Instagram is an incredibly visual platform for brands.
Micro-influential fans are worth it. It gives brands the chance to tell the story of their products or services through vibrant images and videos, crafting a genuinely authentic connection with their audience. So, how can you grow your influence on Instagram and gain new followers? One way is to find micro-influential fans.
When partnered with the right micro-influential fans, you gain access to a whole new audience through people who have worked to gain their trust. Ready to get started with this growth strategy? In this article, we’ll go over:
- What exactly micro-influential fans are
- How micro-influential fans can help your brand
- How to find micro-influential fans on Instagram
… In addition, having a smaller, more engaged audience and a more involved Instagram strategy gives them a more personal connection to their audience.
What are micro-influential fans?
Micro-influential fans, also known as micro-influencers, are people who generally have a smaller following on Instagram. They can have anywhere from a couple of thousand followers up to 100,000 followers who they regularly engage with.
Their content is original and authentic to their followers. They serve as a voice of reason, an inspiration, and a trusted stakeholder within a specific niche. Since these micro-influencers are held in high regard by their followers, having them as fans of your brand can boost your brand and make money on Instagram by advertising.
How micro-influential fans can help your brand
How exactly can micro-influential fans help your brand? Consider the following.
Micro-influencers can have a higher rate of engagement. Since micro-influencers have a smaller audience than mega Instagram influencers, they tend to have a higher engagement rate on their page. Having a smaller audience means they take the time to respond to each comment they get. In addition, having a smaller, more engaged audience and a more involved Instagram strategy gives them a more personal connection to their audience.
Micro-influencers are seen as trustworthy people by their audience—These people have a following for a reason. They’re doing something that’s making people trust their opinions or aspire to live the life they’re living. As such, they’re considered trustworthy by their audience. In addition, if they follow or promote a brand, it acts as social proof that the product or brand is worth checking out within the micro-influencer’s audience.
Micro-influencers tend to be more relatable—Think about the mega-influencers and celebrities you follow on social media. Sure, you may follow them because you admire their work and lifestyle, but it’s hard to relate to them at a certain level. Micro-influencers, on the other hand, are more relatable. They may do similar work you do, or have similar lifestyles and values. So, find the right micro-influencer who shares similar experiences, values, and lifestyles as you and your target audience. You’ll find an audience that sees more of themselves in that micro-influencer than in celebrities and mega-influencers. So, if they know that micro-influencer engaging with your brand, they may see themselves engaging with your brand, too.
How to find micro-influential fans on Instagram
Now, the million-dollar question: how can you find micro-influential fans and micro-influencers on Instagram? Here are some key strategies to consider.
Browse hashtags—Hashtags can be a gold mine for finding micro-influencers. Searching through hashtags and seeing who’s using them can help you find people within your niche. This is especially helpful if you’re searching through your own branded hashtags. You can sort through the hashtags and see who’s already engaging with your brand. If they’re a micro-influencer, look at their profile and see if they’re following you. If they aren’t, follow them first. Once they follow back, start engaging with their posts. Like their posts and comment when you can. If they start engaging with your content as well, send them a message and ask if they’d like to collaborate. Make sure the message is tactful and authentic, though. The last thing you want is to seem disingenuous.
If you don’t have branded hashtags, follow a similar strategy with hashtags related to your product or service. Once you find a micro-influencer who resonates with you, follow them and start engaging with their content. The more authentic you are, the better.
Take a look at your own followers—You may already have micro-influencers following you. Look through your followers and see how many followers they have. If they have a decent following and align with your values, reach out and see if they’d be interested in working with you. This works out in your favor since they’re already familiar with your brand.
Look at your competitor’s followers—Have competitors in your space? If so, take a look at their followers. If any micro-influencers are following them, look at their profile and see if you should follow them.
Search for micro-influencers via databases—If you aren’t having any luck finding micro-influential fans and influencers organically, you can always turn to databases. Databases like Grin, #paid, and Mavrck can pair you with micro-influencers who can help your brand establish trust and authority with their audience. Remember, though, that you’ll have to pay to access databases like these and get access to these kinds of influencers. Make sure you have the budget for this kind of service, and you can measure the return on investment (ROI) of the database if you decide to use one.
Look through popular blogs—Is there a blog you admire? Does it regularly post content that’s fresh, engaging, and relevant to your product or service? If so, consider reaching out to the blogger and taking a look at their Instagram feed. If it’s just as engaging and relevant as their blog, consider following and reaching out for a collaboration.
The biggest thing to remember when finding micro-influential fans and micro-influencers is to ensure the person truly aligns with your brand and its values. Ensure you can trust them with your brand’s reputation and that your brand truly resonates with their audience. Otherwise, you’re wasting your efforts and the micro-influencer is doing a misjustice to their audience. Once you find the right micro-influencer to work with, though, you’ll be amazed at how much attention your Instagram page will get.
