    Shudu is a digital supermodel in her mid-to-late 20s from South Africa. Shudu advocates for the virtual human race; having worked with Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Balmain, and Smart Car, Shudu spends her time posing in premier, mystical shoot locations to display eye-popping fashion pieces. 

    What are the pros 

    The planned and implemented strategy behind each post or story of the virtual influencer encourages brands to work with virtual influencers as alongside being cheaper to work with, they also reduce the risks of working with a human influencer. The team behind each virtual influencer decides what the avatar should look like, what it publishes, its principles and values, and what brands they work with.

    Virtual Influencers could be less controversial than human influencers; these avatars are less likely to receive negative comments, similarly for brands that use these influencers.  We live in a cancel culture; anything an influencer says or does can have huge and lasting effects on an influential figure’s public perception. Working with an influencer who aligns to the brand values is monumental.

    The virtual influencer content is highly customizable; there are endless possibilities for creative and seamless product integration. There is nowhere a virtual influencer cannot go and nothing they cannot do.

    Carlos Mendiola, associate director of the Department of Media and Digital Culture at Tec de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe, states that it may be irrelevant for brands if the influencer is an avatar. Brands are looking for someone who can engage with an audience and raise awareness about their products. 

    Should brands create their virtual influencers?

    Brands should be asking themselves whether they should start thinking about creating their avatar. This virtual character can represent them on social media and build a community like any other influencer. 

    Today we can see quite a few brands that have already created a character in their likeness, a virtual influencer who shares all their values and aesthetics and intends to create a community. 

    KFC’s fast-food brand transformed the iconic Colonel Sanders into a virtual avatar and used him for several campaigns as the new image. Like any other model, the new Coronel performs and acts within the brand’s values and creates a stronger bond with the KFC community.  

    In South Asia, the fashion brand Puma launched a new campaign for their Puma Future Rider sneaker and created a virtual influencer for the campaign named Maya. Designed by UM Studio and Ensemble Worldwide, Maya’s personality evolves as her interests are built according to her interactions on social media, thanks to Artificial Intelligence.

    Prada is another perfect example of how creating your brand virtual influencer can help you control what they say, how they say it and where. Prada created their first virtual influencer named Candy to represent Prada’s aesthetic and values through their campaigns, building a stronger connection with their audience. 

    These brands are an example of how the future is within the virtual world; future generations, such as Gen Zs, believe in these new adaptations and feel comfortable creating a community around these virtual avatars. 

    Virtual reality is the new reality. 

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  • Exploring Metaverse Fashion Week: What’s the opportunity for influencers?

    Date: March 30, 2022

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World, Social Media

     

    Source: @mahaha0

     

    The first-ever Metaverse Fashion Week took place in Decentraland from March 24th to the 27th. 

    Over 60 different fashion brands showcased more than 500 looks throughout the event. 

    From virtual runways, meets with designers to opening stores and afterparty events, the MVFW was one of the biggest game-changers for the fashion industry we have ever experienced. 

    The MVFW opened their audience from a small niche to a vast audience; anybody on Decentraland could assist since it was free.

    Visitors could buy NFTs of the fashion brands using cryptocurrency MANA’s platform through their digital wallets. They could either buy the look digitally or later transform it into physical. 

    The highlights 

    The MVFW started with London-based retailer Selfridges opening its flagship store with an immersive experience from Paco Rabanne + Victor Vasarely’s collection. 

    Estee Lauder launched NFT wearable, inspired by their famous serum Advanced Night Repair that users could claim and give their avatar a unique glowing by stepping in the virtual Advanced Night Repair “Little Brown Bottle”. 

    Tommy Hilfiger showcased its spring collection and opened a virtual store during the MVFW.

    The items for visitors to buy NFTs were the madras shirt for women and a unisex hoodie bearing the Hilfiger logo. Visitors could obtain physical versions of the items by redeeming the NFTs.

    But, the biggest highlight at the Metaverse Fashion week was the presence of Sophia, the world’s famous humanoid robot created by Hanson Robotic from Hong Kong. Inside Decentreland, visitors were encouraged to spot Sophia take a selfie with her and then share them on Twitter by #findingsophiatherobot.

    The new fashion influencers of the Metaverse

    One of the new world’s most exciting fields is what kind of marketing and content creation can brands offer in the Metaverse—knowing that more data will be available for advertisers and that targeting will be new. 

    Brands will have to create their digital twins and follow or dictate new trends in the Metaverse.

    Influencers have already started thinking about creating their avatars to work with brands in the Metaverse. Post for Rent has built a centre for digital influencers in Decentraland to become the “bridge” between the physical and virtual world.

    Brands like Prada, Puma and Yoox have already created their influencer avatars like Shudu and Lil Miquela. Prada’s new muse and influencer named Candy is an avatar dressed as Prada from head to toe, even adorned, and looks exactly like any other influencer.  

    The Metaverse gives influencers a whole new playing field, not only with their fans but also with other influencers. They can share brand experiences more efficiently, be connected and interact in the same space simultaneously. 

    However, this new virtual horizon for brands raises a big question for the world of influencer marketing. 

    Should influencers build their avatar replica for the Metaverse? Or should brands create a new separate and distinguished influencer world inside the Metaverse? 

     

     

     

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  • Mental Pride: it’s time to come out of the closet

    Date: January 13, 2022

    Category: Influencer World

    And this is definitely good news. It has become more natural to talk about therapy and this encourages other people to share their own experiences, with no stigma or judgement. Therapy starts to be considered a logical step toward overall wellness, the perfect blend of physical and emotional health while mental health can be considered a new symbol of status.

    Reaching this sort of balance has become a priority for many people due to the amazing impact that it has on their day-to-day lives, either personally or professionally. That’s why many companies are getting more conscious about this issue and are strongly encouraging workplace wellness programs and initiatives aimed to enable easier access to mental health among their employees. 

    In the same way, many brands around the globe have understood that this trend is also an opportunity to speak to their customers from a more personal and human position, to create a closer relationship between them and the brand. New insights and decision points emerge, such as naturalness, open-mindness, endurance, optimism…

    Did you know that Gen Z is the generation most likely to report mental health concerns?

    Indeed a study found that many Gen Z workers usually suffer from anxiety and stress. Several studies conducted by Deloitte or the American Psychological Association, among others, reveal that 48% of Gen Zs feel anxious or stressed most of the time and also that nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z adults report having at least one or more emotional or physical symptoms because of various stressors in their lives.

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  • Why big brands hire Influencers

    Date: July 11, 2021

    Categories: Influencer Marketing, Influencer World

    Big brands and influencer marketing

    Just like brands that have yet to make themselves known, large companies, although already established, need to remain top of mind for consumers, adapting to new forms of advertising and marketing as they emerge and evolve.

    This is why, as we mentioned previously in another of our articles, the importance of keeping up to date with Advocacy Marketing and, specifically, Influencer Marketing, is essential in the world of advertising.

    Influencer Marketing continues to be one of the most effective ways of reaching the target market for each product. Each profile offers unique characteristics that allow the brand to connect with a particular type of consumer.

    What is the need for a brand to collaborate with an influencer?

    Brands need to approach and connect with their audience in a subtle way, avoiding invasive marketing techniques and obsolete commercial messages. They also need to humanise their brand and present themselves as beneficial to their target audience.

    Consumers are better informed than ever before and they also care more about receiving real, honest and more personalised advertising than traditional marketing.

    Big brands have a reputation for being somewhat detached from the reality that surrounds them and having the help of profiles that humanise them is essential nowadays to carry out effective advertising.

    An influencer marketing campaign can provide everything that big brands have been losing over the years, the credibility of customers and potential customers, visibility in front of their target, loyalty and engagement generating a sense of community.

    Why is the figure of the influencer important?

    An influencer brings the experience of using the product, the personal touch to the content created and the charisma of a person that a neutral advertisement cannot provide to a brand.

    It is important to know how to choose the right profile for the campaign to be effective, which is why agencies specialised in influencer marketing are a key element in this type of campaign. 

    Using profiles that really generate engagement, knowing who has among their followers the target that the company is looking for and being able to create campaigns that follow the branding line of companies, especially large and consolidated companies, is essential to carry out an efficient campaign.

    We can help you

    At SamyRoad we are experts in influencer marketing campaigns and we have been working for years with big brands to help them to keep positioning themselves while maintaining the values that define their brand. We also provide, as part of Samy, proper expertise in Advocacy Marketing through our 360 grades solutions.

    If you want to know more, do not hesitate to contact us.

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  • How to measure the effectiveness of an Influencer

    Date: June 24, 2021

    Categories: Data & Metrics, Influencer Marketing, Influencer World

     

    Data metrics on Influencer Marketing

    Influencer campaigns generate profits, that is undeniable. Influencer actions generate 11x times more ROI than traditional marketing actions. Moreover, in addition to this, BrandManic states that, according to its data, up to 92% of people are willing to trust personal opinions about brands, even without knowing the person making the recommendation.

    But this is not the only data supporting the benefits of profiled campaigns. According to Postcron and Grou, 94% of brand marketing teams that have used influencers for their campaigns consider it an effective strategy and the retention rate of customers gained through recommendation is 37% higher.

    As with other types of marketing campaigns, knowing the right way to do it and knowing how to choose the right influencer is essential. But how do you know if your profiling campaign has been successful?

    The key lies in the ability to know how to read the numbers, to have the real data of the profiles and to find the one that best suits our needs.

    Choosing the right profile

    There are many types of influencers, so many that we dedicated an article on the subject in this blog. Depending on the campaign we want to launch, it will be necessary to have a specific profile, defined by its style, audience, number of followers, among other things.

    Although at first glance it does not seem too complicated a task, it is advisable to have expert help, as sometimes a profile can be considered as the perfect one for the presentation of a product, when in reality the target audience is among the followers of another type of influencer.

    One of the most effective ways to find out who is really talking about us and to discover if we have our target is through Social Listening. Research also helps to know the type of insights that are useful to generate the right content.

    Getting to know the influencer’s approximate figures

    Not everything is about the number of followers. There are many influencers who have a large number of followers but do not generate the desired engagement for our campaigns.

    Furthermore, depending on the action we want to carry out, our objective may be to reach a more niche audience, so the search for profiles with large numbers is not always the best.

    At SamyRoad we have our own tool for finding the right profiles, Shinebuzz, and we can find out the real effectiveness of these influencers and monitor the campaign from start to finish to find out the real efficiency of the campaign.

    Find out the real numbers of your campaign

    It is important to know the real interactions, views and impacts of the content generated during the campaign to really know if it has been effective. Influencer marketing must be, like traditional marketing, a marketing supported by data.

    To get to this type of information it is necessary to have help, through agencies or experts who are used to dealing with profiles, and also to understand how to read them.

    Need help with your influencer marketing campaign?

    At SamyRoad we have been working in influencer marketing for years, we have helped more than 200 brands and we have our own measurement and tracking tool to know the performance of different profiles, and to help you find the right ones.

    If you want to know more about the topic or how we can help you contact us.

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