Social media influencers have become some of the most powerful marketing mavericks ofthe modern age, capable of leveraging your brand to millions of potential customers online. Any brand hoping to stay current should be quick to realize that this is a phenomenon thatis not going away. Taking advantage of the opportunities having influencers wearing custom shirts allows small business owners to put a personal spin on their brand. Before you chooseto dive into these waters, though, we have five tips when approaching your social media strategy to increase the viable possibilities for your brand.
Planning to a Tee
T-Shirts are a simple way to promote your brand without breaking the bank. While they are mainly used in giveaways or as promotional materials at in-person events, the rise of the influencer has opened a whole new realm of possibilities for your standard company shirt. Asocial media influencer is a canvas upon which a shirt branded with your company’s logo can make a bold statement. A quick scroll through Instagram will reveal a bevy of influencersflaunting branded apparel, from baseball caps to backpacks. Their passive sponsorship sends a message to their followers: “This is a company that I endorse and that you should support”. A well-lit photograph and witty caption are all the user needs to post to get your brand into the feeds of fans worldwide.
Budget Brainstorming
In the beginning stages of planning, it’s important to set goals and benchmarks for whatyou wish to accomplish. Ironing out your budget should be step number one. Start with knowing how many different custom T-shirts are you planning on marketing. Whether you’re thinking big with an entire line or keeping things modest with even just one branded shirt, be aware that the success of a budget lies within the amount of thought and effort you putinto the planning. Record every possible expense that will arise when your campaign is set in motion, from the cost of the shirts to the varying rates influencers will charge to stylethem on their posts, including how many times, how often multiple posts will be placed - it all adds up. Consider the exclusivity, reach, and amount of followers your chosen influencerhas. This will determine the ROI they generate and help you decide if their rate is worth it.
Social Media Solutions
With countless numbers of social media hubs dotting the digital landscape, be sure toresearch the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. Instagram is great for photos and graphic design, while You tube is the go-to spot for tutorials and how-tos. These platforms are home to countless influencers that can help put your brand on the map. When selecting an influencer to collaborate with, consider their demographic and how their endorsement will reflect back on your business. Their social media presence should walk the line between professional and lifestyle, while their follower count should be high enough to guarantee your product will be seen by a large audience.
Meet & Greet
Reaching out to influencers is a straightforward endeavor similar to any other business pitch. You need to approach them with a fully realized vision for your campaign, includingwhich products need to be promoted most and how you would like them to wear and styleyour branded t-shirt. You should also be prepared to discuss rates. The more clout aninfluencer holds, the higher their rate tends to be. This is where balancing cost efficiencyand outreach effectiveness comes into play. Reaching a deal in your first meeting is notalways a guarantee, but it helps to put together a high quality marketing promotions package together as a greeting gift to show your potential influencer you’re serious.
Employee Integration
While influencer marketing has proven to be a highly effective tool, consider the other socialmedia possibilities branded t-shirts can offer your company. First and foremost, ensure that your brand’s social media presence is well maintained and up to date with the latest trendscirculating the web. Once your pages are up to par, you can begin your in house socialmedia campaign. Feature your employees and customers on Instagram, Youtube, andsimilar platforms wearing your branded apparel and expressing their excitement andpassion for the brand. Add a custom vinyl banner for the perfect backdrop to set the scenefor a viral worthy Instagram post. Encourage your employees to join in by offering themgifts for participating in their role as in-house influencers. These types of organic marketingcampaigns are not only fun to do their lucrative as well.
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