We’ve written often about the importance of authenticity and credibility. Expert influencers are uniquely suited to help elevate your brand’s credibility. We’ll explain what expert influencers are, how they differ from their traditional counterparts, and how to select and work with them.
What are Expert Influencers?
Experts are people with extensive knowledge and/or skills in one particular area. They’re viewed as authorities, but may not always have the largest social media following. With extensive professional acumen, experts are typically informative more than aspirational.
Focused on their primary area of study or practice, they may not often engage in activities that build an audience on purpose, such as posting new content frequently and following trends. Even experts with a smaller following can be valuable partners, as they lend their credibility to your brand, helping you gain trust from your audience.
Fabio A. Marchesin, better known as Finanzfabio, said, “As an expert financial planner, I feel a certain pressure to create more added value and, above all, to provide correct information. My aim is to create a clean basis and then go into more depth to provide thought processes that no one else can offer. While my work is intended to serve non-professionals, my colleagues in the financial sector also find it useful for further training or exam preparation.”
Quality Over Quantity – Expertise is More Important Than Follower Count
Many brands partner with celebrity influencers in order to reach millions while gaining the personal endorsement of a popular individual. However, some consumers have become disillusioned with outmoded influencers who can be artificial and unrelatable while excessively pushing products. According to Trustpilot, celebrity influencers have the lowest level of trust among consumers – two-thirds (67% in the US and 65% in the UK) describe their level of trust in this source of information as ‘low’.
Expert influencers can serve as an antidote. 41% of consumers trust expert reviews, whereas only 13% trust advertising.
Veronica Kiriak, Doctor and Content Creator, shared her views on how brands and followers have different expectations of experts as compared to classic creators. “As a doctor and influencer at the same time, you have to act a little differently than classic creators. I choose my collaboration partners very carefully and always pay attention to legal and medical principles. Brands often place particular value on the authenticity of my medical expertise, while my followers are primarily looking for reliable information. It requires a balance to meet the expectations of both sides.”
How Do Expert Influencers Help Brands?
Collaborating with people who bring the credibility of formal education and expert credentials can help brands stand out, and can be particularly advantageous in the beauty industry. As marketer Polly Petrova writes “the beauty sector has become more cautious when it comes to collaborating with influencers. It seems the industry is trying to lessen the ‘influence’ of influencers.”
Many beauty influencers post their personal daily skincare routines and preferred brands. However, a dermatologist brings exceptional credibility, with a trustworthiness that’s hard to beat. Dr. Liv Kraemer shares best and easy #skincare routine tips with her more than 243K TikTok followers. Dr. Liv also sells products made in Switzerland that she developed inspired by decades of dermatology insight.
When partnering with an expert, your brand benefits from their credibility in addition to gaining access to their audience. Experts can be especially skilled at explaining complex concepts and bringing clarity to technical jargon. “Finanz Fabio” provides financial education on his podcast and shares podcast snippets on TikTok, along with street interviews he conducts.
Expert influencers also fulfill the need for industry-specific knowledge that B2B buyers have throughout lengthy, complex sales processes.
Experts Influencers Continue Working in Their Profession
For many traditional influencers, social media content creation and brand partnerships are their primary sources of income. OTOH, experts make a living with careers distinct from social media. For example, dermatologist Dr. Liv still sees patients in her clinic and Fabio provides personal financial consulting services.
Continuing to work in their profession means expert influencers:
Keep their knowledge current
Have new real-world experiences
Must maintain a positive reputation
The need to maintain their reputation prevents experts from promoting brands they don’t believe in, further strengthening their trustworthiness with audiences. Regardless of what percentage of their income is generated by content creation, their influencer career relies on their professional credibility. It’s not worth risking any threat to that credibility for a questionable brand partnership.
Veronica Kiriak said, “My content creation process requires more research to ensure my medical statements are accurate. At the same time, I try to present the information in an entertaining and accessible way to keep my community’s attention. I have high expectations of myself, especially in terms of the quality and accuracy of my medical advice. It’s important to be transparent when it comes to the boundaries of my expertise and to always create a safe space for questions from my followers.”
How to Select and Work with an Expert Influencer
1. Start with your Marketing Goals
We’ve discussed how expert influencers differ from their traditional counterparts, but when partnering with any influencer, your goal is still to build digital brand equity. While some aspects may differ, it’s important not to abandon your existing processes for building successful campaigns.
Alter your Influencer Evaluation Criteria & Examine Their Credentials
When considering partnering with any influencer, it’s important to view their track record. With experts, you should additionally evaluate their formal credentials. Do they have the requisite education? Are they certified with the relevant board, such as with surgeons and architects? Can you confirm that after obtaining both the education and credentials, they also have real-world experience working in the field?
2. Pitch Your Brand to the Expert
Considering their need to carefully guard their reputation, experts can be particularly discerning about the brands they work with. You may have to invest time in selling your brand to the expert. This could involve a more detailed, technical analysis of your product, such as examining ingredients or production processes.
3. Be Flexible with Payment Structure & Recognize Added Value
Again, brand promotions aren’t their primary focus, so you may need to compensate experts with a different type of payment structure. Scrunch advises, “…they might be more expensive as you are really purchasing their time, experience, and credibility. Almost think of it as paying a consultant, rather than an influencer.” The value you receive from working with an expert extends beyond access to their community. Your brand earns a seal of approval from a knowledgeable expert. These engagements might also be longer term.
4. Maximize Use of Their Expertise
Instead of asking them to merely promote your product, think of additional ways their expertise can benefit your brand. Ask them to sit for an interview, speak at a conference or webinar, write a blog with their top tips, or provide feedback on your new product innovations.
5. Make the Content Keep Working for you
Increase the value of these collaborations with performance marketing (boosting content to reach even higher KPIs). Consider multi-touch attribution models and use every channel strategically.
Get Started with the Best Expert Influencer Matches for Your Brand
As the leading full-service influencer marketing agency in Switzerland and beyond, Kingfluencers can help you select and collaborate with influencers of all types, whether B2C, B2B, expert, or traditional. We help give brands a real face that people relate to, stand out from the noise, and connect to consumers.
Check out more of Kingfluencers case studies and build your own success story with us.
Kingfluencers presents an engaging series of “Case Study” articles, exploring successful collaborations with diverse brands from different sectors and industries. Consumer Goods, Beauty, Finance, Tech, Gaming, Retail, Fashion, Insurance or NGOs, we’ve got it covered. Explore these articles to discover how Kingfluencers helps companies achieve impressive outcomes in the realms of influence – from influencer marketing on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn or beyond.
Our cases with L’Oréal on Instagram and TikTok demonstrate how Kingfluencers blends creative strategies with influence to promote a brand – from yearly campaigns to get-ready events.
Ever heard of our Influencer TV Spot and ready to make use an omni-channel marketing approach thanks to a brand new advertising format? Check out our yearly campaign highlights of our success story with Ochsner, that also includes our premieres of the Influencer TV Spot on SRF 2 with Alison Liaudat & Whiteny Toyloy and SRF 1 with Christa Rigozzi.
If you would like to learn more about specific sectors your brand is present in, make sure to check our our sector-specific case studies – covering:
Your brand is not only home in Switzerland but present in DACH? We’ve got you covered. Dive into one of our first cases for Germany with Neoperl and Miele Deutschland.
We’ve got even more news. Influencer marketing only works for B2C brands? Not for us. We assure you that B2B brands can benefit from influencer marketing and brand ambassador programs even more, see for yourself in our first B2B case with a Swiss Telecommunications brand.
Together, these case studies provide a comprehensive view of Kingfluencer’s ability to achieve successful results in various industries and sectors.
Check out more of Kingfluencers case studies and build your own success story with us.
Kingfluencers presents an engaging series of “Case Study” articles, exploring successful collaborations with diverse brands from different sectors and industries. Consumer Goods, Beauty, Finance, Tech, Gaming, Retail, Fashion, Insurance or NGOs, we’ve got it covered. Explore these articles to discover how Kingfluencers helps companies achieve impressive outcomes in the realms of influence – from influencer marketing on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn or beyond.
Our cases with L’Oréal on Instagram and TikTok demonstrate how Kingfluencers blends creative strategies with influence to promote a brand – from yearly campaigns to get-ready events.
Ever heard of our Influencer TV Spot and ready to make use an omni-channel marketing approach thanks to a brand new advertising format? Check out our yearly campaign highlights of our success story with Ochsner, that also includes our premieres of the Influencer TV Spot on SRF 2 with Alison Liaudat & Whiteny Toyloy and SRF 1 with Christa Rigozzi.
If you would like to learn more about specific sectors your brand is present in, make sure to check our our sector-specific case studies – covering:
Your brand is not only home in Switzerland but present in DACH? We’ve got you covered. Dive into one of our first cases for Germany with Neoperl and Miele Deutschland.
We’ve got even more news. Influencer marketing only works for B2C brands? Not for us. We assure you that B2B brands can benefit from influencer marketing and brand ambassador programs even more, see for yourself in our first B2B case with a Swiss Telecommunications brand.
Together, these case studies provide a comprehensive view of Kingfluencer’s ability to achieve successful results in various industries and sectors.
At Kingfluencers, we understand that influencer marketing is part of a much bigger field. We encourage brands to think beyond influence to digital brand equity. In this blog series, we’ll cover how brands can establish, strengthen, and grow long-term brand equity through digital influence programs. First, we’ll explain what we mean by that and what lies beyond traditional influence.
What is Digital Brand Equity?
Digital brand equity is the value of brand recognition and brand perception in the digital space. Digital brand equity is a core pillar to competitive advantage. It has a positive influence on people’s purchasing decisions and is a key determinant of the brand’s overall success.
→ Defining factors for a brand’s digital equity include:
What is Digital Influence?
Digital influence is the online equivalent of brand equity. It refers to a brand’s ability to affect and strengthen people’s perceptions, opinions, preferences, and decisions related to your brand versus competing ones. Digital influence is the ability of a brand to take ownership of the influence they have to impact perceptions and – most importantly– decisions.
Like digital brand equity, digital influence is a key determinant of the brand’s overall success. Digital influence strategies enhance your brand’s ability to take that control and ownership to shape perceptions. It is a means to an end. You can build digital brand equity through a variety of digital branding and influencer strategies.
By impacting decisions, you can drive revenue by encouraging people to:
Purchase your brand over competitors by building competitive advantage and elevating brand preference
Increase expenditures through upgrades and additional purchases
Remain loyal customers over time to increase customer loyalty, generate more revenue, and improve profitability
Recommend your brand to their friends by sparking intrinsic advocacy and strengthening your brand community
Work for your brand, enabling you to recruit and retain the best employees and strengthen your employer branding
Digital Influence = Huge Component of Overall Brand Equity
For many brands, the majority of customer interactions take place online. That means your digital influence is nearly synonymous with brand equity. Simply put, what people think of you online is what people think of you. Those brands who master their digital brand equity as first movers will gain an immense advantage and outperform their competitors moving forward.
Beyond Social Media
An influencer posts a positive review of your brand on Instagram. A content creator features your product in an entertaining TikTok.
Great!
Influencer campaigns are excellent tactics for increasing awareness and connecting with your audience.
But that’s just it… they’re tactics – individual components of what must be a larger strategy in order to really make a long-lasting impact. So, what separates effective brands from those throwing campaigns at the wall and hoping something sticks?
How Can Brands Build a Foundation of Digital Influence?
A brand’s equity depends on your visibility, how you’re perceived, and your ability to connect in consistent ways to your audiences in today’s complex digital ecosystem.
Consumers rank trust as a top buying consideration. 81% need to trust a brand to consider buying from it. Nielsen reported that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family, and 70% trust online reviews from strangers. A strong digital presence and positive online reputation can help strengthen brand equity, in turn influencing purchasing decisions.
Proper digital influence strategies and tactics draw their inherent power from word of mouth (WoM) marketing principles. Building digital influence involves magnifying and elevating the impact of WoM through digital amplification. Digital influence enablesbrands to turn a 1:1 process into 1:many while maintaining credibility. Shifting from one to many amplifies a brand’s influence, which drives exponential gains, making digital influence extremely powerful.
Digital influence programs must focus on strengthening the brand’s digital presence and thereby positively influencing brand awareness and perception.
The Amplification Effect
Individual marketing initiatives, such as SEO, can give your brand a boost. But the most powerful strategies work collaboratively to amplify one another.
With numerous people-centric tactics focused on advocacy, WoM, and authentic storytelling, you can achieve an amplification effect. More people will discuss your brand, activate audiences and communities, building more intrinsic advocacy and WoM from consumers and partners. Like the famous “Flywheel” model, customers become advocates and promoters who feed growth as they move through the phases of attract, engage, and delight.
Key Components of Building Digital Brand Equity
A strong foundation must run deep and wide.
Doing these following things well and for enough time will improve your brand reputation and drive increased online visibility. You’ll be able to increase knowledge of your brand, and impact perceptions of your brand versus others.
Use your existing brand equity
Make use of the equity you already have. Build upon your brand’s reputation and standing in the market. Get ahead of the narrative and consistently convey your brand’s unique selling propositions.
Be consistent
Have consistent, coherent messages across all digital channels. Those messages should also be in line with consumers’ offline experiences. Consistency is key. 41% of consumers say branding (messaging) consistency defines brand loyalty.
Run people-centric campaigns
The participation of numerous voices, along with a consistent story, helps create positive digital brand equity and therefore digital influence. Work with multiple advocates and storytellers who can promote your brand authentically, including employees and senior leadership. Capture and make use of user-generated content.
Harness the power of advocacy & word of mouth
Advocacy is a key ingredient. Consider personal branding and working with corporate ambassadors. With an integrated approach, you can take control of the narrative surrounding your brand and boost competitive advantage and growth.
An effective digital influence program will include multiple tracks such as social media, influencer marketing, brand and corporate ambassadors, personal branding, content creation, including UGC, and performance marketing. While these tracks can each deliver results independently, a program is stronger when they’re all in alignment. More to come in part 2!
So, you’ve decided to use influencer marketing to grow your business, and you want the support of an agency. Influencer marketing is a wise choice. 89% of companies say their ROI from influencer marketing is comparable to or better than other marketing channels.
The right agency will certainly be able to get you impressive results with influencer marketing. Now in 2024, there are numerous agencies to choose from. All of them are promising to be the perfect fit for you. Many claim they can help you achieve your goals – guaranteed!
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Not every agency is equally professional and effective. Even some that are excellent still might not be a good fit for your business, for different reasons.
Influencer Marketing Agency Red Flags
No brand wants to work with a service provider that isn’t capable of getting beneficial results. You obviously don’t want to risk launching campaigns not backed by a proven process, with a high risk of failure.
If an agency is focused more on their own revenue streams than understanding your business’ unique situation and needs, the campaigns they run for you might fall flat.
Another issue to consider is chemistry. If the process of collaborating with the agency is unpleasant and filled with friction, you can end up very frustrated. You want to be working with humans who are open, who care, and who you can talk to and contact with your concerns at any time.
Likewise, you don’t want to end up working with someone who doesn’t use the latest technology and is unable to capture all the analytics that are required for running effective social media marketing campaigns.
After all, when you hire an influencer marketing agency, you are making an investment that’s supposed to pay off – you don’t want to be burning money and time on something that ends up being ineffective. Learn more about effective influencer marketing campaigns here. It’s worth putting the work in up front to evaluate influencer marketing agencies, so you can pick exactly the right fit out of the high-quality agencies out there.
We have created this guide to help you in that process, so you can make the right choice and experience the amazing results that influencer marketing can create for your business, while avoiding pitfalls.
Let’s dive in.
1. Get clear on what exactly you need from them
If you know what you are looking for, the chance of finding it increases significantly. This saying holds true for influencer marketing agencies too!
Every influencer marketing agency has different specialties, budget, and project size requirements. This is exactly why you should know your marketing goals and the goals you want to achieve together with the agency.
Once you have defined your goals, you can evaluate agencies through that framework, see how well they fulfill your criteria, and rank them accordingly.
The right agency will also be able to show you exactly how they are going to help you achieve your goals and do so convincingly. Find tips from Universal how to make influencer marketing work here.
2. Get to know their team
You can learn more about a company’s team by visiting the team section on agency websites, and viewing agency staff on LinkedIn.
During the consultation, you can ask who exactly would be working on your project.
Do they have the experience? And the ‘people skills’?
Look for team members who have relevant experience in running the types of influencer marketing campaigns you will be requesting. The goal here is to find an agency whose team is both qualified and pleasant to work with – this includes the human aspect of the relationship.
3. Examine their process
Now, you want to have a deeper look at exactly how the influencer marketing agency you’re looking conducts their work. Their approach to any new project will tell you a lot about how successful they will be once they’re working for your brand.
How do influencer marketing agencies evaluate a project?
Find out how the agency treats any new customer’s project. Look for signs that you will get a strategy that’s not cookie-cutter, but uniquely tailored to your brand. A good agency is supposed to be very creative in adapting their process to you in a way that makes sense.
How are agencies kept accountable?
An important piece of information to know is if the agency has senior professionals supervise your project. It’s fine if some newer people are going to also work on your campaign – as long as they are being checked by those with more experience. At Kingfluencers, every client is supported by at least one senior professional, with over five years of experience in social media and influencer marketing, to balance the diligent efforts of our newer marketers.
When and for how long are agencies available to you each week?
Also, you want them to be available and accountable to you directly. This means you can reach them easily and there’s always space in their schedule to discuss matters with you. At Kingfluencers, we respond to client emails within the same or the next day, the latest.
Are agencies readily sharing this info with you? Will they be able to make their process work for your needs?
If an agency is being very opaque about what working with them looks like, that could be a red flag. It probably means they will – in spite of their promises – not be able to take your unique needs into account and craft a strategy that will actually get you the results.
4. Study their strategies
The best influencer marketing agencies use strategies that work.
What does that mean?
Are they planning for the long term?
Yes, a one-off influencer marketing initiative can be impactful. But the best agencies also specialize in running long-term campaigns that get your brand to the next level, and make sure it stays there sustainably. Obviously this depends on your goals and budget.
But brand strategists who have experience creating more comprehensive strategies are always at least considering the long-term impact of any campaign they’re involved in, which is definitely a plus.
Do they consider the big picture, or is your campaign going to be working in isolation?
Influencer marketing should not be a stand-alone measure. Social media touchpoints should lead to specific actions taken in the context of your campaign.
A holistic, or integrated, approach is key and vastly superior to isolated strategies.
Does the influencer marketing agency in question commit to combining different outlets and marketing strategies in order to serve you best, or is there no mention of such an approach? Read about Kingfluencers focus on holistic, omnichannel storytelling.
Are they creative, hip to trends, and versatile in their tactics?
Influencer marketing is evolving quickly. New trends are popping up all the time. Anyone playing in this field must be highly creative and adaptive. The best agencies show they can capitalize on these trends, and are always finding the right kinds of messages and campaigns that fit the times. Constant reinvention is the name of the game in influencer marketing.
You can gauge which agency possesses these qualities by reading their marketing materials and looking into their history and portfolio. For example, the best influencer marketing agencies are creating influencer partnerships that are even more interactive and collaborative than typical social media content – they are encouraging the audience to participate in new and fun ways.
Are they using the power of storytelling to full effect?
Again, you can tell by looking at how an influencer marketing agency talks about what they do. Do they grasp the vital importance of good, creative storytelling? Effective influencer marketing evokes the right emotions and creates a special connection with the audience, which is best done through telling captivating stories. In order to do that, the content produced for you must be both creative and authentic – not feeling disingenuous in the slightest. The right influencer marketing agency is doing just that, and creating a precious opportunity for your brand to be connected with an engaged audience, leading to the result that you came for.
5. Screen their technology
What is their campaign management like?
Starting a campaign for you is one thing – managing it successfully is another. Check out how the agency in question is going to handle managing your project. If they are doing it right, they will be using sophisticated technology in order to keep up with and manage your influencer campaign.
They should have the latest technologies and best practices at their fingertips. Digital marketing agencies need to be familiar with the latest software, because tools such as Upfluence, Modash or Creator IQ, for example, are useful to achieve faster results through deep insights. At Kingfluencers, we have our own developed tools with which we can simplify our work, because we do everything within the system, from influencer research and sourcing, to campaign reporting and beyond predicting ROI. Thanks to the advantage that our system is based on data truth – e.g., through creating automated briefings and analysis – both, influencers and clients, share and get insights, so every process and crucial step is happening within our system based on the included real-time data.
Are they performance driven?
This means they are paying attention to and tracking the correct metrics – and have processes and strategies in place to learn from these analytics and use their learnings to adjust and improve your initiative.
Familiarity with other third-party data sources and creative tools is also helpful. Ultimately, this helps your brand gain more popularity through better campaigns – both in terms of creativity and effectiveness.
6. Learn about their network of influencers
Technology, team, and tactics aside, what can really make or break your influencer marketing campaign is what kind of influencers you end up working with.
Here’s how you can evaluate whether they will be able to connect you with the best people for the job, or whether there is a chance they’ll leave you with a mismatch that’ll end up hurting your marketing efforts:
How large of a network do they have?
While this does not directly ensure the quality of those contacts, a decent-sized network at least means that the agency has put in the work of creating many connections and has been working in this field for a good amount of time already. If the network they are working with isn’t large, they won’t have as many choices of influencers to find exactly the right ones for you.
Are all the influencers carefully vetted? What’s their vetting process like?
It’s true, people trust influencers – but only those who have shown to actually be deserving of their trust. It’s the agency’s job to filter for influencers with integrity and who are not just out to make a quick buck while carelessly disrespecting their audience and the brands they represent.
A good influencer marketing agency will take the time to get to know each and every one of their content creators. They might accomplish that task with personal onboardings, influencer trainings, and co-creation workshops. That way they’ll make sure to connect you only with quality, committed, and authentic people to represent your brand.
Will they be able to pick the right type of influencer for the job?
Do they have access to nano-, micro- and macro-influencers and can they offer the type of channel that is right for your goals? For example, while nano- and micro-influencers have a much smaller following, they are able to create a much closer connection between your brand and their community, because they are highly trusted and their audience engagement is typically much higher.
When an influencer and their following are a great fit for your brand, you have the chance to create amazing content that leads to extraordinary results.
How do they ensure quality control and accountability for their influencers?
This requires functional working relationships with their network, as well as processes for managing the workflow. See if you can find out about their process for ensuring influencer accountability.
7. Review their portfolio & skills
The influencer marketing agency you hire should have the skills you need to achieve your goals, whether it’s generating more quality leads, increasing online sales, increasing store visits, or getting more website visitors.
Do they demonstrate a deep understanding of the relevant platforms and what good content looks like?
The only way to get results is to hire an agency that has mastered the art of creating engaging and targeted influencer marketing campaigns.
You can make sure this is the case by checking out the content they’ve produced in the past.
8. Check their social proof
The best way for you to check if the agency is reputable and gets results is to look at their history and portfolio of past work. Finished work, after all, is the best demonstration of skills – far superior to any marketing promises.
Do they have a high-caliber, diverse portfolio?
The portfolio is the ideal way for the agency to showcase their best work. This will help you get an idea of what type of work they do and what type of clients they select.
What do their testimonials say?
Over 90% of clients look at testimonials before hiring an agency. Social proof is therefore an effective tactic for agencies to convert prospects into buyers. If you can’t find any testimonials on websites, it likely means:
The company may not have any previous customers
They are not the experts they claim to be
Good testimonials indicate that future customers may have a similar experience. Plus, agencies with happy clients shouldn’t have a hard time getting testimonials.
Be aware that testimonials on online review sites are easy to fake. Look for testimonials of past clients prominently featured on the agency’s website – they can’t afford to fake those!
Social proofs like testimonials and previous client reviews can be a great way to gain insight into an influencer agency’s work ethic.
Another great way to further vet an agency and ensure good collaboration is to get an idea of the agency’s past customers. Get in touch with them and ask them about their experience working with the agency. In addition to helping you choose the right agency, these discussions could also give you insight into best practices to copy.
9. Discuss their prices
Finally, be sure to discuss prices and deliverables. This is the final piece of information that will tell you if an influencer agency can give you what you are looking for, in the right way, and at the right price.
It’s crucial to find the target groups that are most likely to be interested in your offer in order to keep the advertising costs per new customer as low as possible and thus win the most new customers for your budget.
Will they be able to align with your expectations regarding budget and deliverables?
Conclusion
Starting influencer marketing in your business can be a daunting task. If you don’t first get to really know the influencer marketing agency you’re going to work with, your efforts could end up being in vain and losses could occur.
It pays to hire the best, most experienced influencer marketing experts to help you achieve your goals. You need someone who can create exciting influencer campaigns and deliver them accurately to convert your audience into customers.
To keep up in a dynamic field like social media marketing and successfully work with third parties influencers, it’s best to work with an agency with proven expertise.
Table of Contents of a Social Media Influencers Definition article
The definition of “Social Media Influencer”
Who we could define as the first paid influencer
The definition of the modern influencer on social media
What qualifies someone as an influencer?
What is an example of a social media influencer?
The power of social media influencers – defined
What exactly does a social media influencer do?
Is being a social media influencer defined as a job?
Do influencers make a lot of money?
How influencers wield their influence: A definition
Defining the different categories of influencers
Influencers as defined by social media platform
Defining the most popular fields influencers work in
Conclusion
The term “influencer” is everywhere now, and it seems like every kid (even many adults!) wants to “work as an influencer” today.
But, is there any substance behind that term?
Or is “influencer” just another buzzword from the young generation?
Let’s get rid of the ambiguity surrounding that word.
We’ll take a deep dive into the definition, what an influencer is, what they do, and how it all works.
Diving in…
Who is an influencer? Broadly speaking, you’re considered an influencer if you have authority on a given topic. People listen to you and they’ll even emulate you because they respect and look up to you.
The definition of “influential”
What you do when you influence someone is “to cause someone to adopt or change a behavior, belief, or opinion.”
When you’re an influential person, you can have this effect on a considerable number of people. You could call them your followers.
This influence can be used for many purposes. An influencer can steer his or her followers to take certain actions, start thinking in a certain way, or start taking out their wallets.
You can use influence for good or bad. While many influential people are ethical and responsible, some are not, and they can lead their followers to make bad decisions.
Who we could define as the first paid influencer
While influencer marketing has been booming in recent years – its market size shot up from CHF1.7 Billion in 2016 to CHF13.8 Billion in 2021, the concept has been around for a very long time. The first recorded paid celebrity endorsement, what we could call the first case of influencer marketing in modern times, was Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, who got hired to publicly endorse the Turkish cigarette brand Murad, in the year 1905.
The definition of the modern influencer on social media
The nature of media and celebrity has since transformed – but influencer marketing is going stronger than ever.
Nowadays, it’s no longer just celebrities who are acting as influencers endorsing products to their fans. Today influencers come in all shapes and sizes (as we’ll talk about later). Anyone with a sizable audience on social media who is trusted for their expertise, or even just liked for entertainment value, holds the power to change minds and should be considered an influencer.
They can steer people’s opinions and buying decisions – because they are liked, and/or have authority in their niche.
Brands love influencers, because their endorsements are a great way to generate awareness and build trust with an audience they might not otherwise be able to reach as easily and convincingly.
This has opened up great opportunities for those willing to put in the work to become social media influencers. Today, many have the goal of working in this unique type of “job.”
What qualifies someone as an influencer?
Anyone with at least a few hundred followers on social media, whose posts get good engagement from their audience, can be considered an influencer. Also, their content should be focused on a specific topic which they build authority around.
This way, their audience knows to trust their opinion on this specific topic.
What is an example of a social media influencer?
Every niche has influencers. For example, Taulant aka T-Ronimo on TikTok stands out with over 168k followers. Zeki also focuses on comedy with his Instagram account Swissmeme. On it, he shares typical Swiss situations as memes, causing many laughs among his Swiss community. But other areas are also represented by great Swiss influencers, such as Mimoza in the fashion/beauty category or Martina Bisaz in travel. If you want to get to know more exciting Swiss influencers, you can find an exciting article here.
ZekiMartina BisazMimoza
The power of social media influencers – defined
Influencers can do for a brand what a regular ad can’t do as easily. They can give an authentic endorsement that their audience will actually trust and follow.
“We want to do business with people or brands that we like and have forged a bond with over the years.” – Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.
This is why more and more brands are realizing the power of influencer marketing.
Alex Bolen, the chief executive of Oscar De La Renta, said: “It would not be an exaggeration to say that our handbag business has taken off through our engagement with the influencer community. Our production has doubled.”
Influencers get people to act – namely, to pull out their wallets in good faith. And that makes them very powerful. Even if they only have a modest-sized following.
What exactly does a social media influencer do?
It might look easy from the outside. Just take selfies with some products and rake in the money! Right?
But there’s a lot that has to happen behind the scenes when you’re an influencer:
They create and manage their personal brand and their accounts
They craft their strategy and plan content
They prepare for shooting video and images – clothes, make-up, lighting, choosing the right locations and angles
They’re constantly engaging with their audience
They deal with existing brand partners and acquire new ones
In short: They run a legitimate, full-time business, often with multiple employees
Is being a social media influencer defined as a job?
If we’re being precise, influencers are not employees, but rather entrepreneurs. They are their own small, or in some cases, mid-sized, business. They themselves are responsible for creating everything surrounding their brand, managing it, and growing it.
Even if they’re working with an agency or in a long-term contract with a brand, they have more responsibilities than many traditional employees.
In this case, they are acting as a business that is contracting with another.
Do influencers make a lot of money?
In many cases, yes. Typically, different-sized influencers make between CHF 200 and CHF 100,000 per post. A-list celebrities can even make up to CHF1 Million for one social media post!
How much exactly they make depends on the niche, audience size, the influencer’s likeability and ability to sell, content quality and frequency, and what kinds of contracts they manage to get from brands.
Four ways influencers can make money
1. Doing affiliate marketing
The influencer endorses a product in their content, and they receive a percentage of any resulting sales.
This type of commission-based marketing is also performance-based.
The more sales the influencer drives, the more they earn for themselves. This is often done through giving out promo codes to their followers that they can enter to get a discount with a brand. The sale is then tied to the influencer’s affiliate account.
Another way to do this is by providing a special link for the audience, but this works better on some social media platforms than others.
2. Getting money for each post
Content that is published as a collaboration between brands and influencers must be declared as a sponsored post for the transparency. The brand tells influencers which products/services they should talk about and how they should present their product. To ensure that the content is received by the target group, it is important that the influencer is given enough freedom in the creative design so that they can ensure that the posts fit into their feed and come across as authentic. The influencer is paid for the published content, which has been created in collaboration with a brand. How much an influencer earns depends on various factors, e.g. reach, Swiss Reach, content format, etc.
3. Entering into long-term contracts with brands
These relationships can last a year or more.
The influencer agrees on a certain number of campaigns, pieces of content, mentions etc. and receives payments in return for the duration of the contract.
This can be a nice stable income, which in many cases is quite welcome for the influencer who has to always be hustling for next week’s deal.
4. Receiving free products
One of the perks of the social media influencer lifestyle:
You often get free products to try out and possibly recommend to your followers. In most cases, these products will be yours to keep.
How influencers wield their influence: A definition
Here’s how an influencer’s influence actually plays out in the real world:
Influencers are connectors
They are like nodes in a network that bring together their followers, fellow influencers, and brands.
Because they are experts and leaders in their industry, their power to connect others is immense.
This comes with a lot of responsibility on the part of the influencer, by the way. If they start burning the people who trust them by repeatedly giving bad recommendations, their status as an influencer could become permanently damaged.
Influencers are informers
It’s what the internet has been all about since the beginning – efficiently spreading relevant information.
Today, social media influencers play an important role in spreading information: They keep their fans up to date with new items, developments, and even breaking news. Usually the information being spread by individual influencers is organic and more trustworthy than corporate sources.
According to a recent survey, influencers are the most trusted source of information and the most influential in the decision-making process, even more so than trade exhibitions or word-of-mouth recommendations.
Moreover, they curate information from different sources to make it more digestible for their audience.
And so, these influencers play a key role in spreading information and relevant messages!
Influencers shape opinions
While engaging and informing are vital aspects of an influencer’s job, ultimately wielding power is about influencing people’s opinions. And influencers are great at it. They’re charismatic, authoritative, and persuasive.
Their influence on the audience’s opinions can be immense, particularly if they stay timely, knowledgeable and relevant, make good content, and are careful to not misuse their followers’ trust.
Defining the different categories of influencers
Nano-influencer: Under 5000 followers
You can be a nano-influencer with some hundred social media followers, without much celebrity status.
These influencers are still a welcome business partner for certain brands, because they don’t command high payouts, or are happy just to receive free products in return for endorsements. This means they can hire many nano-influencers for the price of one macro-influencer.
More importantly, their audience, often made up of mostly their close friends and family, are extremely engaged and trust their opinion greatly. When they recommend something, it holds a lot of weight!
Micro-influencer: 5k-100k followers
We know that bigger isn’t better with influencer marketing, and working with a micro-influencer is a sweet spot between authenticity and affordability on one side and popularity and reach on the other.
Also, these small types of influencers are usually more available. While most of them do get a fair number of offers, they are usually not overwhelmed with brand deals flooding their inboxes.
Micro-influencers are the definition of niche authorities. They are experts in their topic of choice and educate their modest following on everything surrounding it. Again, engagement is very high with these micro-influencers, because their audience feels more like a family than a huge disjointed crowd, as big celebrity accounts often do.
Macro-influencer: 100k-1m followers
This is where we get into the territory of massive reach. If a macro-influencer recommends your product, you can be sure that it’ll hit hundreds of thousands of eyeballs. Accordingly, macro-influencers have higher prices, less availability, and higher standards than smaller accounts.
But, crafting the right campaign with a macro-influencer can drive serious awareness and sales, so – done right – it can be an amazing vehicle for business growth.
Mega-influencer: Over 1 million followers
These are actors, musicians, and other A-list celebrities.
Celebrities might have a huge audience, but often have less influence than smaller influencers: They appear less authentic and often don’t have as much authority and expertise in niche topics.
They are also picky, often difficult to work with, and very expensive. Many brands therefore prefer to work with multiple smaller influencers instead of one mega-influencer.
Influencers as defined by social media platform
Bloggers
The original online experts. Bloggers go deep on their chosen niche topic, and people rely on them for research and product reviews. Some blogs grow so authoritative that they turn into publishing companies rather than simple websites.
Yet, in the beginning, was the single influencer – the one you go to find out the latest and best information around the topic they’re an expert in.
YouTubers
YouTubers use the visual and auditory channel to do a similar thing to bloggers: Educate and inform their audience. But, YouTube videos also usually have more entertainment value than blogs – and influencers use that power to build huge, loyal followings. YouTube videos are usually longer than videos on TikTok and Instagram.
Brand sponsorship can take different forms: Brands can simply get a shoutout at the start and end of the video. In some cases, the influencer will make an entire video testing a product or incorporating a product into the story of the video.
There are many opportunities for brands to appear – and they love it!
Podcasters
With podcasts being the longest form of online content, they draw a very interested and loyal audience. Hence, sponsoring a show can be very valuable for brands.
Instagrammers
The advent of Instagram’s platform for sharing images and short-form videos is when influencer marketing really blew up as a business.
Viral Instagram Reels are flashy, fancy, and engaging. A strategic product placement or endorsement by the influencer can do wonders for a brand’s marketing efforts.
Sponsored Instagram posts are also a great way for influencers to get paid – often handsomely.
So today most young people aspire to become influencers themselves because they see the cash and status it can bring.
TikTokers
This is the hot young platform, and home to a lot of up-and-coming social media influencers. While TikTok is a more fast-paced platform, people still grow to love and associate with their favorite creators. This opens the door to brand endorsements and influencer sponsorships, similar to other platforms.
Defining the most popular fields influencers work in
Here are some of the niches that influencers choose – most of these are trending, have a large audience, and can be very profitable to create content around.
1. The Business and Money-Making niche
Many people want to be an influencer in this niche, and their quality and ethics are on a spectrum. You can make a lot of money by teaching others about money. There are endless resources and tools to recommend that you can earn substantial commissions for.
2. The Beauty niche
One of the most popular niches for young, often female content creators to be an influencer in. But also becoming more and more important for male creators.
3. The Fitness and Health niche
This niche is always going strong. It’s also competitive. Many different people have the goal of being health and fitness influencers. Fitness is also a very visual topic, so is well suited to social media.
4.The Cooking and Food niche
People love to look at recipes and cooking videos online – and influencers will provide! Some of these food and cooking accounts grow to millions of followers.
5. The Tech niche
There are always new and expensive products to review. This niche is quite competitive, but can offer great payouts to influencers.
6. The Travel niche
Travel seems to be an evergreen niche that is coming back in 2024 and beyond. Influencers can partner with tour companies, airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies to turn documenting their travels into a money-making activity.
7. The Fashion niche
Fashion modeling nowadays happens more on social media than it does at fashion shows or in print magazines. Consequently, there is good money to be made for influencers representing luxury clothing brands or as affiliates selling accessories, for example.
8. The Parenting niche
This niche is growing as more people get their information from trusted online influencers than from books or other traditional sources, even on topics such as parenting.
9. The Lifestyle niche
A broad, and popular niche. Creators can pick from a number of topics. Although it takes something special to stand out in this niche. An influencer has to be charismatic, successful, creative, or a combination of those in order to make it in this niche.
10. The Pet niche
It seems like cute kitten pictures and videos have always been the most popular thing on the internet. It now goes so much further. Pets have their own Instagram accounts, dog training gurus are everywhere. The growing pet niche is still a good niche to get into.
Conclusion
We hope this helped clear up the question of what an influencer really is! If you’re thinking about becoming an influencer yourself – or you’re a business curious about if using influencer marketing might be a good idea for your business – feel free to check out our other articles on these topics or join the email list to receive the latest news and trends around influencers and influencer marketing.
In the dynamic world of modern marketing, the symbiosis of influencer content and performance marketing emerges as a powerful force. This approach entails a multifaceted strategy that melds the strengths of influencers, data-driven insights, and optimized ads. At its core, this methodology revolves around seamlessly integrating influencer content into performance campaigns, guiding potential customers towards online shops with finesse. Features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shop enhance the customer journey, optimizing the conversion process. This article explores the intricacies of this strategy, unraveling how it drives engagement and sales.
The Evolution of Performance Marketing with Influencer Content
Performance Marketing with Influencer Content, though not novel, has gained substantial traction in recent times. This method empowers advertisers to refine their marketing tactics, fostering user acquisition, brand recognition, and efficient return on ad expenditure. At its essence, creator-based performance marketing transforms authentic content generated by influencers and content creators into the driving force of performance campaigns. The resultant conversion-optimized ads propel sales in the domains of e-commerce and social commerce.
Harnessing Influencers and content creators in the Digital Era
In the contemporary digital landscape, social media has emerged as a dominant player in marketing. The convergence of influencer marketing with performance campaigns amplifies the efficacy of advertising strategies. Influencers and content creators wield the trust of their followers, endorsing products with research-backed integrity rather than contractual obligations. In contrast to celebrity endorsements, influencer marketing’s appeal lies in its laser focus on niche communities, facilitating profound engagement.
Crafting an Effective Creator-Based Performance Marketing Strategy
Within this realm, crafting an effective creator-based performance marketing strategy entails a multifaceted orchestration. The interplay of compelling content, astute audience targeting, and finely tuned ads constitutes the symphony of success. By assimilating influencers’ and content creators’ authentic perspectives, brands synthesize a resonant narrative that propels users towards online shops. This integration serves to humanize the marketing process, fueling engagement and driving conversions.
Empowering Campaigns with Influencer Creatives
In today’s digital tapestry, influencers and content creators have ascended to the role of modern storytellers. Their content possesses the rare ability to captivate and convert. Integrating influencer-generated content into performance campaigns taps into an authentic wellspring of relatability and trust. This integration imbues advertisements with an undeniable authenticity, fostering a seamless transition from interest to purchase. By embedding influencer and content creator insights into the journey, the trajectory from browsing to transaction becomes intuitive, catalyzed by the persuasive power of genuine endorsement.
Moreover, influencer content can be marketed on a much more authentic level. Which leads to the usage of diverse, creative and target group-oriented assets, instead of having to rely on or resort to monotonous, less authentic stock images. Customers are thus addressed on an emotional level, while at the same time a recognition value occurs, which increases the purchase potential immensely. This also leads to cost efficiency on the brand side, as the influencer and content creator campaigns created can simultaneously create a synergy for the usage and marketing on other channels.
A Seamless Path to Conversion
In bridging the inspiration-to-action gap, the pivotal role of influencer content takes center stage. Brands have leveraged ingenious features such as Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shop to facilitate frictionless conversion pathways. Merging influencer content with these tools elevates inspiration to actionable engagement. Audiences captivated by influencer- and content creator-endorsed products can seamlessly transition from captivating posts to tangible purchases. This harmonization ensures a seamless journey, transforming potential customers into steadfast advocates and fostering an enduring cycle of engagement and growth.
The Essence of Influencer Selection and Engagement
Optimal influencer and content creator selection is foundational to this approach. Establishing transparent agreements and briefing influencers and content creators on brand ethos are essential to fruitful collaborations. Legal safeguards and clear communication lay the groundwork. In scenarios where expertise is limited, partnering with agencies can streamline influencer and content creator interactions and campaign execution.
In Closing: Creator-Based Performance Marketing Unveiled
To summarize, the convergence of influencer content and performance marketing encapsulates a dynamic approach that intertwines storytelling with data-driven precision. Integrating influencer and content creator insights within this framework magnifies its impact. By aligning influencer and content creator expertise with e-commerce tools, brands sculpt a seamless journey from intrigue to conversion. This narrative-rich pathway augments user experiences, fuels engagement, and emboldens online sales, forging a harmony between authenticity and commerce.
After its international launch in 2017, TikTok has become one of the largest social media apps in the world. The ByteDance brainchild has become a sensation among young people around the world, having over a billion followers worldwide. As always, the popularity of this platform has given rise to many social media influencers on the platform. These influencers which are known as TikTok influencers have become people who can help businesses be more visible by authentically engaging their communities on the app.
Switzerland has a population of 8.66 million people. TikTok is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland, especially among young people, but not only (see our blog article about “No, Gen Z doesn’t Equal “Gen TikTok”). In 2022, there were an estimated 2.06 million TikTok users in Switzerland that are 18 and above. The gender demography indicates that more females use TikTok in Switzerland with the ratio standing at 50.7% to 49.3% in favor of the ladies. The age demography is also much more widely distributed. According to a recent survey, the distribution is as follows: 18-24 years old: 50.5%, 25-34 years old: 38.8%, 35-44 years old: 5.9%, 45-54 years old: 2.2%,55 years and older: 2.6%.
With so many users spread across such a wide demography, it is a no-brainer that there are many successful TikTok Influencers in the country. The success of these influencers shows that TikTok is a powerful platform for reaching a large audience and building an engaging community in Switzerland.
In today’s article, we are going to be revealing a list of the 20 most successful TikTok influencers in Switzerland, with whom we have worked for different brand campaigns throughout various industries. Let us dive into the list and find out who is who in Switzerland’s TikTok influencer world.
Oluyomi Scherrer, known as Thispronto (@thispronto) on TikTok, became super famous for making delicious food and cool videos. He started in 2020 and got 11.8 million followers fast by showing off his cheesy dishes and pulling them apart in cool ways. His videos went viral, especially when he sliced rare meats or made a chocolate milkshake, getting over 7.5 million views. He also has a YouTube channel with 125K subscribers, where he shares more about himself.
People love Thispronto for how he looks, his great smile, and his unique style. He’s a big deal on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and a lot of fans love following him.Now, he’s getting into modeling, and he’s still growing on social media. He’s known for his awesome cooking, friendly personality, and being popular on different platforms. He’s on track to be one of TikTok’s biggest stars, keeping fans hooked with his food skills and cool stuff online.
Swiss TikToker Noemi Nikita commands a massive following of 13.5 million, renowned for her beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Since her 2019 TikTok debut, she’s enchanted viewers with her fun takes on daily “getting ready”s . Her videos encompass funny and authentic makeup tutorials, fashion hauls, and insights into leading a chic life. Nikita’s innate ability to forge a personal bond with her audience sets her apart as a gifted content creator. Her videos are not only stylish and aspirational but also consistently engaging.
In the realm of TikTok, she’s a burgeoning luminary, destined for even greater prominence. Highlights of her TikTok success include a makeup tutorial with 10 million views, a fashion haul reaching 5 million views, and a peek into her daily routine garnering 3 million views. At the time of writing, her videos have amassed over 338.3 million likes. Nikita’s artistic prowess ensures ongoing entertainment and inspiration for her audience in Switzerland and around the world. Nikita has participated in some of our campaigns. Check out her skincare routine for blemished skin with CeraVe.
Joung Gustav, a Swiss-born TikTok sensation, has etched his name among the top echelons of social media stardom in Switzerland. Boasting over 5.4 million followers, his rise to fame stemmed from the creative concoction of lip-sync and dance performances on the viral platform. His TikTok trajectory has been propelled by a fusion of musical prowess and street charisma. With a background in singing cultivated during his formative years in high school and college, Gustav wields his talent adeptly, captivating audiences globally. His knack for engaging strangers and delivering riveting rap performances amidst urban landscapes has earned him an impressive tally of over 102 million likes on TikTok.
His Instagram presence, boasting 309k followers, mirrors his TikTok exploits, showcasing street performances that amplify his magnetic online persona. Joung Gustav’s ascent epitomizes the digital age’s ability to transform talents into global phenomena, solidifying his status as a modern-day social media luminary in Switzerland and beyond. Check out the content he created for one of our campaigns with him for the Smile Swiss Influencer Awards.
Daniela Scuderi, better known to her 4.5 million followers as @daniellapintto on TikTok, is a Swiss sensation redefining social media entertainment and has captured hearts with her engaging lip-sync performances, relatable comedy sketches, and on-point trend videos.
Her rise to stardom stems from an innate ability to connect with her audience through authentic and entertaining content. Daniela’s TikTok account is a mosaic of creativity, where she effortlessly weaves together humor, trends, and relatable moments that resonate with millions worldwide.
Beyond TikTok, Daniela extends her digital footprint to Instagram, where she shares glimpses into her personal life, travels, and moments that further solidify her bond with fans. Her Instagram presence, akin to a visual diary, offers a deeper insight into the life and experiences of this multifaceted social media personality. Daniela Scuderi isn’t just a TikTok star, she’s a symbol of contemporary digital entertainment, leveraging her charisma, talent, and authenticity to carve a niche in the dynamic landscape of social media. Her magnetic presence continues to captivate audiences, making her a celebrated figure in the realm of online entertainment. Check out the content she did with us for Fisher Price.
Leo, better known as @leshautscommeleo on TikTok, has 4.5 million followers. Through his comedic sketches and engaging lip-syncing videos, he has successfully garnered a large following on the platform. Originating from a quaint Swiss town, Leo began his TikTok journey in 2020, rapidly amassing popularity through his relatable and amusing content. His videos, which humorously chronicle everyday encounters like school, work, and relationships, have struck a chord with viewers globally
Several of Leo’s TikTok videos have achieved substantial success. Notable among them are “My First Day of School,” viewed over 10 million times, “When Your Crush Texts You,” boasting 5 million views, and “How to Deal with Stress,” watched by over 3 million users.
In addition to his comedic prowess, Leo is a university student pursuing computer science, displaying a diverse skill set that encompasses music and singing. He holds a deep affection for comedy movies and TV shows, consistently aiming to elicit laughter from his audience. With an ability to forge a personal connection with his followers, Leo is primed for continued growth and recognition, emerging as an inspirational figure and exemplar of achievement for youth worldwide.
Alessandro Crivelli, known as Ales2ndro on TikTok and Aless2ndro on Instagram, is a big deal on social media. He’s lives in Lugano, Switzerland. He attended a vocational high school focusing on digital communication, he’s really into music and ballet.
His social media success changed his life. It helped him shake off a negative outlook and see things in a more positive light. But fame comes with its challenges – he deals with prejudice and negativity sometimes.
He still hopes to be an actor and travel a lot. His message to everyone out there is all about self-belief, chasing dreams, and making the most out of life. That’s what he’s all about! He’s part of a lot of campaigns with us, to name a few: to promote the relaunch of a new insurance for Helvetia, or the “Not a Joke” campaign against cyber mobbing.
AdiTotoro is super famous on TikTok! Loads of people like his videos – he’s got over 97.4 million likes and 2.4 million followers. What’s cool about him is the funny and clever stuff he does in his videos. He loves wearing his special Totoro costume in them.
Apart from TikTok, he’s all over other places too like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch. On YouTube, he started way back in 2015, making all sorts of videos like pranks and vlogs. Later on, he decided to make his videos in Swiss German.
He’s not just about making videos, though.
AdiTotoro also started his own clothing label called De Bifferent and won some cool awards like the Swiss Comedy Award in 2020 and the Swiss Influencer Award in 2021. In 2019, he began his journey on TikTok, and he’s been doing fun stuff there ever since! AdiTotoro had different plans before; he wanted to work at a radio station. But he found his true calling on social media, and that’s where he’s really made a name for himself. He is part of our campaign with Stimorol, check it out!
@chiaracastelli is a buzzing account, full of music magic, owned by Chiara Castelli, a talented Swiss singer-songwriter. With a massive 1.8 million followers and 19.1 million likes, her TikTok is a hotspot for music lovers.
Chiara’s TikTok is all about her tunes! She shares her musical talent through videos of her singing and strumming her guitar, plus covers of hit songs. But it’s not just performances – she also gives a sneak peek into her creative process and chats with fans in the comments. This account is a stage for Chiara’s music and a window into her world for fans. Her dedication to music shines through her posts, keeping everyone hooked with her fresh and exciting content. Chiara Castelli is more than just an artist; she’s a passionate soul sharing her talent and connecting with fans in a whole new way through TikTok. Check out her content for the Zurich Film Festival campaign she did with us.
Kabee Ch is a big deal on TikTok! She’s got a whopping 1.1 million followers and a massive 26.1 million views altogether. People love her creative ideas and fun content. On TikTok, she rocks with her cool conversational videos, lip-syncs, and POV videos.
She’s not just about TikTok! On Instagram, Kabee Ch shares cool glimpses of her life, stunning outfits, and modeling photos. She’s super friendly and connects with her audience real quick. Her fans adore watching her videos, liking, commenting, and sharing the fun. She’s a star on both TikTok and Instagram, showing off her creativity and making everyone smile. Check out her content for our campaign for Maybelline New York.
Raffasplastic is a German social media personality and comedian known for her humorous and sometimes controversial content on TikTok and Instagram. Born in 1994 in Germany, she began creating videos in 2016, quickly gaining attention for her distinctive and bold sense of humor. Her content often involves discussions about her life, relationships, and experiences with mental health.
She’s recognized for parodies of popular songs and impressions of celebrities, showcasing her creativity and ability to engage her audience. Despite the controversial nature of some of her content, Raffasplastic has garnered praise for her originality and her knack for connecting with her viewers. With over 25 million likes on TikTok and a following of more than 360,000 on Instagram, she’s made a significant impact in the realm of social media comedy. Check out her content for our campaign for NYX Cosmetics!
Lanabante, also known as Laura Bante, is a Swiss influencer, actress, and fitness enthusiast. Her TikTok boasts over 700,000 followers, while her Instagram has gathered over 110,000 fans.
On TikTok, Lanabante shares relatable and funny content, often talking about daily life, relationships, personal growth, and self-love. She also posts workout routines, healthy eating ideas, and beauty tips, inspiring her audience to lead healthier and more positive lives.
Her authentic personality and down-to-earth content have struck a chord with her audience, making her a beloved influencer in the Swiss TikTok community. Lanabante’s knack for connecting with followers on a personal level motivates them to embrace their uniqueness and chase their aspirations. Beyond social media, Lanabante is an actress with experience in theater productions and starring roles in short films. Her passion for performing and her ability to captivate audiences hint at a promising future in the world of acting. She is part of a lot of our campaigns for different brands, check out the content she created on TikTok for the Brother mini printer campaign.
Margauseydouxx is a video content creator that’s popular on the Swiss tiktok. She is known for her fun and engaging videos that focus on DIY, fashion, lifestyle, and food. She has a total of 664.8k followers and a whooping 29 million views on all her videos.
She has carved a niche for herself in the digital realm with her delightful and heartfelt content. Born with a creative spirit, Margaux captivates her audience with a warm and affectionate approach. Whether she’s crafting inventive DIY projects, sharing fashion-forward style tips, or offering glimpses into her lifestyle and culinary creations, Margaux’s content is an open invitation for her followers to join in the joy of crafting and self-care.
Recently, as the cold season has approached, Margaux has been treating her followers to a festive array of content tailored specifically for the holiday season. From crafting gingerbread pillows to presenting thoughtful year-end gift ideas, she guides her community through the art of self-expression. And let’s not forget the adorable addition to her content – Twyx, her cute and endearing cat. Also check out the content she created for our Maybelline New York campaign!
Nathii, also known as Nathistyle, is a big deal on TikTok. Lots of people like her there – over 16.9 million times! She has about 271,000 friends following her too. What’s cool about her is what she does on TikTok.
She makes videos about her life, the fun things she does, and the clothes she likes. Nathistyle is never shy about showing who she really is. People love that about her. She’s a happy and inspiring person who’s always ready for new things.
Apart from TikTok, she’s on YouTube with her own channel. And guess what? She’s got a podcast too! It’s called Znüni Pause. Nathistyle is famous for being herself and sharing her life with everyone. Whether it’s vlogs or fashion stuff, she’s got a lot of interesting things to watch. If you’re looking for something fun and exciting, her TikTok is where you can find it. Check out her stylish content she created for our campaign with the secondhand shop marko.
Christabelle (@christabelle_8) thrives as a TikTok sensation with a robust 253.5k followers. Renowned for her comedy sketches, engaging lip-syncs, and spirited dance challenges, her singing prowess shines through covers of popular tracks. Her videos, seamlessly blending humor and relatability, masterfully tickle funny bones while showcasing her natural ability to evoke laughter. Christabelle’s creative reservoir seemingly knows no bounds, consistently birthing captivating content ideas.
Noteworthy videos include a hilarious mall misadventure sketch, clocking 100k+ views, an energetic lip-sync rendition of “Levitating” by Dua Lipa with 50k+ views, and a dynamic dance challenge to Cardi B’s “Up,” garnering 30k+ views. As a burgeoning TikTok luminary, Christabelle’s trajectory promises sustained growth. Her fusion of talent and creativity ensures riveting entertainment and inspiration for her expanding audience.
In the challenge arena, Christabelle shines bright; her #InMyFeelings challenge video went viral with over a million views. Likewise, her #Renegade and #SaySo challenge entries achieved impressive traction, cementing her role as a rising influencer.
Leonard Khalifa isn’t just an entrepreneur; he’s a TikTok sensation! With a whopping 238,000 followers, his TikTok game is strong. Known for his humor and engaging content, he reels in his audience with funny videos showcasing his life in Switzerland.
On TikTok, Leonard crafts a world of laughter and entertainment, sharing snippets of his daily life with a touch of Swiss charm. His engaging content keeps followers hooked, making him a popular figure in the digital space. Whether he’s cracking jokes or giving glimpses into his Swiss lifestyle, Leonard’s TikTok account is a blend of humor and relatable moments. With his engaging approach, he’s managed to carve a niche in the online world, captivating thousands with his amusing content. For a dose of laughter and a peek into Swiss life, Leonard Khalifa’s TikTok is the go-to destination! Check out the content he did for a campaign with us: Blink Fahrschule.
T_ronimo, an engaging TikTok persona, a Swiss comedian and actor, boasts a sizable 100,000 followers. His posts offer a candid lens into his life, reflections, and personal experiences, generating an authentic connection with his audience. Presenting an eclectic mix of content, from narratives of his journey as a Balkan immigrant in Switzerland to introspections on the world’s current state and encounters with racism, T_ronimo’s videos resonate due to their blend of humor and unfiltered sincerity.
Emerging in 2022, T_ronimo transcends Swiss borders, finding resonance in countries like Germany, Austria, and Italy. His charm strikes a chord most notably among the youthful demographic aged 18-34, fostering an engaged community. He worked in a lot of campaigns with us, check out his content for the CeraVe campaign.
DARIO.SKRR, the TikTok sensation with the handle @dario.skrr, is captivating an audience of over 177,000 followers and accruing a staggering 8.7 million likes. Hailing from Switzerland, Dario specialises in comedic sketches and lip-syncs, often joining creative forces with his girlfriend, Aliah. Their collaborative energy shines in videos like the “skrr boi” lip-sync, amassing 740,000 views, and a playful reenactment of a “Mean Girls” scene with 600,000 views. Simple yet uproarious, a video of Dario’s funny face garners 500,000 views.
At just 18 years old, Dario, also known as Dario Bühler, has swiftly risen to fame on TikTok. Based in Winterthur, he balances his online presence with studies at the University of Applied Sciences, where he explores his passion for marketing and social media. Having entered the TikTok scene in 2022, DARIO.SKRR’s charm has even graced Swiss media outlets like 20 Minuten and Blick. His infectious humour and relatability make his TikTok page a prime destination for a hearty laugh. He’s a part of a few campaigns with us, check out one of his content he did for our campaign with Manor!
Eric Wdrae (@ericwdrae), a Swiss comedian and TikTok content creator, is making waves with his hilarious sketches and videos that shed light on Swiss culture. Boasting an impressive following, his content has collectively amassed over 100 million views. Eric’s comedic genius shines through in his most popular videos. His take on the unique Swiss pronunciation of the letter “W” has generated uproarious laughter from over 1 million viewers. Delving into the nation’s love affair with cheese, a video with 500K views has struck a chord with many.
Additionally, his clever portrayal of Swiss people’s obsession with order and cleanliness, depicted in a video with 300K views, demonstrates his keen observational skills. In total, he has a cummulative of 6 million likes from all his videos. Eric Wdrae’s comedic prowess has catapulted him into the spotlight on TikTok, and his meteoric rise is undeniable. As he continues to tickle funny bones and offer glimpses into Swiss culture, his follower count is bound to surge, solidifying his position as a prominent and side-splitting presence on the platform. We worked with Eric for a few of our campaigns, check out some of the content he did for SBB CFF!
Der Praktikanttv are rocking it on TikTok! With a knack for quick, engaging content, their TikTok game is on fire. Even though they’re relatively new to the platform, they have 145.8k followers and 6.1 million likes.
On TikTok, Der Praktikanttv brings a slice of Switzerland, blending humor, catchy sounds, and relatable Swiss phrases. Their short, engaging videos capture the essence of Swiss culture, making it all the more appealing to a local audience.
From a glimpse into Swiss student life to tips on the best places to dine in Zurich, their TikTok serves up bite-sized chunks of Swiss travel, food, and culture. Their unique perspective on Switzerland and their lighthearted, humorous approach set them apart from other travel channels on the platform. Der Praktikanttv’s TikTok is an ideal spot for anyone curious about Switzerland, offering informative and entertaining content that’ll make you want to explore the country firsthand! Check out the creative content he did for our campaign with Bubble Box.
Noah Bachofen is not just a master chef but a TikTok sensation too! With over 38.9K followers and 1.6M likes, his TikTok game is strong. You’ll catch him cooking up Swiss cuisine, adding a dash of humor and catchy sound effects to spice things up.
In Noah’s TikTok world, it’s all about showcasing his culinary skills and the delights of Swiss food. His videos are a treat, hitting over 4.08 million views! He knows how to turn the kitchen into an entertaining stage, making cooking fun and engaging for everyone.
From slicing and dicing to sharing his unique recipes, Noah’s TikTok is a flavorful journey through the world of cooking. He adds that special touch of humor and captivating effects to keep his audience hooked. For anyone passionate about food or looking for some culinary inspiration, Noah’s TikTok (@bachofennoah) is the place to be. Dive into the world of flavors, recipes, and cooking tips, all served up with a side of entertainment! Check out his refreshing and cool content for a campaign he did for us for AirUp!
Conclusion
Here are some of the most popular TikTok influencers in Switzerland. If you are planning to carry out a campaign anytime soon, this might just be the perfect list to make your choice from. You may wonder who would be the perfect fit for your brand though? At Kingfluencers, we help businesses connect with the right influencers in order to bring your message to your target audience(s). Reach out to us today so we can help you with your individual sourcing for your perfect TikTok influencers and beyond.
Granfluencers are influencers of typical grandparent age, generally 60 or older. Some members of this Baby Boomer generation are building huge social media followings and partnering with brands.
Theseunique influencers present an equally unique opportunity for brands to connect with audiences of all ages.
The Wealth of Older Generations
Brands have good reasons to target baby boomers. Many say thisis the richest generation of seniors we’ve ever had and will ever have. They have the highest incomes and the most real estate. Baby boomers have redefined aging and, more than previous generations, expect to be able to enjoy life.
“With the highest current disposable income of all generations, baby boomers have the greatest spending power of all generations… According to studies, they spend more than the average customer in almost all consumer categories.” In Germany, the average wealth of boomers is higher than the population average, 30% higher than that of younger generations.
Authenticity that Appeals to Old & Young Audiences Alike
It’s easy to assume that older influencers appeal only (or primarily) to older audiences. But it’s important to consider that granfluencers don’t appeal only to older people. These influencers are attracting followers of all ages, and like all influencers, they create content on a variety of topics.
“While granfluencers speak to older generations, they can also attract younger audiences because of the fun and authentic way they represent themselves online.
Brands should consider partnering with granfluencers as a way of attracting Gen X, Millennials, or even Gen Z, as the older influencers are quite entertaining and engaging for these generations as well,”
said Sarah Schmid, Head of Marketing at Kingfluencers.
62-year-old Helen Polise has nearly 1 million followers on her TikTok account, “The Muthership,” which features paid tutorials on using TikTok. Polise affirmed the importance of authenticity,
“I want to highlight that it’s OK to get older. I feel more authentic. I’m not afraid to be myself.”
CrunchyTales.com, the magazine on a mission to reset the meaning of middle age, wrote about the appeal of granfluencers.
“Well known for their authenticity and reliability, they don’t try to be something they’re not and are comfortable in their own skin. This makes them appealing to their followers, who appreciate their genuine approach. Thanks to their ability to create a sense of community, engaging with their followers, responding to comments and messages, they are also able to create a strong sense of belonging.”
Pro-Aging, Pro-Living
There’s been a growing recognition of the need to fix toxic beauty standards on social media. Often, this involves featuring models of varying sizes and not using filters to artificially make skin appear flawless. But even with this increased focus, elderly models are still somewhat rare. Showing people of not only different shapes and sizes but also ages is another positive development in the growing popularity of granfluencers.
With over three million followers on Instagram, Helen Vanwinkle describes herself as,
“Stealing Ur Mans Since 1928.”
The 94-year-old American posts bold, colorful outfits.
Many granfluencers communicate pro-aging messages, such as Grece Ghanem who’s bio states,
“All about fashion and confidence as style has no age!”
Joan MacDonald shares her fitness journey, which began when she was 70 years old. She writes,
“To all the incredible women out there, let’s come together and challenge the misconceptions about aging. As we pull back the veil on all we’ve been fed about getting older, we are empowering ourselves to embrace the beauty of aging.”
These messages resonate with a younger audience that hasn’t yet reached that phase of life.
More Diversity and Inclusion
“I see the development of granfluencers as positive. It shows that diversity and inclusion can be done in different ways. I imagine that we will soon be able to observe this trend in Switzerland as well. At Kingfluencers, we already see the relevance of influencers from other generations in addition to Gen Z,” said Tamara Glück Gonzalez, Senior Influencer Strategist, Kingfluencers.
Kingfluencers recently wrote about the popularity of TikTok beyond Gen Z. Just because Gen Z may have led the way doesn’t mean other generations haven’t also moved to embrace TikTok.
Another popular granfluencer on TikTok is 89-year-old Propa, who shares adventures such as a hot air balloon trip, and cooking-related content, and has partnered with HelloFresh Deutschland.
Capture Attention with a Distinct Approach
Merely by nature of being distinct, granfluencers can capture attention. As unique individuals on platforms with numerous young and beautiful creators, elderly influencers stand out from the crowds.
Similar to Seth Godin’s famous Purple Cow analogy, granfluencers can help brands capture attention, which is vital in an increasingly noisy world.
For example, Erika Rischko is an 83-year-old fitness junkie and author of,
“Für Fitness ist es nie zu spät.”
Erika posts many workout videos, some of which are quite intense and impressive, including suspension training.
Her content stands out among the many posts tagged with “suspension training.”
Tips for Brands Working with Granfluencers
The process of partnering with a granfluencer is the same as with an influencer from any generation. Some quick tips include:
2. Give them a briefing, but enough freedom to connect authentically with your audience.
3. Remember that granfluencers are not digital natives.
While those who’ve built a large following are likely as tech-savvy as any Gen Zer, don’t assume.
Connect and have a quick chat to confirm your influencer’s understanding of relevant issues, such as social commerce features or music rights.
4. Consider an account takeover, enabling a granfluencer to bring all their authenticity, fun, and wisdom to your brand for a day.
5. You can run campaigns such as:
Staying fashionable as you age
Cooking tips for senior citizens
Traveling while elderly
Or simply run campaigns on fashion, cooking, and traveling without specifying that the influencers are elderly – similar to how not every fashion campaign featuring a Gen Z influencer is titled, “Fashion tips for Gen Z.”
With 4.2 M followers, Jaadiee is a popular multigenerational TikTok account. Jaadiee runs the account and describes himself as the
“personal photographer and grandson of Gramps.”
After seeing his grandpa’s love for streetwear evolving, Jaadiee decided to capture his joy and passion and spread it with the world. While Gramps is the main subject of most TikToks, Jaadiee also appears on camera occasionally.
Contact Kingfluencers to explore how we can help you team up with influencers – “Grand” or otherwise – to build campaigns that amplify your brand messages.
How to be Another Success Story at StreetParade & Beyond
If you ask yourself what “the Power of Influencer Marketing at Events” brings for your brand and how to maximize your impact for your next campaigns, then read on.
The term “event marketing” conjures up images of exhibitor badges, giveaways, and sponsored cocktail hours. For marketers, it means a lot of logistics work. Influencers, on the other hand, are often associated with campaigns confined to social media – viewed as an entirely distinct marketing channel.
But by incorporating influencers into events, you can fuse the excitement of the event with authentic brand advocacy. The result is a synergy, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.
Events are a Vital Marketing Tool
For 61% of marketers, events are their most vital marketing tool. Many events, such as the annual Zurich StreetParade, already have huge visibility, making them excellent channels for brands to engage their audiences. Impressively, event participation leaves 98% of users feeling more inclined to make a purchase. Sponsorship of events helps to facilitate brand engagement for a whopping 98% of cases.
Coachella, a music and arts festival held annually in California, generates buzz through multi-faceted marketing, including big brand sponsorships, influencer marketing, and social media. When influencers attend and create content, the audience shares in their unique, personal experience of the festival, which is authentic and relatable. Brands foster content creation with experiences such as Absolut Vodka’s “Absolut Ultimate VIP Coachella Experience” contest. Such luxurious settings are often “Instagrammable,” driving the creation of beautiful, engaging content. Research shows that 40% of consumers become brand loyalists after a brand activation event.
The Power of Combining Influencers & Events
Similar to social media in general, brands can engage in their own marketing activities at an event– without influencers. But, again like social media, influencers provide brands with a way to stand out from the noise. Influencers give brands a real face that people relate to and help connect to consumers.
In 2022, the World Cup was hosted in Doha, Qatar, a city not previously known as a soccer hub. To promote the tournament, FIFA immersed 17 influencers in Doha’s culture. The campaign included influencers representing 5 countries that are major soccer hubs in order to deliver the necessary large, international exposure. The team achieved a total reach of 10 M, with a total engagement of 127K.
(Brands + Influencers) + Events = Synergy
With the proper strategy, brands can partner with influencers and use the marketing power of events to engage audiences.
Kingfluencers serves as a link between brands and creators.
Last year, in collaboration with StreetParade Zurich, we created an exclusive Kingfluencers VIP Stage and shared the experience with over 250 influencers. Under the hashtag #KingfluencersXStreetparade, the influencers shared the unforgettable day live with their communities. The creators published a total of 71 posts on Instagram and TikTok, achieving over 1.8 M impressions.
Join the Party, Share the Good Vibes
Building on the success of 2022, Kingfluencers was again part of StreetParade this year and hosted an event in which content creators celebrated brands, combining the excitement of the eventwith brand advocacy. Enjoying the comfort and support of ON RUNNING shoes, influencers danced in the exclusive VIP zone with the best view of the main stage. ON RUNNING shoes also provided a cool and refreshing installation, and our brand partner Maybelline delivered an onsite get-ready booth and amazing giveaway products.
Highlights include 2.2M (4.8M*) impressions, 210k (358k*) engagement, and an engagement rate of 7.0% (10.9%*).
*KPIs were estimated using internal artificial intelligence-based technology. The actual KPIs generally correspond to the figures in brackets, as significantly more was posted than tracked.
Some of the created content pieces by our influencers on-site can be found below:
Kingfluencers’ content creators that were invited, such as Sven Ivanic, had a wonderful time:
The StreetParade itself is already a highlight, but the Kingfluencers team simply takes it to an even higher level. Great view of the main stage, great people from different areas, and good vibes. What more could you want?
– Sven Ivanic
The huge visibility of the event delivers the perfect opportunity for brands to generate buzz around your product or service in a fun atmosphere, surrounded by people enjoying themselves. Content creators can share authentic good vibes and promote your product in a way that doesn’t feel like a promotion.
Contact Kingfluencers to discuss how your brand can benefit from joining next year’s party.
12 Ways to Maximize the Impact of your Influencer Partnerships at Events like StreetParade
Involving influencers raises awareness of the event itself as well as awareness of your brand. Consider the following additional, creative steps.
1. Offer an exclusive, thrilling influencer experience
Delivering an immersive, exciting time for your influencers can build and strengthen their love for your brand, driving more impactful, authentic advocacy. This can also foster more content and higher content quality.
Together with L’Oréal Switzerland, Kingfluencers organized a pre-event for some of the influencers that were invited to the Swiss Influencer Award Show. Professional L’Oréal make-up artists and hairstylists pampered 20 influencers, including Alessandra Spataro. The fun experience also featured beautiful floral decorations from Blumenpost, some tasty bites from Eat Unique, and delicious rosé wine from Piu Vino.
2. Ask influencers to invite their community to try your product at the event
Engaged community members can post genuine reactions and reviews, further expanding your reach.
3. Consider an account takeover
Enable an influencer to share their event experiences with your brand’s audience.
4. Try some guerrilla marketing by using the elements of surprise and wonder.
Event attendees are already expecting thrilling, unique experiences. Join the fun with experiential marketing and unconventional and inventive displays. For example, the “Amex Experience” lounge at Coachella offered American Express cardmembers fun activities such as printing their photo onto a limited-edition Coachella tote bag.
5. Run contents & challenges before & during the event
Add to the anticipation in advance of the event by hosting contests and challenges. Keep the content going throughout the event and involve your influencer partners in activating their communities over a longer period of time.
Kingfluencers ran a campaign for Stimorol in combination with Zurich Openair (ZOA) which achieved excellent KPIs: 2.2M impressions and 45K engagement. In the first phase, influencers promoted a contest before the event to win tickets to ZOA thanks to Stimorol. In phase two, influencers were onsite at the festival, interacting with the community doing Stimorol samplings and funny interviews and challenges.
6. Repurpose the content afterwards
Use the content created during the event across multiple channels. Consider hiring photographers and videographers to create high-quality content with your influencers.
7. Partner up with another brand
In addition to partnering with influencers, consider teaming up with another brand to expand the audience you can reach. By pairing up with a complementary brand, such as food with beverage, you can create delightful experiences for your combined audience.
8. Livestream the event
Share the fun in real-time live on social media, streamed as part of an account takeover by an influencer or marketing agency, or by internal brand employees.
9. Offer branded goodie bags
Everyone loves some swag, and unboxing a goodie bag is fun content to share. Harness the power of FOMO by offering giveaways to event VIPs and influencers.
Interestingly, FOMO is an especially helpful marketing tactic if your target audience includes millennials. 69% of millennials experience FOMO, the highest percentage in any age group. Include branded items like clothing and gadgets to mix the digital with physical experience.
10. Promote incentives
Offer special promo codes for your influencers to share with their community during the event. Consider making the offers short-term to further drive action.
11. Create online event resources
Build assets such as unique landing pages on your brand’s website. Make sure your audience knows the scope of your involvement in the event so they can participate by attending in person, watching your live stream, joining your content, etc.
12. Plan properly & clarify expectations
Regardless of which of the above ideas you incorporate, make sure expectations are clear and your brand can expect a return. Well-structured campaign must include clear briefs and expectations to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment. For example, share a “script” of key message points with influencers to maximize content usability after the event.
