Utilize Fans to Boost your Reputation

If you're a brand or business owner, you already know it's important to grow your fan base. Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, and getting more of them is key to success in almost any industry. 

However, are you ready to learn a marketing secret that shouldn't be a secret? This is an oft-forgotten strategy guaranteed to help increase your power as a brand.

You've probably heard the term "influencer marketing" by now — if not, influencer marketing is simply a partnership between an influencer (someone with a large social following) and a brand. This strategy can be extremely beneficial for brands but often costs thousands of dollars (if not more!). 

We have helped facilitate several large influencer marketing campaigns with brands like Warner Bros, Dr. Pepper, and Ziploc, amongst other influential brands and influencers. While this type of marketing has its place in brand strategy, brands often forget about one of their most powerful forms of organic influencer marketing — their fans.

Utilize your Fans

Did you know you have one of the most powerful forms of influencer marketing right at your fingertips? 

Your fans aren't going to cost you thousands of dollars like a social media influencer will cost you, and they are often more influential than any Instagram star. 

There's NOTHING more influential than someone authentically excited and passionate about your brand or product. They will tell their friends, family, dog, random stranger on the street, and anyone within the sound of their voice about your brand and how it's made a difference in their life. 

Every one of us has been a brand influencer at some point in our lives. Remember when you suggested that product/brand/service to your friend or family member? That suggestion influenced their buying decision. And many times, that simple recommendation will have enough power to cause them to purchase your recommendation.

It's crucial for businesses to leverage the power that comes from utilizing their fans. But how is this possible?

Listen First

You need to know who's talking about your brand and what they say. This goes beyond a simple #hashtag or a like on one of your videos. 

Take the time to understand what people say about your brand online (and offline). Find creative ways to leverage these conversations and use them to your advantage. Find your brand champions, and let their voices be heard!

Be Proactive

Don't wait for someone to write a review or create a TikTok about your brand. Approach your fans and be creative about ways to leverage their influence. Be on the lookout for those passionate about your brand, and be creative about leveraging the power of their voice. Waiting for them to approach you will lead to a lot of sitting around and waiting.

Know your Fans

Who are they? What do they want to see from you? What caused them to become loyal to your brand? What are they saying? Knowing the answers to these questions can be crucial to your company's success. 

Often brands need to remember the importance of building an offline human connection. Your fan is more than a number and more than a dollar sign. They are human beings with needs, wants, and desires — by discovering what those are, you will be lightyears ahead of the competition. 

Boost your Reputation

As a brand, you need to discover your brand advocates. You need to interact with them and leverage their voice to help grow your brand and its presence. Think of brands like Apple, Nike, and Starbucks — they all have a solid product, but it was more than just a solid product that got them to where they are. Their fans and followers helped them grow into the giants they are today. 

You want people talking about your brand — this type of organic marketing doesn't cost you a penny and can take your business to a new level. So next time you look at your marketing strategy, consider one of the things that matter most — your fans.

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