Finding Instagram influencers to help with your crowdfunding campaign sounds like it should be easy, but it can take a bit of work.
That’s because, too often, crowdfunders have a hard time recognizing the right influencers within their space.
Even when they can identify them, approaching them can be intimidating.
If you’re struggling to find influencers for your crowdfunding campaign, this post is for you. We’ll tackle what to do and what not to do when searching for influencers on Instagram and offerfor your crowdfunding campaign” advice on connecting with the right influencers, engaging them, and getting them excited about what you offer.
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What not to do when searching for influencers to back your crowdfunding campaign
Before we explore the steps you can take to find the right Instagram influencers for your crowdfunding campaign, let’s tackle what you shouldn’t do.
Don’t confuse influencers with campaign backers
One of the worst mistakes crowdfunders make is asking for support from an influencer cold.
If you do this, it will backfire on you, guaranteed.
How?
For starters, you won’t get the support you’re asking for.
Second, it may just piss the influencer off enough that they decide to lash out at you and/or your campaign, letting their entire audience know how annoyed you made them. That’s not good for any crowdfunding campaign.
Don’t ask influencers for help without establishing a rapport
Never ask influencers to share, re-tweet, or otherwise promote your campaign if you have not first built a relationship with them.
Influencers didn’t gain status as influencers simply because they shared every campaign someone asked them to. They get to where they are by spending significant energy and time building their network and status.
An influencer’s network is their greatest asset, and an influencer’s credibility acts as their currency. Therefore, influencers are incredibly careful about the campaigns they align themselves with.
Defining the ideal Instagram influencers for your campaign
Now that you have clear direction on what not to do when searching for influencers let’s dive into the best way to find the right partners for your crowdfunding campaign.
Before you can even start your search for appropriate Instagram influencers, you have to define certain parameters for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Consider the following:
Crowdfunders need to understand their target audience
Depending on the reach of your brand, your target audience could include a variety of different consumers. For example, car companies may sell a sub-compact model targeting drivers with limited means and a loaded luxury sedan targeting junior executives. Alternatively, there are some brands with a niche audience, like companies that sell downhill skiing equipment.
Regardless of your brand’s reach, you must identify your target audience before you can set up a successful influencer marketing plan around your crowdfunding campaign. Not only that, but you’ll also need to understand your target audience. That means understanding their salaries, where and how they live, the industries they work in, and whether or not they have kids.
With this information, you can create a better profile of the kind of influencer your campaign needs, and you’ll be able to identify what influencers meet your unique needs.
Crowdfunders should identify their ideal influencer’s personality type
Every brand has a personality or a “brand voice.” That voice is no different than a human personality. That’s why people with a particular character or interest gravitate toward brands that match up with them.
Consider our earlier example of a car company. We often think of certain cars as matching certain personality types. Fun-loving folks might gravitate toward cars like a Volkwagon Beatle, while those who want something more luxurious and showy might go for a Mercedes or other luxury brands.
This phenomenon manifests itself throughout every industry and price point. So, it’s no surprise that it extends to influencers.
Therefore, marketing experts often recommend that you choose influencers who have a personality that is compatible with your brand. When you try and figure out how to find Instagram influencers for your crowdfunding campaign, targeting those with the correct personality type is usually crucial for success.
Begin by considering the personalities of the individuals likely to buy what you are offering by conducting customer surveys or researching the individuals who like your social media posts.
You can build a personality around your buyer’s persona when you reach out to niche influencers with high engagement rates within your targeted audience.
Ideally, you want an Instagram influencer with a personality type matching your buyers’ persona. These influencers are the ones that your potential customers will likely resonate with, thus improving your influencer campaign’s overall impact on your crowdfunding efforts.
One of the best ways to determine an influencer’s personality is to check out their content and watch how they interact with their audiences. Do they do a good job of cultivating authentic engagement?
Then, consider your ideal customer and how they might respond to this individual. If it seems like a match, this is the type of personality you want in an influencer.
The best way to find the right Instagram influencers for your crowdfunding campaign
Now that you clearly understand the type of influencer you’re looking for, it’s time to begin your search.
Here’s what to do and how to do it:
Consider your pool of existing followers to find potential influencers
There’s an old saying about running a successful business:
You can often find exactly what you need when you look for it close to home.
At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that Instagram influencers are just people, and not all of their tastes or interests are formed because some brands contacted them for support.
Often, an influencer’s platform develops from their own experience and passions.
So, one great way to find Instagram influencers for your crowdfunding campaign is to look at your Instagram profile and consider anyone already following you.
Look for individuals with many followers who post content related to your industry. If you’re lucky enough to find someone like this while studying your profile, see if they’re engaging with your content or if they post pictures featuring your brand. If they are, they’re already giving you free publicity. So, they will likely be receptive to partnering to provide even more.
Creating an influencer relationship with an already loyal follower can boost your engagement because their followers are likely already used to them talking up your brand, so a paid promotion can pack an additional punch.
You can also find influencers by reviewing social listening reporting. Often these reports can help you find people with a large following already using your branded hashtags because they genuinely love what you offer.
Sometimes, Instagram influencers who already follow you are just waiting for you to contact them.
Conduct searches of relevant hashtags to find Instagram Influencers with high engagement
Following hashtags is a necessary part of any successful social media marketing strategy.
Whether it’s your branded hashtags, technical hashtags featuring industry-specific terms, or popular marketing slogans, regardless of the hashtags you and your industry use, you need to master searching hashtags to find the right Instagram influencers.
Depending on your industry’s size, there may be a wide range of relevant hashtags to search for or a much more restricted pool. Either way, knowing how to search for the right ones is clutch.
When you conduct a hashtag search, be sure that you make a note of who is producing the content. Most users will likely be those with a casual interest in the industry. However, hashtag searches are a great way to find the major influencers.
The best way to spot a potential major influencer is if they have many followers and an engagement rate higher than the average user. Finding sponsored posts on their profile is another surefire way to determine whether or not they are an influencer.
You should also check to see if they are active across a wider swath of your industry. Industry thought leaders can also be incredibly valuable influencers.
Check out who is following your competitors
When you check out who is following your competitors on Instagram, you are conducting market research in reverse.
Depending on your industry, you may be facing stiff competition. However, there’s often room for improvement or a need for more of what you offer.
When you investigate who is following your competitors on Instagram, you may have a chance to identify influencers already interested in your industry.
When you find an influencer that doesn’t show any interest in your Instagram profile, try some of these tricks to garner their interest:
- Offer a free sample or trial.
- Contact them outside of the platform or send a direct message.
- Follow them and wait for them to check your profile out.
Conduct relevant searches on Google
Sometimes, the search for the right Instagram influencer is best conducted away from the platform.
Google searches are sometimes the best way to find your next influencer. In fact, the ability to locate Instagram influencers in multiple places is critical for success in the long-term success. That is even true in situations where you already have an established relationship.
Whenever you add a new influencer to your fold, you open the door to potentially reaching new people and sharing your message. Even their followers have followers who will witness the interaction.
A great way to utilize Google is to search for specific Instagram niches.
Try searching “top Instagram marketers,” “South Korean social influencers,” or any other target that applies. These searches reveal a list of Instagram profiles for you to check out and find influencers. From there, you can run analytics to figure out who has the engagement levels you are looking for.
In addition to their identity, a Google search could give you even more information about the influencer, such as what they do for a living, what interests them most, and whether or not they are the kind of influencer you can work with.
The deeper you dive into their profile and understand them, the easier it will be to form a relationship with them.
Consider investing in influencer marketing tools
Influencer marketing tools have become increasingly popular in recent years. They can assist crowdfunders in identifying potential influencers and analyzing, managing, and measuring influencer marketing campaigns.
Here are some key functionalities and features to look for:
- Influencer Discovery: These tools often have vast databases of influencers categorized by niche, industry, location, and follower count. Users can search and filter through these databases to find influencers who align with their target audience and campaign objectives.
- Audience Insights: Effective influencer marketing requires understanding an influencer’s audience. Many tools provide detailed analytics on an influencer’s follower demographics, interests, and engagement rates, allowing businesses to assess an influencer’s potential reach and relevance.
- Engagement Metrics: Influencer marketing tools provide essential metrics such as likes, comments, shares, and click-through rates, helping businesses gauge an influencer’s impact on their audience.
- Brand Safety and Fraud Detection: Some tools offer brand safety features that identify fake influencers or those with suspicious engagement patterns, which is vital to maintaining brand reputation and ensuring authentic partnerships.
- Competitor Analysis: Businesses can gain insights into their competitors’ influencer partnerships, identifying successful collaborations and learning from their strategies.
- Collaboration Management: These tools often provide features to facilitate communication and collaboration between brands and influencers, including tools for contract management, content approvals, and campaign tracking.
- Content Analytics: Measuring the effectiveness of influencer content is crucial. Some tools offer content analytics to track how an influencer’s posts perform regarding engagement, reach, and conversions.
- Campaign ROI Tracking: Influencer marketing tools may integrate with other marketing platforms, enabling businesses to track the impact of influencer campaigns on overall sales, conversions, or other key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Influencer Relationship Management (IRM): Maintaining relationships with influencers is essential for long-term success. IRM features allow businesses to track previous collaborations, manage payment processes, and build ongoing partnerships.
- Compliance and Legal Support: Some influencer marketing tools offer features to disclose sponsored content properly, ensuring that crowdfunders adhere to advertising regulations and guidelines.
- AI-Powered Solutions: Some advanced tools incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to identify the most suitable influencers based on specific criteria or predict the success of potential collaborations.
Some popular influencer marketing tools include:
- AspireIQ (formerly known as Revfluence)
- Influencity
- Traackr
- NeoReach
- Julius
- Grin
- Upfluence
- HypeAuditor
- Onalytica
- BuzzSumo
Each of these tools has its own unique strengths and pricing models, so crowdfunders should evaluate their specific needs and budget before selecting the most suitable influencer marketing tool for their campaigns.
These tools can significantly streamline the influencer identification process, enhance campaign efficiency, and provide valuable data to measure the success of influencer partnerships.
Look into influencer marketplaces
Influencer marketplaces are online platforms that connect brands and marketers with influencers, facilitating collaborations and influencer marketing campaigns. These marketplaces act as intermediaries, streamlining the process of finding and partnering with influencers for promotional activities. They have gained popularity due to the growing demand for influencer marketing and the need for businesses to discover suitable influencers for their campaigns efficiently.
Key features and functionalities of influencer marketplaces include:
- Extensive Influencer Networks: Influencer marketplaces typically have large databases of influencers across various social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and more. These networks cover diverse niches and industries, ensuring brands can find influencers who cater to their target audience.
- Influencer Profiles: Each influencer in the marketplace has a detailed profile showcasing their audience demographics, follower count, engagement rates, and previous collaborations. This information helps brands assess an influencer’s suitability for their specific campaign.
- Search and Filter Tools: Crowdfunders can use search and filter options to narrow down their search for influencers based on criteria such as location, niche, follower count, and engagement metrics. That can save time and enables them to find influencers who align with their campaign goals.
- Campaign Briefs: Brands can create campaign briefs detailing their objectives, content requirements, and budget. Influencers interested in collaborating with the brand can review these briefs and submit proposals.
- Proposal Management: Influencers can submit proposals to express their interest in participating in a campaign. Brands can review these proposals and select the most suitable influencers for their marketing initiatives.
- Content Collaboration: Influencer marketplaces often provide tools and messaging systems that facilitate communication between brands and influencers, ensuring smooth collaboration and content planning.
- Payment and Contract Management: Influencer marketplaces often offer secure payment systems and tools for contract management, ensuring both parties are protected during the collaboration.
- Performance Analytics: Brands can track the performance of influencer campaigns using data provided by the marketplace, including metrics such as engagement rates, reach, impressions, and conversion data.
- Compliance and Transparency: Influencer marketplaces often emphasize transparency and compliance with advertising guidelines. They may have features that ensure influencers disclose sponsored content properly.
- Campaign Reporting: After the campaign is complete, brands can access comprehensive reports on its success, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI).
Examples of popular influencer marketplaces include:
- Izea
- Famebit (now integrated into YouTube’s BrandConnect)
- Tribe
- Influencity
- AspireIQ (Influencer Marketplace feature)
- Grapevine
- HYPR
- TapInfluence
- BrandSnob
Influencer marketplaces offer numerous benefits to brands and marketers, including access to a wide range of influencers, simplified campaign management, and measurable results. They are particularly useful for crowdfunders that may not have the resources or experience to engage in influencer marketing independently.
However, it’s essential that you thoroughly evaluate influencers and choose those who align with your brand values and target audience to ensure successful and authentic collaborations.
Finding Instagram influencers
Finding the right Instagram influencers for your crowdfunding campaign can be challenging but rewarding. When you understand the dos and don’ts of influencer marketing, you can achieve successful partnerships and maximize your campaign’s impact.
To achieve the best results, avoid common mistakes, such as confusing influencers with crowdfunding professionals or bombarding them with cold requests for money.
Focus on establishing a solid foundation for your influencer marketing strategy. Define your target audience and understand their preferences to identify influencers who resonate with your potential backers.
Select influencers whose personalities align with your brand voice and values to create authentic connections and drive engagement.
When searching for influencers, explore various avenues. Start by considering your pool of existing followers, as loyal followers may already provide organic support for your brand.
Conduct relevant hashtag searches to find influencers with high engagement and interests aligned with your campaign. Researching who follows your competitors can also lead to discovering influencers already interested in your industry.
Investing in influencer marketing tools and exploring influencer marketplaces can also be beneficial.
These platforms provide valuable insights, streamline the collaboration process, and help measure the campaign’s success. By using these tools, you can find influencers more efficiently and track the effectiveness of your influencer marketing efforts.
Remember that influencer marketing is not just about numbers; it’s about building relationships.
Take the time to connect with potential influencers, engage with their content, and build rapport before reaching out with collaboration proposals. This approach will increase your chances of forming genuine and successful partnerships.
Influencer marketing on Instagram can be a powerful tool for your crowdfunding campaign.
By following the right strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you can tap into the vast potential of influencer marketing to reach a targeted and engaged audience, increase brand visibility, and drive more contributions to your crowdfunding campaign.
Be persistent, authentic, and value-driven in your influencer partnerships, and you’ll pave the way for a successful crowdfunding journey.
