Why social media influencers will be key to PRs in 2016

Are you looking for new avenues to promote the services you provide? Why not consider working with a social media influencer on your next PR campaign? According to a new report by Fashion and Beauty Monitor social media influencers are fast becoming brands go-to option for generating trust and credibility among young consumers.

Recent research by Nielsen revealed consumer trust in traditional advertising in the UK has declined. This has resulted in many PRs having to look to other channels to connect with consumers. As explored in our latest White Paper, one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers is through collaborative relationships with social media influencers.

While not an entirely new concept, the role of the influencer has shifted from the press and A-list celebrities to bloggers, vloggers, and instacelebs. Typically young, cool, and social media savvy, this new wave of social media influencers are fast becoming the ‘new PR’. And it’s not hard to understand why – with thousands and millions of followers these influencers have the power to dramatically increase the sales of a product by just mentioning it in a video. This has caused PRs to no longer look at the popularity of vloggers like Zoella as a trend but as a strategic marketing channel.

This is reflected in recent statistics that show 57% of marketers and business owners in the fashion and beauty sectors using influencers as part of their marketing strategy, with 21% looking to introduce this type of activity over the next 12 months.

Should the PR industry follow suit? Particularly when a return on investment from an influencer partnership is not guaranteed? But with the right strategy, choosing the right influencer who corresponds with your brand with access to the audience you are trying to connect with PRs can create successful influencer partnerships that benefit both parties.

With 59% of fashion businesses expecting their budgets for influencer marketing to increase in 2016, and with more PRs now jumping on board, the investment in social media influencers looks set to rise.

Why not get started now, find out how to work with vloggers and download our White Paper!