How to Find Influencers the Easy Way in 2023

On the hunt for creators to take your brand to the next level? Discover how to find influencers the easy way in 2023.

What Is An Influencer?

Put simply, an influencer is any person who has the ability to influence the thoughts, feelings or behaviors of others. They can be online content creators, social media personalities, celebrities, top customers and more. By harnessing the power of social media, influencers amass highly engaged followings who look to them for advice, inspiration or simply solid entertainment value.

The reason influencers have become such a big deal in 2023 is due to their ability to harness this influence to help elevate brands. They can drive real impact for brands, in everything from driving engagement and building brand awareness to boosting sales.

How Can Influencers Help Your Brand?

Influencers inspire

Heard of the infamous phrase “ TikTok made me buy it”? Much like their celebrity predecessors, influencers inspire. By showcasing products in an aesthetic and creative way, influencers inspire their followers to seek out those same products to recreate the look/results themselves.

Influencers have targeted followings

Influencers build content and communities around a certain niche; their followers become a perfectly packaged targeted audience for brands. For instance, there may be influencers catering to female skincare enthusiasts aged 25-35 or new parents looking for affordable baby furniture.

Influencers provide social proof

Influencer-generated content acts as validation of a brand’s products or service, addressing doubts and generating demand for the product.

How To Choose The Right Influencers

Here are six qualities to look for when selecting influencers to partner with:

1. Audience affinity

Affinity between your target audience and your influencer’s community is crucial. Research the influencer’s followers and their engagement to ensure they match your target demographic.

2. Connection to your brand’s values

Synergy between your brand values and the influencer’s is key for authentic influencer-generated content (IGC).

3. Community engagement

Review the influencer's content and their interaction with followers. Assess the overall aura of their channel and how it matches your brand personality.

4. Engagement where it matters

Look at which posts generate the most engagement. High engagement on organic content versus lower engagement on sponsored posts can indicate the influencer’s ability to present branded content authentically.

5. Authentic partnerships

Customers view influencer recommendations as honest and unbiased. Review the influencers’ past partnerships for coherence with their overall purpose/passion.

6. Credibility

Consider influencers’ backgrounds and how their expertise may enhance your brand trust.

Before Beginning Your Influencer Search

1. Determine The Goals Of Your Campaign

Is your prime objective to boost brand awareness or drive sales? Setting these goals helps inform the type of influencer to look for.

2. Know Your Target Audience

Understand their values, preferences, and shopping habits to guide your review.

3. Establish A Budget

Aware of the types and number of influencers you can afford based on your budget.

4. Be Wary Of Fake Influencers

Screen influencers to ensure they have genuine engagement and followers.

How To Find Influencers

1. Use Social Media Search Tools To Your Advantage

Utilize search features across platforms to find influencers in your niche.

2. Level Up Your Google Search

Search using terms that broaden the range of people you’re considering, e.g. ‘bloggers’, ‘creators’, etc.

3. Social Listening

Monitor social media for conversations around your brand to discover potential influencers.

4. Tap Into Existing Customers

Reach out to customers who already love your product to find brand advocates.

5. Analyze Your Competition

Look for influencers who are already positively engaged with similar brands.

6. Subscribe to Industry-Related Content

Follow industry trends by subscribing to expert blogs, podcasts, and newsletters where influential figures may be highlighted.

7. Influencer Search Tools

Use influencer search engines for streamlined searches and in-depth profiles that allow for comparison and authentic ratings.

You’ve Found the Perfect Influencers for Your Brand — Now What?

Once you have curated a list of potential influencers, it’s time to reach out to them. Personalize your communication and outline your campaign idea, objectives, and incentives for collaboration.