Think Before You Engage: 100 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Social Media Marketing Campaign

90. What Are Key Influencers?

In general, people who use social media want to be able to control the conversation that surrounds their industry or individual brand. Finding the people online that can best support these efforts is the process of determining of whom your brand's key influencers consist. Key influencers do not have to be just people with large numbers of followers or friends, nor do they have to be thought leaders in your particular industry. They should simply be people or other brands that can help influence the people you target to be aware of and appreciate your brand.

Key influencers also don't have to just be people online. If your business is a retail shop, for example, you might want to look past just the people who can promote your business through the normal social media channels. Consider talking to local apartment building managers or businesses and hotels to build relationships with their staff or clientele. Then, using social media tools such as geo-location applications or QR codes, you can maximize relationships with people who might be strong influencers for your brand offline by using online practices.

Related Questions

• 6. Who is my target audience? Page 20

Action Item

• Make a list of those you think will be influencers for your brand. Base the ...