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In a world where authenticity now trumps algorithms, the right influencer can elevate your brand with a single post. However, impactful influencer marketing is rarely accidental. Many campaigns fall short — not because of the influencer chosen, but due to a lack of solid, strategic planning.
Nicole Glover, Executive Creative Director - Digital at Penquin, a brand and communication agency, believes successful influencer partnerships are rooted in purpose, insight, and mutual value. It’s not about chasing hype. It’s about building trust, telling stories, and ultimately driving results.
Table of contents [Show]
- Prioritise Audience Alignment Over Pure Reach
- Seek Authenticity, Not Just Endorsement
- Prioritise Creative Credibility
- Focus on Engagement Quality, Not Just Quantity
- Be Platform-Smart
- Do Your Due Diligence
- Give Creative Freedom – With Boundaries
- Lock Down the Details
- Track What Matters
- Build Partnerships, Not One-Off Posts
Prioritise Audience Alignment Over Pure Reach
It’s tempting to chase influencers with millions of followers, but sheer reach can be misleading. The most critical factor is how closely an influencer's audience mirrors your brand's target demographic, psychographics, and behaviours. "A large follower count is merely a vanity metric if that audience isn't genuinely interested in what you offer," Glover says. "True impact comes from precise audience alignment, ensuring your message lands with those most likely to convert and engage."
Seek Authenticity, Not Just Endorsement
Consumers can quickly identify when an endorsement feels forced or inauthentic. The most effective campaigns emerge from influencers who genuinely resonate with, use, and believe in your product or service. "Authenticity is the bedrock of successful influencer partnerships,” Glover explains. “Consumers can discern genuine passion from paid promotion, and it's the former that truly moves the needle, building trust and credibility."
Prioritise Creative Credibility
Influencers are creators first. Evaluate their ability to craft visually compelling, platform-native content. “Their aesthetic should seamlessly align with your brand, but still feel unmistakably ‘them’,” says Glover. “Forced content performs poorly. Full stop.”
Focus on Engagement Quality, Not Just Quantity
While likes and follower numbers provide a basic metric, true influence is measured by the depth of engagement. Are followers leaving thoughtful comments? Are they asking questions? Is there evidence of genuine brand affinity or a shift in behaviour? "Don't be swayed by superficial numbers," cautions Glover. "Deep, meaningful engagement, genuine conversations and action is the true indicator of an influencer's sway, leading to more impactful outcomes than surface-level stats."
Be Platform-Smart
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X all play different roles. The platform you choose must match the Campaign Goal and the influencer’s natural environment. “An incredible storyteller on YouTube might not translate to TikTok. Context is everything,” Glover explains.
Do Your Due Diligence
Before onboarding an influencer, review their previous partnerships. Have they worked with direct competitors? Are they endorsing a new product every week? “Your brand deserves exclusivity, not just space on a crowded carousel,” Glover warns.
Give Creative Freedom – With Boundaries
While brand guidelines are essential, micro-managing content can stifle an influencer's creativity and diminish authenticity. Empowering influencers with the flexibility to interpret your brief in their unique voice often leads to more engaging and relatable content.
"While brands provide the brief, true magic happens when influencers are empowered with creative freedom,” Glover says. “This allows them to translate your message into their authentic voice, making it truly resonate with their followers."
Lock Down the Details
Clear communication is non-negotiable. Agree upfront on deliverables, timelines, usage rights, review processes and payment terms. “It’s a creative collaboration, but it’s also a business transaction,” Glover reminds.
Track What Matters
Use analytics to measure success beyond vanity metrics. Consider engagement rates, sentiment, traffic, conversions, and ROI. “Good influencer marketing isn’t guesswork, it’s measurable,” says Glover. “And if you’re not learning, you’re wasting money.”
Build Partnerships, Not One-Off Posts
“One-and-done campaigns rarely drive lasting impact,” says Glover. “When influencers become true advocates over time, their audience develops genuine trust - and that’s when you see real brand loyalty.” When influencers evolve into genuine brand advocates over time, the trust they build with their audience translates into enduring brand loyalty and significant long-term brand equity.
Influencer marketing isn’t a shortcut - it’s a Strategic Investment. When done right, it can spark emotional connections, boost credibility, and drive real business value. “As brands, we need to move beyond the vanity of visibility and focus on meaningful impact,” Glover concludes. “Influencers are powerful. But only when we approach them with purpose.
At Penquin, we help brands navigate the influencer space with intention and clarity, from finding the right creators to crafting content that genuinely connects. Through a combination of audience insights, platform expertise, and strong relationship management, we build influencer partnerships that not only perform but also reflect your brand’s values. The result? Campaigns that drive measurable impact, brand trust, and lasting engagement.”
Issued on GQ South Africa by Luthando Vikilahle | https://www.gq.co.za/culture/10-strategic-tips-brands-should-consider-before-working-with-influencers-0cd27a10-9b87-48d9-b014-7ae1c6569a02
