In 2024, influencer marketing has become a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, in particular, leveraging the reach and credibility of influencers can help to boost brand awareness and drive traffic. At Member Marketplace, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of influencer marketing through our Shop Iowa Squad ambassador program on our Shop Iowa Marketplace. Here’s a closer look at how this program has benefited small businesses on Shop Iowa and how you can get involved no matter the marketplace you are on.
The Shop Iowa Squad Success Story
Since its beginning, the Shop Iowa Squad has been dedicated to promoting small businesses across Iowa. Over the first five months of the program, we’ve achieved remarkable results with our 10 active squad members who boast a combined 173,000+ Instagram and 10,300+ facebook followers:
- Total posts (static/reel/carousel): 25
- FB and IG story total posts: 152
- 5 month total social media impressions: 58,867
- 97 product recommendations
- 4,576 engagements (clicks, comments, likes, and shares)
- 1600 Shop Iowa Squad Webpage Visits
On Shop Iowa Day alone, the squad shared over 30 posts with their followers, contributing to our highest traffic and sales day to date. These stats demonstrate the power of influencer marketing and its ability to create a buzz around small businesses.
How Influencer Marketing Can Benefit Your Small Business
Influencer marketing offers several benefits for small businesses:
- Increased Visibility: Influencers have established audiences that trust their recommendations. When they feature your products, it introduces your brand to a wider audience.
- Enhanced Credibility: Partnering with influencers adds a layer of credibility and trust to your brand. Their endorsement can help build your reputation and attract more customers.
- Improved Engagement: Influencers create content that resonates with their followers, driving higher engagement rates. This means more likes, comments, shares, and ultimately, more potential customers for your business.
- High Quality UGC(User Generated Content): Having curated-for-you-content that you can share on your small business social media pages and website.
Tips for Small Businesses Without an Influencer Marketing Program
If your marketplace doesn’t yet have an influencer marketing program like Shop Iowa, you can still benefit from influencer marketing by reaching out to influencers on your own. Here are some tips to get started:
- Identify Relevant Influencers: Look for influencers who align with your brand values and have a following that matches your target audience. Tools like Metas’s search function or influencer marketing platforms like Aspire can help you find potential partners.
- Engage with Influencers: Start by following them, liking their posts, and leaving thoughtful comments. This helps build a relationship before you approach them with a collaboration proposal.
- Craft a Compelling Pitch: When reaching out, be clear about why you think they’d be a great fit for your brand. Highlight the benefits of the partnership and any incentives you can offer, such as free products or commission on sales.
- Provide Clear Guidelines: Once you’ve secured an influencer partnership, provide them with clear guidelines on how to present your products. Share key messages, hashtags, and any specific content requirements to ensure consistency.
Get Involved with the Shop Iowa Squad
We encourage all small businesses on the Shop Iowa platform to take advantage of the Shop Iowa Squad ambassador program. This summer, we’re sending out a Shop Iowa Summertime PR box to our influencers, filled with products from Shop Iowa. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your products in front of a larger audience and boost your sales.
To get involved, simply fill out this form and let us know you’re interested in having your products included in the PR box. Our team will handle the logistics, ensuring your products are delivered to influencers who can help amplify your business.
Influencer marketing has proven to be a powerful tool for small businesses, offering increased visibility, credibility, and engagement.
For more tips and strategies on how to grow your small business, be sure to check out our previous blog post: Cutting Costs, Boosting Impact: 3 Innovative Marketing Solutions for Small Businesses. Let’s work together to make your small business thrive!
