Friend: “Hey y’all, you need to try this. ” 

Y’all: *Scurries to Google to search for named product or service.*

Raise your hand if your friend or loved one has told you about a product or service or if you have been that friend.

We share products, services, and things that make little and big impacts in our lives. Those nice shoes we bought that look good and are surprisingly comfortable.That amazing sandwich from the restaurant downtown. The new gadget that you saw during a show’s commercial break actually works.

Whether you realize it or not for years word of mouth has helped companies sell products, promote services, and gain new customers. Whether it is in the beauty industry, business, arts and entertainment, or wellness, word of mouth works. It now has a more sophisticated name, influencer marketing. 

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is both unintentional and extremely intentional. We are humans. We are humans who talk and have the tendency to share things that help us with the hopes that it will do the same for others, especially those we love. 

True story. I watched a friend’s Instagram video post. In the post, she shared the products she used in her makeup routines. The next time I went to Walgreens and was strolling down the makeup aisle, I saw the brand, I said,”Ohh!, that’s the stuff my friend told us about.” Next thing I know the product is in my hand at the checkout line. The interesting thing is that I would have never seen a commercial on TV for that product.

Another true story. I was scrolling Instagram and saw a face I recognized face and heard a familiar voice. On second glance, it was the face and voice of someone whose emails I get and podcasts I listen. It happened to be an ad, but I still clicked on the page. After seeing what they were about, that IG page got a new follower in me that day. 

Anable Acton talks more specifically about lifestyle influencing in her Forbes article, Brands Take Note! The Future Belongs to Lifestyle Influencers. She agrees that social share is powerful in sharing products and services people genuinely love and help their everyday life. This is much of what I write about.

My Experience

I have had my own experience with influencer marketing. I stumbled upon this after I started blogging around life, productivity, and at times inspiration. That opened up doors and opportunities to try products, services, and share things I like, love, and use. Companies reached out and when I ran across sometimes that seemed like it would be a good fit, I took the initiative to ask. I have tried all kinds of things like business accounting services and electronics. If you are thinking hmmm and considering how you or your company can benefit, intentionality is key.

 If you are an influencer, agree to things that align with your core values. I mentioned lifestyle, productivity, and inspiration so I try to stay within those zones. Occasionally, I try something new to stay relevant and sharp.  

Platforms like Intellifluence facilitate these things. It helps businesses and brands get feedback, promote products, and sell services. It helps influencers use their influence in good ways.