How to Build Lasting Content Creator Relationships
“93% of marketing professionals use influencer marketing to increase brand awareness, build trust, reach their target audience, drive conversions, and connect to a wider market” (Influencer Marketing Hub). We know we work with content creators every day as well as influencers. Brands using real people to get their name out there to the right audience are really on to something. We may be biased since we know the power of UGC ad campaigns firsthand, but we want to chat a little about the importance of creating a relationship with creators that will last a long time.
“93% of marketing professionals use influencer marketing to increase brand awareness, build trust, reach their target audience, drive conversions, and connect to a wider market” (Influencer Marketing Hub). We know we work with content creators every day as well as influencers. Brands using real people to get their name out there to the right audience are really on to something. We may be biased since we know the power of UGC ad campaigns firsthand, but we want to chat a little about the importance of creating a relationship with creators that will last a long time. Successful creator-brand relationships are no different from any other and must be nurtured. They’re very valuable for both parties involved. The brand gets to spread awareness while the content creator also gets cross-promotion to increase their brand awareness as well. It’s important to keep the collaboration positive. Here are some tips to create and foster a great brand-creator relationship.
1. Check-in: check in with them often and show your appreciation for them. Communication is vital!
2. Communicate clearly: make sure that you provide them with concise and detailed briefs on what you need from them. This will lower any mistakes from confusion and streamline the work process.
3. Don’t micromanage: you have to trust them. Treat them as if you understand that they’ve worked hard to build their content brand and know what they’re doing. There is a reason that you chose them to collaborate with. Don’t lose sight of that.
4. Compensation: be on time with payments and make sure that you’re paying them accordingly. You show them that you value their work and will build greater trust between you both.
When both sides are happy the relationship will continue to be productive and reciprocal. This collaboration has become a large part of marketing strategies for most brands. With happy creators, the content they create will be meaningful. You will see in the content’s quality that they are fully invested in the brand.
The Art of Storytelling
Oral and visual storytelling has been around since the age of the caveman. Around 200BC, written stories began in the era of Shakespeare. This style of written and oral storytelling continued until our digital age when television was born in 1939. Storytelling is definitely an art that will engage consumers, evoke emotional responses and help people remember your brand. Some are great storytellers and others, well, are not so great. The good news is that it is a skill set that can be learned, practiced and improved upon. Good storytelling is about making an emotionally compelling and memorable narrative that ties facts together in an interesting way. And boy do people love to be told a good story! Here are some of our tips to becoming a better storyteller.
Oral and visual storytelling has been around since the age of the caveman. Around 200BC, written stories began in the era of Shakespeare. This style of written and oral storytelling continued until our digital age when television was born in 1939. Storytelling is definitely an art that will engage consumers, evoke emotional responses and help people remember your brand. Some are great storytellers and others, well, are not so great. The good news is that it is a skill set that can be learned, practiced and improved upon. Good storytelling is about making an emotionally compelling and memorable narrative that ties facts together in an interesting way. And boy do people love to be told a good story! Here are some of our tips to becoming a better storyteller.
1. What message are you trying to send? Knowing what message you want to send as well as making it clear and concise is important. Entertaining people is important but you have to leave the viewer with a message they’ll remember.
2. Try starting in the middle. A linear story can sometimes be boring. First, A happened, which led to B happening. Everyone knows where it’s going. Start with C (the action/confrontation) and work your way backward. Make people wonder where you’re going with this. This will also help “hook” the audience in the beginning.
3. Vary your rate of speaking and volume levels. Make sure that you are not speaking too quickly. Think about the way you would read a book out loud. Emphasize important bits. Change your pace and volume to go along with what’s happening in the narrative. This will keep your viewers engaged and wanting more.
4. Paint a picture. Ask your listeners to imagine and be descriptive when you’re telling a story. What did it look like, smell like and feel like? Try to use all of your senses here. Make the viewer feel like they are there with you.
5. Bring on the emotion. Sharing how you feel or felt about something is relatable. People will empathize through your body language and words. Vulnerability and authenticity make your story more memorable.
Stories are a gift from one person to another as we all crave human connection no matter how introverted some of might be. Storytelling is a great way to connect with others through a shared human experience. Why do you think that User-Generated Content performs so well? Good storytellers are typically enthusiastic and confident about the stories they tell. Next time your brand is looking to connect with its audience think about how your next advertisement will be delivered. What story does it tell and how well is it told?