In our last post, we introduced you to the world of influencer marketing and provided six helpful tips on how to get started building your first influencer campaign. If you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to get the deal locked down. Now, we’re diving a little deeper and explaining the next four steps in picking the right influencer for your brand.

1. Conduct an Interview

After you’ve finished up Step #6 in the initial process and have identified a few potential influencers, reach out to schedule a time to chat. This initial contact will be essential to making sure that this person(s) will be a good fit for your brand. This is also the time to explain what you’re looking for as far as content creation and how you’d like your brand represented on their channels.

2. Ask for Performance Metrics and Past Client Referrals

You can ask for proof of performance from influencers, such as a media kit and previous client testimonials. Also be sure to ask for audience demos, social/web analytics and results from similar campaigns. This data will give you a ballpark idea of what you can possibly expect from your own campaign.

3. Negotiate Terms

Now we come to the part where you work out the dollars and work to be completed. Don’t be afraid to negotiate or get creative with the terms. For example, if the influencer is seeking more monetary compensation (which is out of your budget), try negotiating add-ons such as overnight accommodations, meal reimbursement, access to additional attractions or experiences or ask for additional content. It never hurts to ask!

4. Get Everything in Writing

This may be a no brainer but it’s critical to ensure you both hold up your ends of the deal. In a signed contract, make sure all of the content deliverables the influencer promised are clearly outlined along with due dates as to when the content will be created or submitted. On the flipside, state the terms of compensation and payment due date that your brand agreed to. This simple step will help you avoid miscommunication and potential headaches down the road.

Now you’ve got all the tools and tips to launch your first influencer campaign! But still no time to take all of this work on? The Paperkite’s team can do all of the research and negotiation for you so you can focus on what you do best – run your business!

Contact us to get the conversation started.