Backstage’s Post

A brand is pitching your influencer and says they want to book an #instagram story + reminder. What do you do? Most Talent agencies just send in an offer. Cool. Here’s what I would do: I think about the brand and the product they want to advertise.  Is an insta story + reminder really the best fit? Is the product maybe much more complex to explain in a quick story? Game time: I draft a proposal with the content pieces that help showcasing the brand and explaining the products best and send it to the brand. You want to close better deals? Then why do you only do average work? Go the extra mile. #influencermanagement #influencermarketing #talentagency #talentmanagement 

Brand 👏voice 👏is 👏everything 👏 We know this. Consumers know this. Adweek knows this (they named 2024 “The Year of the Brand”). Consumers resonate with brands that can make them FEEL something. Be PART of something. Brands that actually GET them. Why? I personally believe that—thanks to social media—we look at brands like they’re people; the same way we look at influencers like they’re our friends. If you’re not a person with a personality to your consumer, you’re probably not doing it right. And if you do have a strong brand voice with a unique personality (looking at you, Dieux, Billie and Liquid Death) then you’re probably nailing it. So if you’re a brand struggling to find your voice, reach out. I can help 😉

As I browse LinkedIn, I can’t help but notice that the influencer landscape has undergone a significant shift. What began as a mutually beneficial arrangement between attractive women and companies looking to showcase fashion & beauty products has evolved into a sprawling ecosystem of self-appointed "thought leaders" and life coaches. While the former relied on objective measures of appeal, the latter operate in a world where the primary currency is attention, and the algorithm reigns supreme. The problem with this new breed of influencer is that their authority is not based on any objective measure of success or expertise. Unlike traditional influencers who are selected for their attractiveness, thought influencers are self-appointed. They gain prominence not through a track record of accomplishment in their claimed fields, but by consistently posting content that resonates with the masses. This is where the algorithm comes into play. Social media platforms are designed to reward consistency and engagement, which means that those who post the most frequently and generate the most likes and shares are more likely to be seen. However, having the spare time to churn out content on a daily basis is not necessarily a marker of success in the professional or personal realm. In fact, it may suggest the opposite. Moreover, the content that gains the most traction on social media is often that which aligns with prevailing opinions and beliefs. Influencers who challenge the status quo or present fresh perspectives risk alienating their audience and losing the likes and shares that are essential to their visibility. As a result, many opt to play it safe, posting content that reinforces existing narratives and panders to the crowd. This creates an echo chamber effect, where certain ideas and beliefs are amplified and perpetuated, while dissenting voices are drowned out or ignored. Critical thinking and healthy debate are stifled as users are exposed to an endless feedback loop of homogenous thought. The result is a narrowing of public discourse and a concerning trend towards groupthink. What’s my point? Don’t take your life advice from someone who spends 24/7 delusionally pandering to strangers. #influencer #marketing #business #LinkedIn #socialmedia #hiring #employment #recruiting

Want to know the secret to becoming an influencer/creator whisperer? 💭 Thoughtful & genuine engagement that goes beyond the digital space. Here’s some ways I’ve nurtured & built long lasting relationships with creators in my network over the past decade: 🤝🏼 Small gestures = major impact - Sending flowers of a heartfelt card for birthdays, celebrations, or even during challenging times can create a lasting impression 🤝🏼 Extend an invitation for a casual lunch IRL - This is a great way to connect on a personal level and build rapport beyond the digital realm 🤝🏼Actively participate in their online presence  - Engage with their content on social comments on their social posts, especially those unrelated to your product or service Put a little money aside in your marketing budget to accommodate these activities. Trust me, the investment will pay off in the form of enduring relationships that go beyond the transactional. #creatoreconomy #brandmarketing #creatormarketing #influencermarketing

As someone who studies influencers for a living, I’ve long been interested in personal brands. And according to new Morning Consult research, I'm amongst peers. Our data shows that young people are especially invested in the concept of personal branding: Two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z adults believe building a personal brand is important, and a similar share (61%) said they currently have or are interested in developing one — the highest among any generation on both accounts. Posting videos (think “career storytimes” and “day in the life of an [insert position]” vlogs) is one of the most popular self-promotion methods for Gen Z today — and Instagram, YouTube and TikTok are their favorite platforms for sharing this content. There's definitely a blurring of professional and personal happening online among Gen Zers, and it'll be interesting to see how employers respond as we continue to age into the workforce. Check out my full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/eVRftyHg #personalbranding #personalbrand #personaldevelopment

Let's Make Social Media Fun (and Real) Again! As a social media and influencer marketing manager, I'm seeing a growing disconnect. The endless stream of curated perfection and #aestheticgoals seems to be pushing genuine connection out of the picture. But here's the thing: people crave authenticity. I believe it's time to disrupt the aesthetic and bring back real-life moments that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. User-generated content (UGC) isn't just a trend; it's a powerful tool to showcase the diversity and beauty of everyday experiences. So let’s start disrupting the aesthetic…Here’s a few ways to do it. Embrace vulnerability: Let's encourage influencers and users to share their real stories, both the good and the bad, fostering relatability and fostering genuine connections. Celebrate imperfections: Let's move away from the airbrushed, staged photos and embrace the raw beauty of real life. Highlight diverse voices: Empower individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives to share their unique stories, fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers. Building authentic communities Connecting over shared experiences: Go beyond the likes and comments, and actively engage with your audience, creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and valued. This is something that was very importnant to me in my previous roles. Humanize your brand: Let your audience see the real people behind the brand, fostering trust and transparency. Champion authentic influencers: Big or small influencers it’s time to partner with individuals who genuinely embody your brand values and connect with your audience through genuine interactions. I have so much more to include… Together, we can change the social media landscape. Let's prioritize authentic connections, celebrate real moments, and build communities that embrace vulnerability and inclusivity. #SocialMediaMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #Authenticity #CommunityBuilding #RealConnections #DisruptTheAesthetic #opentowork

Manufactured relatability is becoming a headache for people socials 🙄 ⬇️ Lemme explain what I mean Social media around 2014 was a place where people only showed their highlight reel ✨ Think of the influencer/vloggers who were in the news for building 6 figure careers using their YouTube! Everything was very happy, bright, pretty and aspirational (I can still hear the ukulele background music in my head 🙃) Then came the ‘relatable’ influencers 🤪 They were funny, messy, more unfiltered, and by extension - more relatable Emma Chamberlain is a great example, here When people realised the viral potential that being ‘normal’ online had, they tried to imitate the work of this new wave of relatable influencers had And eventually, authenticity was lost 😬 You can’t be yourself if you’re trying to be someone else 🤷♀️ People saw right through it! Now, we’ve seen the rise of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’, and we’re returning back to the idea of polished perfection and luxury 👉 Brand marketing for things like skincare has definitely made the most of this I wonder which brands will play into it next 🤔 Have you noticed this major transition? #Social #Marketing #Trends

Why You Should Totally Follow Social Media Influencers (and Maybe Send Them Your Credit Card While You're At It 😮💨) Feeling a tad underwhelmed by your professional life? Does your follower count pale in comparison to your cat's Instagram? Well, fret no more! Embrace the wisdom of those perfectly-lit, filter-loving beings known as social media influencers. Here's why: 1. Ditch the pesky "expertise" and "qualifications." Who needs years of blood, sweat, and actual work when you've got 10 million adoring fans (most of whom are bots, but hey, numbers don't lie)? Just slap on a motivational quote and boom, instant BUSINESS GURU! 2. Embrace the curated chaos of "living your best life." Forget that boring 9-to-5 grind. Influencers have mastered the art of lounging in infinity pools, sipping exotic cocktails, and posing strategically with expensive things they probably got for free. Join the #blessed bandwagon and watch your productivity skyrocket (or at least your jealousy, which is basically the same thing). 3. Master the art of the #humblebrag. Why settle for genuine humility when you can flaunt your "hard work" in carefully crafted captions? Just remember, the more humble you sound, the more likely people are to buy your $2000 "hustle planner." 4. Join the cult of personality (and questionable fashion choices). Forget your own unique quirks and talents! Just mimic the influencer du jour, from their signature hairflip to their questionable taste in neon leggings. After all, blending in is the key to standing out, right? So there you have it, folks! Ditch the boring reality of your own life and dive headfirst into the glorious world of social media influencers. Just remember, it's all about #branding, #hustle, and #fake-it-till-you-make-it. Because in the end, who needs genuine success when you've got a million followers and a closet full of free stuff? P.S. If you're looking for actual career advice, maybe stick to LinkedIn's professional content. Just sayin'. 🥴 #socialmedia #influencers #satire

Feeling lost in the beautyverse? Struggling to reach your ideal clients while competitor ads bombard them? Ever feel like your amazing treatments are hidden gems, waiting to be discovered? Fear not, beauty brands! Social media marketing can be your secret weapon, transforming your brand from invisible to unforgettable. ✨ Imagine: > Engaged followers who hang onto your every post, eager to book their next appointment. > Influencer collaborations that catapult your brand into the spotlight, reaching a whole new audience. > Targeted ads that laser-focus on your ideal clients, bringing them straight to your door. But how? That's where we come in. We'll help you craft a magnetic social media presence that: > Showcases your expertise: No more generic ads! We'll tell your unique story, highlighting your treatments, team, and brand values. > Connects with your audience: We'll create engaging content that resonates with your ideal clients, building trust and fostering a community. > Drives results: We'll track data and analyze results, ensuring your social media efforts are working hard for you. Ready to unlock the power of social media and watch your beauty business bloom? Let's chat! . . . #beautymarketing #socialmediamanagement #growyourbusiness #buildyourbrand #communitybuilding #engageyouraudience #targetedadvertising #successstories #mbm #beautybranding #modernmarketing

Remember the days when personal branding was just for celebrities and influencers? Forget that! As African entrepreneurs, our stories, expertise, and journeys deserve to be shared too! ✨ Think about it: you've poured your heart and soul into building your business, tackling challenges, and making a difference. Shouldn't your online presence reflect that? Here's why personal branding is your secret weapon: ✅Stand out from the crowd: In a crowded marketplace, a strong personal brand makes you memorable and attracts the right clients. ✅Build trust and credibility: Share your knowledge, experiences, and values, and people will see you as an authority in your field. ✅Connect with your audience: Craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your ideal customers, fostering deeper connections. ✅Attract opportunities: Whether you're seeking partnerships, speaking gigs, or new clients, a strong online presence opens doors. So, how can you get started? ☑️Share your unique story: What makes you tick? What drives your passion? Let your personality shine through! ✨ ☑️Showcase your expertise: Share valuable insights, tips, and resources through blog posts, videos, or social media content. ☑️Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in relevant conversations. ☑️Be authentic and consistent: Stay true to your values and personality, and show up consistently to build trust. Remember, personal branding is a journey, not a destination. Start small, experiment, and have fun! Ready to unlock the power of your personal brand? Let's chat in the comments! #AfricanEntrepreneur #PersonalBranding #StandOut #ConnectWithYourAudience #BuildYourBusiness