Descubriendo los secretos de las empresas DTC exitosas
- 3 brand examples to boost your online sales
- 2 actionable tips for quicker results
- 1 special surprise
Marketing
8 Post-Purchase Email Examples to Boost Customer Retention
1. Understanding Post-Purchase Emails
Post-purchase emails encompass any messages that businesses dispatch to their consumers after a purchase has been made. These emails usually contain vital information about the purchase alongside promotional and educational content that drives repeat purchases and increases customer retention.
Order confirmation and shipping confirmation emails, for instance, are transactional types of post-purchase emails. However, it doesn't end there. You could incorporate thank-you notes and requests for reviews into your post-purchase email sequence. These emails' timing and content should be adjustable according to the duration since the customer's last purchase.
According to Sharon Goldstein, LimeSpot's CEO, post-purchase emails and SMS are an ideal avenue to re-engage existing customers and prompt their next purchase. Adam Kitchen, Magnet Monster's CEO, also stresses the importance of focusing on enhancing the customer experience rather than just driving additional sales.
2. The Value of Post-Purchase Emails
2.1. They Satisfy Customer Expectations
Previously, only the most sophisticated ecommerce brands utilized post-purchase flows. However, the scene has changed. Companies like Shopify, Klaviyo, and BigCommerce have now democratized these once complex processes.
The increased accessibility has stirred significant consumer interest in post-purchase flows. It would be a significant communication lapse if customers have to wait for up to five days before receiving their package, or worse, not receive it at all.
Post-purchase flows become an optimal avenue to build customer trust as WISMO ("Where is my order?") inquiries make up a large fraction of customer experience tickets.
2.2. They Build Trust Comparable to Amazon Prime
Most people perceive Amazon as the golden standard for timely deliveries. Small to medium ecommerce businesses may not command this level of trust instantly. Post-purchase flows can fill this gap, proving useful in conveying the status of orders, whether it's smooth sailing or there are disruptions. If a snowstorm affects your main warehouse, for example, you can utilize automated messages integrated with your tech platforms to update affected customers.
2.3: They Enhance Customer Lifetime Value
While post-purchase emails primarily inform customers about their orders, they serve an additional purpose. They can be used to educate customers about your brand, products, and why choosing you was the right decision, all contributing to increased customer loyalty and lifetime value.
Failure to send these emails is a missed opportunity. Many brands err by neglecting to follow up with customers post-purchase. Emails can encourage customers to return, reorder, provide feedback, and have a positive experience after a purchase.
However, it is important to ensure that the emails are effective. In order to succeed, it's important to customize emails and make them pertinent to the customer's buying experience. It's important to send them after the product has been received, and timing is key.
Additionally, the language used in the emails should be friendly and professional. It is also important to provide clear instructions on how to provide feedback or reorder. By following these guidelines, businesses can use emails to build strong relationships with their customers and increase customer loyalty. But they need to be done right.
2.4. Post-Purchase Emails are Among the Most Effective
Post-purchase emails, according to Klaviyo data, have an open rate almost 17% higher than the average email automation. If you want to understand these automations' performance metrics better, check out these post-purchase email benchmarks by industry from Q4 2022.
3. Eight Exceptional Post-Purchase Emails to Consider
Graza's Brand Elevating Order Confirmation Emails
Order confirmation emails are more than just purchase receipts. They reflect your brand and are usually the initial post-purchase message your customers receive. Sending these emails reassures new customers while also establishing trust and fostering new and hopefully long-lasting relationships.
Graza is an olive oil brand. They send a nice email after you buy from them. The purpose of the email is to make you feel valued thanks to sentences like “You’re officially one of us,” or “You’ve got access to all the recipes from our kitchen (and our friends’ kitchens too)”.
Ritual's Order Tracking and Engaging Shipping Confirmation Emails
Shipping confirmation emails are as crucial as order confirmation emails. They inform the customer when their product leaves the warehouse and starts its journey to their location. By infusing creativity into these emails, you can enhance customer satisfaction, improve post-purchase experiences, and establish a unique brand voice.
Check out this shipping confirmation email from Ritual, which includes social media images and information about their refer-a-friend incentive to encourage customers to socially engage with their community:
Princess Polly's Trust-Building Delivery Confirmation Emails
Delivery confirmation emails appease customers eager to know when their order will arrive. Especially if your store experiences long shipping times or shipping delays, these emails can offer extra reassurance for awaiting customers.
This delivery confirmation email from Princess Polly is a great example of how brands can use the last touchpoint in the transaction to build trust and create excitement among customers:
Bigblue Tips 💙
Avoid wasting resources directing customers away from your website. Yes, many automations redirect customers to USPS or FedEx tracking pages. Yet, confirmation emails can also steer them back to shopping.
The fashion brand FARM Rio sends a "track your package" email. But it goes a step further, guiding the user back to their website. There, customers encounter a pop-up form offering a discount in return for their birthday information.
Customer Appreciation Through Thank-You Emails
While thanking customers can be part of your transactional emails, sending a standalone thank-you email shows customers that you value their business. This also offers a chance to tell your brand's story, highlight how your product stands out from competitors, and reassure shoppers about their purchase decision.
All Things Golden provides a good example of this approach in their email.
Morgan Mulloy, associate director of retention marketing at Avex Design, advises brands to “nurture, nurture, nurture! Show you care that the customer enjoys their purchase and provide resources in case they have any issues.”
Dossier's Confidence-Building Educational or How-To Emails
If your product requires instructions or specific knowledge to use, consider sending a how-to post-purchase email. This type of email can cover topics like usage tips, assembly or product care instructions, potentially boosting repeat purchases and reducing returns.
Dossier provides a great example of this type of educational email. They offer tips on how to get the most out of their perfume, ensuring that customers use the product properly.
The Sill's Rewarding Loyalty Program Emails
The period following a purchase is the perfect time to promote your brand loyalty or rewards program. Demonstrating to customers that they can earn rewards the more they shop with your store incentivizes them to return for future purchases.
This email from The Sill nails the post-purchase rewards email by showing customers what they can earn if they sign up for the program and continue to shop with the brand:
ILIA Beauty' Referral Emails
If customers love your product, the best thing they can do for your business is spread the word.
A post-purchase referral program promotion not only boosts word-of-mouth marketing but also rewards customers by offering them a discount on their next purchase. As you can see in this post-purchase referral email from ILIA Beauty, loyal customers receive a $20 discount code for their next purchase if they refer a friend.
Cross-Sell Emails or Up-Sell Emails
Once a customer has had time to use their new product and is satisfied with it, they're more likely to shop with you again. And since you already know their product preferences, you can send highly relevant content to inspire them to make another purchase.
Beauty brand Wildling, for example, sends this email after someone purchases a stone used for facial massage, featuring an accompanying oil and offering a discount for a limited amount of time.
Marketing
Skyrocket Your E-commerce Sales Using Effective Partnerships
Partnerships are the secret sauce to a thriving e-commerce brands. Leveraging your network can yield significant results, from slashing acquisition costs to growing your community and increasing brand awareness. Here's how to do it right.
Unlocking the Power of Networking: The Triple Advantage
The ever-growing e-commerce marketplace is a competitive battlefield where brands vie for customer attention. Strategic networking has proven to be an essential tool to stand out from the crowd and expedite business growth. It is the catalyst that can propel your e-commerce business to new heights. Let's break down the three fundamental benefits of networking.
Economical Customer Acquisition
One of the most significant challenges in the e-commerce industry is customer acquisition, often an expensive and time-consuming endeavour. However, through strategic networking and partnerships, e-commerce brands can reduce these costs substantially. Sharing audiences with your partners allows you to tap into their existing customer base, circumventing the high costs of acquiring new customers from scratch.
A Harvard Business Review study underscores this point, revealing that acquiring a new customer can cost up to 25% more than retaining an existing one. Networking, therefore, provides a cost-effective solution to this challenge by opening doors to a new pool of potential customers who have already shown interest in related products or services.
Enhanced Visibility and Community Growth
Visibility is the lifeblood of any e-commerce brand. Networking can boost your brand authority and visibility by exposing your products or services to an audience that might not have discovered you otherwise. Moreover, through partnerships, your brand gets introduced to a new, ultra-relevant audience, helping to foster community growth.
Trust plays a crucial role in this process. As per a Nielsen report, 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know over any other form of advertising. By leveraging the established trust of your partner's audience, you can more effectively penetrate new markets and grow your customer community.
Building Social Proof and Authority
Networking isn't only about expanding your customer base or improving visibility; it's also a vital tool for enhancing your brand's social proof and authority. Collaborations with established brands can elevate your reputation and lend credibility to your offerings.
According to Forbes, the majority of consumers, specifically 92.4%, rely on online reviews and UGC as a primary influence in making their purchasing decisions. Positive endorsements from partner brands can significantly boost your credibility in the eyes of consumers.
Additionally, associating with authoritative brands in your industry can enhance your brand's perceived expertise and quality, establishing you as a trusted player in the market.
In conclusion, networking offers a triple advantage for e-commerce brands: cost-effective customer acquisition, enhanced brand visibility, and solidified social proof. By implementing strategic partnerships, you can accelerate your brand's growth and secure a competitive edge in the e-commerce landscape.
Exploring the Landscape of Effective E-commerce Partnerships
In the world of e-commerce, partnerships offer a powerful way to expand your reach, boost your brand visibility, and accelerate growth. However, not all partnerships are created equal. The impact of a partnership depends largely on its type and how well it aligns with your business objectives. Here, we explore four effective types of partnerships that can drive tangible results for your e-commerce business.
Co-Branding
Co-branding is a strategic alliance where two brands come together to create a unique product or service that leverages the strength of both brands. It's a collaborative effort where brands merge their unique identities, expertise, and customer bases to offer something new and exciting to the market.
Examples of successful co-branding partnerships abound, ranging from high-profile collaborations like Apple x Hermes to smaller alliances like M.Moustache x Hast. Notable is the example of Faguo, who successfully tapped into Aigle's Asian clientele through their co-branding effort, gaining a foothold in a new market.
Bundling
Product bundling is a marketing strategy that involves offering multiple products for sale as one combined product. This strategy is a win-win for both the brands involved and the customers, as it offers value to customers while increasing the sales volume for the brands.
A noteworthy example is the Unbottled x Meuf bundle. By offering their products together, the brands were able to boost engagement, generate more leads, and increase sales, demonstrating the power of strategic bundling in e-commerce.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where a brand offers commissions to external websites (affiliates) for traffic or sales generated from its referrals. It's an effective way to increase sales and drive more traffic to your website, while affiliates get a chance to earn a commission for their promotional efforts.
According to a study, the global Affiliate Marketing Industry is projected to experience significant growth, reaching an estimated value of around $14.3 Billion in 2023 and anticipated to further increase to $15.7 Billion by 2024.
Cross-Selling
Cross-selling involves offering additional, complementary products to customers at the point of purchase. This strategy not only increases sales but also enhances the customer experience by providing valuable product suggestions that add value to their purchase.
One successful example of cross-selling in action is Campingaz's partnership with Decathlon. By featuring Campingaz's products on Decathlon's product pages, both brands were able to increase their sales significantly.
In the e-commerce world, partnerships are more than just casual alliances; they are strategic collaborations that can propel your business to new heights. However, the path to a successful partnership isn't simply a matter of shaking hands and swapping logos; it's a methodical process that requires planning, synchronization, and constant nurturing. Here are three critical steps to streamline and automate your partnership process.
Step 1: Clarify Your Objective
Every successful venture begins with a clear objective, and partnerships are no exception. Before you dive into the process, you need to define what impact you want to achieve through this collaboration. Is it brand visibility? Authority building? Lead generation?
Prioritizing one objective can help streamline your strategy and set clear expectations for both parties. Remember, the more specific your goal, the more tangible your results will be. Therefore, taking the time to clarify your objectives is a crucial first step in your partnership journey.
Step 2: Select the Right Partner
Selecting the right partner is perhaps the most crucial part of the process. An ill-suited partnership can lead to missed opportunities and even damage to your brand reputation. A staggering 70% of partnerships fail due to a poor choice of partner.
The key to finding the perfect partner lies in the concept of 'culture fit.' Look for partners with a common goal, similar values, equivalent audiences, and complementary resources. Moreover, ensure your potential partner is as enthusiastic about the partnership as you are.
Advanced tools like Reachmaker can simplify this process by analysing thousands of potential partners and suggesting the ones that are most aligned with your needs.
Step 3: Streamline the Process
Finally, to ensure smooth sailing, it's important to streamline and automate the partnership process. One effective way to do this is by creating an onboarding kit.
Much like welcoming a new employee to your team, an onboarding kit for your partner can be incredibly useful. It can include information about your brand, marketing resources, tips, tricks, and other valuable content.
Not only does this make the process more efficient, but it also sets the stage for a successful collaboration by making your partner feel involved and valued. By sharing knowledge and resources generously, you can nurture a partnership that thrives and delivers maximum value.
In summary, organizing and automating your partnerships require clear objectives, the right partner, and a streamlined process. By adhering to these steps, you can establish successful e-commerce partnerships that drive growth and deliver a significant return on investment. With the right networking and partnership strategies, e-commerce brands can reduce acquisition costs, gain visibility, and establish authority in the market. As the famous saying goes, “Your network is your net worth,” so start building those connections today!
E-commerce trends
air up's Recipe for Success: Dazzling Growth and 8-Figure Revenue
Introduction
air up, the German-based e-commerce brand that has revolutionised the flavored water industry, has achieved remarkable success and 8-figure revenues.
Founded in 2018 by Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, air up offers a unique line of flavored water bottles that allow consumers to enjoy the taste of flavored water without any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Their refillable drinking system uses scent alone to enhance the flavor of water, providing a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. With an extensive range of flavors and a commitment to sustainability, air up has captivated the market.
air up has achieved remarkable growth in a brief span of time, with revenue figures surging from 30 million euros in 2020 to a staggering 100 million euros in 2021. The company is expected to surpass 150 million euros in revenue in 2022, solidifying its status as a thriving European D2C brand.
1. Innovating the Flavored Water Market with a Distinctive Approach
1.1. The Science Behind air up: How Scent Pods Transform Your Water Experience
air up, founded in 2018 by Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, is a German brand that offers a range of flavored water bottles. What makes them different? They allow you to enjoy the taste of flavored water without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. Instead, they use scent pods to enhance the water's flavor.
When you take a sip, the flavored air bubbles travel through your mouth, creating a delightful flavor experience. air up offers a range of flavors such as apple, peach, lemon, and grapefruit, providing a healthier option to sugary beverages.
1.2. AirUp's Impressive Growth: From a German Launch to an International Sensation
In 2016, Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger embarked on a mission to address unhealthy nutrition. Teaming up with Michelin Star chef Fabian Schlang and serial entrepreneur Jannis Koppitz, they aimed to develop an innovative beverage system.
In 2019, air up® GmbH was established, and their flavored water bottles quickly gained traction in the German market. Within just six weeks, they sold 80,000 starter kits.
Since then, air up has experienced impressive growth, with revenues of 30 million euros in 2020, 100 million euros in 2021, and an estimated 150 million euros in 2022. They now operate in 11 countries and have received significant funding.
air up innovative approach to flavored water has positioned them as industry leaders. In the following sections, we will explore their perfect product-market fit, captivating design and technology, and their successful use of influencer-generated content and engaged communities. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind AirUp's phenomenal success in the flavored water market.
2. air up's Recipe for Tapping into Consumer Desires
2.1. Aligning with Consumer Values: air up's Sustainable Solution to Hydration
air up's rapid growth can be attributed to their perfect product-market fit. Through an in-depth study conducted in 2020, air up gained valuable insights into the habits and preferences of Generation Z consumers across Europe.
The study revealed the increasing importance of sustainability and health in their purchasing decisions. Recognizing this, air up positioned themselves as a brand that addresses these concerns head-on.
Their focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, such as using recyclable materials in their products and partnering with environmental causes, has resonated strongly with consumers who are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact.
2.2. The Art of Packaging: How air up's Visual Appeal Sets Them Apart
air up's visually appealing product design and innovative technology have played a significant role in their rapid scaling. Their bottles and sustainable packaging boast a modern, sleek, and vibrant design that captures the attention of consumers. This attractive aesthetic, combined with their unique and Insta-friendly products, generates curiosity and entertainment among their target audience.
The visually captivating nature of air up's products also increases their potential for virality (and cool unboxings videos), as consumers are more inclined to share and showcase their experiences with the brand.
The combination of a perfect product-market fit and captivating design has enabled air up to scale rapidly in the flavored water market. In the next sections, we will explore their strategic use of influencer-generated content, their engagement with user-generated content and community, and their focus on direct-to-consumer sales. Stay tuned as we uncover the remaining secrets behind air up's impressive success and revenue growth.
3. Empowering the Community: air up's Engaged Users and the Power of UGC
3.1 Influencer-Generated Content (IGC)
air up has strategically leveraged Influencer-Generated Content (IGC) to establish a strong brand presence across various social media platforms. They have formed collaborations with mega influencers, ensuring widespread visibility and increased brand awareness. air up uses YouTube and TikTok to partner with influencers and sell products to many people.
air up's collaborations with mega influencers have had a tremendous impact on their brand visibility and sales. By partnering with popular influencers, air up has been able to showcase their products to a vast audience. These influencers, such as Jojo Siwa and Inoxtag, have featured air up in their content, creating buzz and driving consumer interest.
3.2. User-Generated Content & Engaged Community
air up has also fostered an engaged community of consumers who actively participate in User-Generated Content (UGC). air up has received significant attention from Gen Z, who actively share their feedback and endorsements on various social media channels. Influencer marketing helps air up users know the brand and feel like part of a group.
air up has also launched viral hashtags and campaigns that have further amplified their UGC strategy. Hashtags like #thinknewdrinknew have gained traction, creating a tribe-like following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
People love sharing photos, thoughts, and experiences with air up products. They really like the brand and tell others about it. This has helped air up grow quickly and do well.
4. air up in the Spotlight: How PR Propelled Their Success
4.1. Harnessing the Power of PR
air up has strategically employed a comprehensive Public Relations strategy (PR) to expand its reach and solidify its presence in the market. Through press releases and media partnerships, air up has effectively communicated its brand message and garnered media coverage to reach a wider audience.
air up has collaborated with a dedicated PR agency, Team LEWIS, to execute their PR projects. The agency has facilitated product tests with major consumer lifestyle media outlets and secured coverage in key news media. Through these initiatives, air up has been able to generate valuable media attention and establish strong relationships with influential journalists.
4.2. Making Headlines: air up's PR Triumphs in Renowned Publications and TV Channels
air up's PR efforts were successful. They were featured in major media outlets such as Le Parisien, Le Progrès, and Culture Nutrition. They were also featured on channels like M6 and Bein Sport. This media exposure has allowed AirUp to expand its reach and engage with a broader audience.
4.3. Beyond Generation Z: air up's PR Initiatives for Tapping into the Older Demographic
air ups PR strategy has also played a crucial role in targeting an older demographic, specifically individuals over the age of 30. While social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been instrumental in reaching Generation Z, PR initiatives have allowed AirUp to tap into a more mature audience segment. By leveraging media partnerships and securing coverage in established outlets, air up has successfully captured the attention and trust of this older demographic, further expanding their customer base.
Through strategic PR efforts, air up has been able to generate extensive media coverage, reach a wider audience, and engage with different demographics. In the following sections, we will explore air up's focus on direct-to-consumer sales, their sustainable business practices, and their commitment to providing a refreshing and healthy alternative in the flavored water market.
5. Retention and Loyalty: air up's Winning Strategy for Direct Customer Engagement
air up has embraced a direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach, which has played a pivotal role in their success. By selling their products directly to consumers, air up has gained several benefits that have contributed to their rapid growth and customer loyalty.
5.1. Revolutionising Retail: air up's Direct-to-Consumer Triumph
With their DTC model, air up has established a direct line of communication with their customers. This direct connection allows them to gather valuable data and insights about consumer preferences, behaviors, and purchasing patterns. Armed with this information, air up can personalize their offerings, tailoring them to the specific needs and customers expe. The DTC approach also enables air up to have full control over the customer experience, from product presentation to post-purchase interactions.
5.2. From Insights to Recommendations: How AirUp Leverages Data for Tailored Offerings
Through their DTC model, air up has cultivated a deeper understanding of their customer base. They leverage the data collected to create personalised recommendations, offer targeted promotions, and provide a seamless shopping experience. By tailoring their offerings to individual preferences, air up enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term loyalty.
5.3. Loyalty Above All: air up's Strategy for Building a Devoted Customer Base
air up's DTC model allows them to prioritize customer retention. With direct access to their customers, air up can implement strategies to encourage repeat purchases, such as personalized recommendations, loyalty programs, and exclusive discounts. This focus on customer retention not only drives revenue growth but also strengthens the brand's relationship with its customers, fostering a loyal and engaged community.
Through their DTC approach, air up has harnessed the power of data, personalization, and customer retention to fuel their growth and success. In the next sections, we will delve deeper into air up's sustainability practices, their commitment to environmental causes, and their dedication to providing a refreshing and healthy alternative in the flavored water market.
Conclusion
air up's remarkable success in the flavored water market can be attributed to its unique approach, strategic initiatives, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With a perfect product-market fit and a focus on sustainability and health, air up has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers seeking a flavorful and guilt-free hydration alternative. Their captivating design, innovative technology, and strategic influencer collaborations have created a buzz around the brand, reaching a wide audience through social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
By embracing a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, air up has established a direct line of communication with customers, allowing for personalized offerings, data-driven strategies, and a strong focus on customer retention. Leveraging the power of data, air up tailors experiences to individual preferences, fostering long-term loyalty and satisfaction. Their emphasis on user-generated content and an engaged community further amplifies their brand presence and generates positive word-of-mouth.
New market
UK Cosmetic Product Labels: A Checklist for D2C Brands
The beauty and personal care industry is a thriving sector valued at around £9.8 billion in the UK, anticipated to grow continually. With the rise of e-commerce, cosmetic brands have an excellent opportunity to tap into markets beyond their borders.
Online beauty and personal care product sales in the UK reached £1.7 billion in 2022. This is a substantial increase from previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major factor in this shift, as more people began to shop online.
Digital beauty trends are revolutionizing the online beauty and personal care landscape. This includes the rise of beauty influencers and online beauty tutorials. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are also being used more frequently for virtual product try-ons.
However, preparing your product labels for the UK market requires an understanding of the specific regulations that govern the labeling of cosmetic products. This article provides insights and tips on how to create SEO-friendly, compliant cosmetic labels for the UK market.
1. Understanding UK Cosmetic Labeling Regulations
Compliance with the UK's Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 is crucial for a cosmetic brand aiming to sell in the UK.
Following its exit from the European Union (Brexit), the country has established the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which now regulates cosmetic products. Understanding these regulations will help ensure your product labels adhere to the necessary standards.
1.1 Your product labels must include the following information:
1. Product function: The function of the product must be clearly stated unless it’s obvious from its appearance.
2. Precautions: Any specific precautions for use must be indicated.
3. Full ingredients list: All the ingredients used in your product must be listed in descending order of weight at the time they were added.
4. Period-after-opening symbol (PAO): This symbol shows how long the product can be used safely after opening.
5. Batch code or Lot number: This helps identify the product batch for quality control and in case of recalls.
6. Name and address of the manufacturer: The name and address of the manufacturer or the person responsible for marketing the cosmetic product should be provided.
2. Create Appealing and Compliant Labels
Once you understand the regulations, the next step is to create labels that are both appealing to customers and compliant with regulations.
1. Transparency is key: In today's digital era, consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they use. They value transparency and authenticity. Therefore, ensure that your product labels clearly communicate the ingredients and their functions.
2. Make it readable: It’s not just about the information but also how it’s presented. Make sure the text on your labels is clear, readable, and written in English. The use of simple, straightforward language can make a big difference.
3. Incorporate your branding: Your labels are a great place to showcase your branding. Consistent use of colours, fonts, and logos can make your product stand out in the crowded online marketplace.
4. Prioritize label design: A well-designed label can attract customers and make your product memorable. Engage a professional designer or use online design tools to create visually appealing labels.
3. Using SEO for Product Labels
SEO isn't just for your website or blog content; it can also be used in your product descriptions and labels. Research and identify keywords related to your product, then incorporate these keywords into your product names and descriptions. SEO can help improve your product's visibility on search engines, leading to increased traffic and sales.
For instance, if you're selling a hydrating face cream, you'll need to know what terms people are using to find this type of product. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help you identify relevant keywords.
1. Optimize Product Names: Based on your keyword research, use precise, descriptive names for your products that incorporate these keywords. For instance, rather than naming a product simply "face cream," you might name it "Hydrating Natural Face Cream for Dry Skin."
2. SEO-friendly Descriptions: When writing product descriptions, incorporate your target keywords naturally, ensuring the description remains readable and engaging. The descriptions should also provide useful information about the product such as how to use it, its benefits, ingredients, and any relevant cautions.
3. Alt-text for Images: Search engines can't "see" images, but they can read the alternative text (alt-text) you assign to them. Including alt-text for your product images, using your target keywords, can further boost your SEO.
4. Meta Descriptions: This is the short snippet of information that appears under your website URL on search engine results pages. An effective meta description should be concise, appealing, and incorporate your primary keywords.
4. Localize for the UK Market
Understanding your target audience is critical when entering a new market. Consider localizing your product labels for the UK audience by using familiar language and addressing their specific needs and concerns. This can create a connection with the audience, increasing the likelihood of sales.
1. Understanding the Local Consumer: Localizing your product labels requires an understanding of the local consumer's needs, preferences, and common vernacular. Researching the UK market can provide insights into the kinds of beauty products UK consumers are looking for and the language they use to describe them.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: The UK has a rich cultural history and unique slang terms, so ensure your product labels and descriptions are sensitive to this. Avoid any language that might be seen as offensive or inappropriate.
3. Address Local Concerns: If there are particular skincare concerns common in the UK due to climate or other factors, consider addressing them in your product descriptions and labels. This can make your products more appealing to the local market.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your cosmetic product labels for the UK market requires thorough research and attention to detail. It's not just about compliance, but also about understanding the market and consumer needs. By creating labels that are both appealing and informative, you can boost your brand's reputation and sales in the UK market. Use SEO strategies and localization to increase visibility and connection with the UK audience.
Logistics
Pet Food Delivery: Key Logistics Specs for Excellence
In the pet food industry, an exceptional product isn't enough to capture and retain the loyalty of discerning pet owners. Consumers expect a seamless buying experience from start to finish – the moment they place an order to the moment it's delivered to their doorstep.
For pet food brands, a reliable logistics partner is crucial to fulfilling these expectations and establishing trust. To assist in the selection process, let's delve into the essential specifications a logistics service should offer, focusing on cost, handling of perishable and large products, and the emotional value of pets in customers' lives.
1. Crucial Logistics Specifications for Pet Food Brands
1.1 Timely Delivery
A reliable logistics partner will understand that delivering pet food isn't simply about moving goods from point A to point B. In many households, pets are considered beloved members of the family. This emotional bond amplifies the importance of receiving pet food on time, every time. Pet owners plan meals for their furry companions with the same meticulousness as they do for human family members, and any disruption can cause considerable stress.
Moreover, the punctuality of a delivery has profound implications on customer trust and brand loyalty. A logistics partner that consistently meets delivery deadlines helps reinforce customers' confidence in your brand, turning them into repeat patrons. Conversely, late or missed deliveries can lead to dissatisfaction and erode customer trust, potentially causing irreversible harm to your brand reputation.
1.2 Cost-Effective Services
Just as crucial as timely delivery is the cost-effectiveness of the logistics service. While it's essential to ensure high-quality logistics services, businesses must also manage their expenses to remain competitive. Therefore, a desirable logistics partner offers reasonable pricing that aligns with the quality of their services.
But remember, cost-effectiveness is not just about reducing expenses. In the long run, investing in a logistics partner that can ensure product integrity, deliver on time, and adapt to your business's growing needs can offer more value than simply choosing the cheapest option.
1.3 Storage of Perishable Products
In the pet food industry, maintaining product freshness is paramount. Many pet food products, especially those made with fresh or raw ingredients, are perishable and require specific storage conditions. Therefore, your logistics partner should be capable of storing and transporting these products at optimal temperatures to preserve their quality and prevent spoilage.
In addition, your logistics partner should be proficient in handling larger pet food products. Whether it's bulk packages or products designed for larger breeds, these items can pose unique logistical challenges. The ability to manage such items without damage is a critical quality in a logistics partner.
1.4 Handling of Large Products
Managing large pet food products is an aspect that often gets overlooked in logistics planning, yet it poses unique challenges that require particular attention. The pet food market is diverse, catering to a wide range of breeds and sizes, from petite Chihuahuas to large Great Danes. Likewise, it serves customers with different purchasing preferences—some buy in small quantities, while others prefer bulk purchases to ensure their pets' meals are sorted for weeks or even months.
Thus, your logistics partner should be proficient in handling both small and large products, ensuring secure and safe delivery. This not only involves the transportation of large or heavy packages but also encompasses the packing process, warehousing, and loading procedures.
The packaging process should secure your products effectively, preventing any damage during transit. When it comes to large pet food packages, it's not just about durability but also about the ease of handling. A logistics partner with the right resources and expertise will ensure that packaging is done in a way that eases the handling process without compromising on the product's safety.
The warehousing procedure is also pivotal. Large products require ample storage space and a well-organised inventory management system. The logistics company should be equipped with spacious, well-managed warehouses where products are stored systematically. This makes for efficient retrieval and dispatch, ensuring timely delivery.
Loading and unloading large items require specific equipment and skilled personnel to prevent damage. The right logistics partner will have the necessary tools, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, and trained staff to handle these operations smoothly.
Lastly, the delivery process needs to consider the end customer. Large packages should be delivered in a way that minimises inconvenience to the customer. This could mean offering a door-to-door delivery service or providing assistance with unloading and placement of the product at the customer's premises.
In essence, managing large products involves a myriad of details that a reliable logistics partner should be equipped to handle. By ensuring your products, regardless of their size, reach customers in excellent condition, they contribute significantly to your brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
1.5 Transparent Communication and Flexibility
In today's interconnected world, customers value transparency. The ability to track orders in real-time and receive frequent updates provides reassurance and enhances customer satisfaction. A good logistics partner will use modern technologies to offer transparency in their operations, thereby strengthening the bond of trust between your brand and its customers.
Lastly, flexibility is a must-have quality in a logistics partner. The ability to respond to sudden demand surges is vital in today's dynamic market. A logistics partner that can adapt swiftly to such changes helps your business maintain seamless operations and excellent customer service.
2. The Impact of Logistics on Customer Loyalty
Remember, for many customers, the delivery of pet food isn’t a mere transaction but a test of trust. The timely delivery of a high-quality product is a reassurance that they can rely on your brand to take care of their pet’s nutritional needs. A capable logistics partner plays a vital role in building and maintaining this trust. By meeting the above specifications, they help ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers.
In conclusion, when selecting a logistics partner for your pet food brand, consider their timeliness, cost-effectiveness, ability to handle perishable and large products, transparency, and flexibility. These factors will ultimately play a pivotal role in upholding the trust of your customers and the reputation of your brand.
New market
Optimising Your Shopify Store Globally: A Complete Guide
Expanding your e-commerce business to target customers across multiple countries is a significant growth opportunity. However, achieving visibility and driving sales in new markets can be challenging.
Localization and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are essential for your Shopify store and products. They help your items rank higher on Google search results. The goal, attract visitors interested in your business and increase conversions.
As you venture into new markets, adapting your content to resonate with local audiences is essential. But localization goes beyond mere translation. It involves understanding different countries' cultural nuances, preferences, and consumer behaviour.
We interviewed our partners from Orbe and Mentor Marketing. They shared their best tips to help you expand your online store to new markets. This will help you do it without friction. Orbe is the top-rated Shopify App for localizing stores, and Mentor Marketing is a marketing agency specialized in SEO.
This article will explain why adapting your e-commerce business to local audiences is key and provide tips on optimizing your e-commerce website's SEO across multiple countries on Shopify.
1. Localise your Shopify website and make it attractive to local customers
When it comes to expanding your Shopify website to cater to a global audience, localizing your online store becomes paramount. Fortunately, if you use Shopify Markets, creating localised experiences has become more accessible than ever.
Imagine a U.S. store targeting customers in the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. This store has different prices, products, currencies, and languages tailored to each market. All this is managed within the same platform. This is where Shopify Markets shines, enabling businesses to create customized experiences for different countries.
According to Shopify, 65 % of consumers prefer to buy from a store with content in their own language. By adapting your product descriptions, marketing materials, and website content to the local language, you can significantly increase the chances of converting international visitors into customers.
1.1 Key elements a Shopify store should adapt when expanding to international markets:
Language Localization:
- Translate all website content, including product descriptions, menus, navigation, and customer support materials, into the local language.
- Ensure accurate and culturally appropriate translations by working with professional translators or localization services.
- Implement language-switching functionality to allow users to easily switch between different language versions of your website.
Currency and Pricing:
- Display prices in the local currency of each target market.
- Adjust pricing to reflect local market conditions, taking into account factors such as taxes, shipping costs, and local pricing strategies.
- Use currency conversion tools to provide real-time exchange rate information for customers.
Shipping and Delivery:
- Adapt shipping options and rates to meet the specific requirements of each international market.
- Consider partnering with local shipping carriers to provide faster and more cost-effective delivery options.
- Clearly communicate shipping policies, estimated delivery times, and any applicable customs duties or import taxes.
Payment Options:
- Offer payment methods that are popular and widely used in each target market.
- Integrate local payment gateways to provide customers with familiar and convenient payment options.
- Ensure secure and seamless payment processing, adhering to local regulations and data protection laws.
Legal Compliance:
- Understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of each target market, including consumer protection laws, data privacy regulations, and tax obligations.
- Display terms and conditions, privacy policies, and refund policies in compliance with local laws and best practices.
Recommended tool:
One powerful tool that facilitates this localization process is Orbe, which acts as the gateway to these localized experiences. Orbe enhances the user journey and increases international conversion rates. It does this by redirecting users to the correct shopping experience based on their location and preferences.
Victoria Beckham unlocks global opportunities by localizing her fashion brand’s e-commerce experience using Orbe.
Localization can have a significant impact. For example, a carpet brand strategically sold its products at 50% higher prices in the United States than in Spain. Before using Orbe, users had to go through the Spanish experience.
They saw higher prices at checkout, leading to frustration and abandoned carts. However, with the implementation of Orbe, such frictions are lifted, ensuring a smoother purchasing experience for international customers.
Delivering localized content and prices on your Shopify website can significantly improve the chances of conversion. This helps create a better user experience and increases the likelihood of them purchasing from you.
2. Improve the SEO Game of your Shopify Store for International Markets
Expanding your Shopify store to international markets opens up a world of opportunities for your e-commerce business. To fully tap into these markets' potential, optimising your store's SEO strategy specifically for international audiences is crucial.
Tailor your SEO efforts to different countries and languages. This will increase your visibility in search results. It will also help you attract more targeted organic traffic to specific pages on your site.
2.1 Understand the International Market Landscape:
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the countries you are targeting is essential before diving into SEO optimization for international markets. This understanding will help you tailor your SEO strategy to the cultural and linguistic specifics of each target market.
Researching and analyzing the market landscape will provide insights into local consumer behaviour, preferences, and competition. This knowledge will serve as a foundation for crafting an effective SEO strategy that resonates with your target audience.
2.2 Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research:
Understand the Target Market: Begin by researching and define your target markets. Gain insights into their specific cultures, languages, and consumer behaviour to tailor your SEO efforts accordingly.
Localized Keyword Research: Utilize keyword research tools to discover relevant keywords and phrases in the local languages of your target market segments. Focus on long-tail keywords and search terms commonly used by local potential customers.
Recommended tools:
- Do a manual search on Google, to check if you appear on the first page or not and pick out keyword inspirations.
- The Google Search Console tool gives you info on user queries before they get to your site.
- Ubersuggest gives you an overview of your positioning compared to your competitors.
- For €89/month, Ahrefs generates lists of keywords according to their search volume, CPC, location, etc.
- For around €100/month, you can use its competitor, Semrush, which has a database three times larger.
2.3 The Best On-Page SEO Techniques for International ECommerce Sites:
Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Craft unique and descriptive title tags and meta descriptions for each page and product categories, incorporating relevant keywords and enticing users to click through from search engine results.
Structured Data Markup: Implement structured data markup (e.g., Schema.org) to provide search engines with additional context about your products, such as pricing, availability, reviews, and ratings.
URL Structure and Hierarchy: Create user-friendly URLs that include relevant keywords and reflect the website's structure. Organize content using subfolders or subdomains for different countries or languages.
Optimized Product Pages: Pay attention to product page optimization, including keyword-rich product titles, detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and customer reviews.
2.4. The Best Off-Page SEO Strategies for International Sotres:
Link Building: Develop a robust backlink profile by acquiring high-quality links from relevant and authoritative websites in each target country. Build relationships with local influencers, bloggers, and industry publications to gain exposure.
Social Media Localization: Tailor your social media strategy to each country by creating localized profiles, sharing country-specific content, and engaging with local communities. This can boost brand visibility and generate social signals that impact SEO.
Local Citations and Directories: Register your business in local directories and review websites specific to each country. Consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) information helps search engines validate your business's legitimacy and improve local search rankings.
Marketing
Influencer-generated content vs user-generated content
Relatable content can hold the average consumer's attention longer than a traditional advertisement. When consumers browse the web, often through their phones on their favorite social apps, they look forward to seeing what influencers and ordinary people say about products and brands. So, if you're trying to get more attention for your brand and its offerings, you have two options to choose between – the girl-next-door approach or the aspirational influencer approach, both of which can help you boost sales and profits.
Investing in traditional advertising is becoming more challenging due to the ever growing costs and the oversaturated market. Since the iOS 14 update, D2C brands have been forced to think outside the box, developing the most creative ways to advertise to their audiences. In an effort to be more creative while reaching the masses, they've discovered the power that IGC and UGC hold.
Influencer-generated content and user-generated content have equally become the key elements to a successful marketing strategy that yields better results. And the reason for it? The content is much more relatable than a traditional advertisement. This advertising method has helped improve conversion rates and boost sales for digitally native vertical brands (DNVBs) looking for a way to make a name for themselves while up against the major competition.
Top-rated fashion brand Fashion Nova collaborated with female music artist Cardi B. in November 2018 with its "Party with Cardi" collection, which included a special event featuring the rapper and several other music artists, including Saweetie. It was so successful that items sold out within seconds! Not only did this mean major sales for the business, but it also led to a tremendous amount of organic user-generated content from those who managed to snag pieces from the event. In addition, since its successful collaboration with Cardi, the fashion brand has partnered with many other celebrities and mega influencers, including Teyana Taylor and Megan Thee Stallion. The brand has successfully built an empire by relying on influencer and user-generated content.
It's important to understand that IGC and UGC differ from one another, although both can bring tremendous value to your brand and business. Let's face it – influencer communities are often much more prominent. These people tend to have a massive following that occasionally consists of millions of people who care about their thoughts, feelings, and opinions, which is impressive. It's also great for brands that want to reach new people and target a massive audience. And when you choose to work with influencers, you will usually have more control over what they say in the content created, especially if you're paying them to do so. But UGC still has its perks. UGC is often cheaper and, at times, will cost you absolutely nothing.
Of course, you're probably asking yourself, "Which is better – user-generated or influencer-generated content?" The answer will depend on a few different factors, including the size of your business, what you sell, who you're trying to reach, and how much you can afford to spend.
Bigblue Tip: By providing a branded experience for customers with the help of Bigblue, Detective Box boosted delivery satisfaction by 95%. Improving the experience often leads to better reviews and organic user-generated content that helps brands grow. Focus on doing what you can to bring joy and excitement to your clients to receive more user-generated content than ever.
1. What is Influencer-generated content and why you should do it
- Influencer-generated content is any content created by someone with a following of a minimum of 5000 people (usually much more than that).
- By the end of 2022, the influencer marketing industry will likely have a value of $16.4B.
- Instagram is currently the most popular social media platform used for influencer marketing.
Source: Influencer Marketing Hub
When using influencer-generated content to advertise to consumers, you have the ability to get your brand's name out there. These individuals have thousands and, at times, millions of people following them who will see the content they've created. When you have them creating content where they're saying good things about your brands, it leads to more web traffic that converts. People will want to buy the items they saw their favorite influencer(s) discussing on social media. If you aim to get more people interested in your brand, it's a good idea to reach out to influencers.
American Eagle might not be new to the fashion industry, but the brand is bringing life back to its products and gaining more sales than ever due to its partnership with popular social media influencer Addison Rae. The company used Addison Rae to advertise its new line of Mom Jeans, which resulted in thousands of regular TikTok users posting themselves doing try-on hauls. The genius approach has benefited American Eagle, enabling them to use both influencer and user-generated content to their advantage to strengthen sales.
Bigblue Tip: Use influencer-generated content to boost credibility. Simply getting one person with a large following to post about your brand has the potential to lead to more sales and help you get more user-generated content than ever before!
Influencer-generated content may be the method to choose if you:
- Don't mind sending out products for free or paying influencers to post about your brand and the different products you offer.
- Are interested in reaching a targeted group of people who will feel more inclined to buy from you if they see someone they like talking about your brand/products.
- Want to start connecting with a new audience and want to do so with the help of a mega influencer with millions of followers.
- Hope to get high-quality content carefully created by influencers that you can post in various places, including your website and other social media platforms.
2. What is User generated content and why you should do it
- User-generated content consists of any content created by a regular consumer who says something about a brand or its products.
- The average consumer spends over 5 hours per day watching user-generated content.
- 60% of consumers believe that of all marketing content available to them, UGC is most authentic.
Instead of paying out of pocket to get people to make content for you as you'd normally need to do with influencer-generated content, user-generated content comes naturally. People are more likely to create videos and posts on social media about their experiences with a brand when it's a genuinely good one. If you can exceed expectations, customers will look forward to generating content about your products and sharing that content with others. The best way to exceed expectations? Offer high-quality products and an incredible unboxing experience that will leave a better impression on your customers.
Bigblue Tip: Provide custom packaging like FROM FUTURE to offer a pleasant surprise to your customers. The company managed to boost buyer satisfaction by 89% within just four months, meaning you have the potential to do the same!
Need an example of a famous UGC marketing strategy? Si Si La Paillette uses FAQs to create viral videos on TikTok. These videos work wonders for the company for several reasons. First, they’re responding to important questions that consumers have and want the answers to before they buy. However, they’re also creating valuable, insightful content and connecting with more consumers, which benefits the brand.
Use Si Si La Paillette’s Strategy to Get the Content You Need
One thing you might notice when you first start posting to platforms like TikTok is that consumers often have questions. Use this to your advantage, answering questions with video content that broadens your reach and helps your brand get more views. If possible, have influencers replying to some of these questions with their own video content, which will boost views even more. By using this effective marketing strategy, you can spend less and still see incredible results.
User-generated content is likely the best option for you to choose if…
- You want to build a name for your brand but don’t have a big budget.
- You’re confident in the quality of the products you provide to your consumers.
- You’re willing to take steps needed to enhance the experience, such as improving the unboxing experience.
- It’s your goal to appear as relatable and authentic as possible when connecting with the consumers.
- You don’t care nearly as much about growing quickly as you do about building a solid community of loyal customers.
3. IGC or UGC: When to Use One or the Other
The decision may be tough when deciding which to use, user-generated or influencer-generated content. Both have their pros and cons and can help brands of all sizes make a name for themselves, even dealing with a lot of competition.
Of course, it comes down to what you can afford, working within your budget, and using what you feel will work best for your business model. Most importantly, it helps to know that you can use a little bit of both in your marketing strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Plenty of brands are already combining both options to get the greatest return on their investment while boosting sales.
Check out this list of some of the pros and cons of each type of content to help you decide which to use for your next marketing campaign.🔽🔽🔽
Pros of IGC
- With influencer-generated content, it's easier than ever to reach a larger audience because these individuals have thousands or even millions of people following them and paying attention to what they post.
- You have the option of choosing between different influencers. There are many of them, including nano, micro, macro, and mega influencers, willing to post about brands.
- Influencers with higher engagement rates who post about your brand can help you increase your follower count and boost traffic to your website, which results in more sales!
Cons of IGC
- Engaging well-established influencers is not always easy, so reaching out to them directly might not work.
- It can cost you money to get influencers to create content about your brand and the products you sell. Some charge more than others!
- Some influencers are a bit controversial. It's important to choose the influencers you plan to work with wisely because you don't want to deal with the drawbacks of any controversy they might cause.
Pros of UGC
- User-generated content is recognized as the most relatable type of marketing in existence. When people have someone like themselves talking about a product they love, it feels more like a conversation with a friend or family member.
- The content they create can help you gain more visibility for your brand. In addition, it can make your brand seem more authentic.
- When searching social media for different products, it makes it easier for consumers to come across content about your brand. As a result, they may choose to visit your social media pages or even check out your website to see what you're selling.
Cons of UGC
- You're not guaranteed content from consumers, even if they loved the experience you provided to them.
- Not all user-generated content created is positive. For example, consumers might say something they dislike about the brand.
- Not all creators have large followings, so the chances of getting millions of people to see the content are smaller. However, it can still happen, especially on a platform like TikTok, where some of the most random things go viral (Chicken salad, anyone?)
Bigblue Tip: Use a combo of user-generated and influencer-generated content to bolster your marketing efforts. Search for influencers with decent followings who typically share their thoughts and feelings about brands like yours! Connect with them and continue to provide an incredible experience to all to improve your chances of getting more user-generated content created.
Marketing
How to whitelist influencers for your e-commerce brand?
In the realm of influencer marketing, the concept of influencer whitelisting has gained prominence, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. But how exactly does it work? Let's delve into the process of influencer whitelisting and gain some insights into this powerful marketing strategy.
In a nutshell, influencer whitelisting involves granting a brand paid ad control over an influencer's Facebook Ads Manager account. This essentially means that the brand gains the ability to promote the influencer's posts as sponsored content on both Facebook and Instagram platforms. This mutually beneficial arrangement allows brands to leverage the influence of popular creators while expanding their reach and engagement.
It's worth noting that TikTok is also entering the realm of creator licensing, offering similar capabilities to brands. However, their process differs slightly from that of Meta (formerly known as Facebook). We'll explore TikTok's approach in more detail later.
Although YouTube doesn't provide a specific whitelisting feature, brands can manually replicate the process on the platform, albeit with a bit more effort and involvement.
Given that creator licensing is still a relatively new concept, it can be a bit complex to navigate. It's crucial for both brands and influencers to familiarize themselves with key licensing concepts, terms, and definitions to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration.
By understanding the fundamentals of influencer whitelisting, brands can unlock the potential for increased visibility and engagement, while influencers can benefit from monetizing their content and expanding their reach.
1. Benefits of Influencer Whitelisting: A Win-Win for Brands and Influencers
The rising popularity of influencer whitelisting or licensing partnerships brings forth a range of benefits for both brands and influencers, establishing it as a powerful hybrid marketing approach. As this innovative advertising technique continues to evolve and refine, more brands and influencers are embracing it, reaping its advantages with confidence.
Brand Benefits:
One significant advantage for brands is the relief from the perennial challenge of creating compelling content. Crafting messaging, visuals, and videos that truly resonate with the target audience often requires substantial investments, which may not always yield the desired results.
In contrast, influencer content holds immense appeal and garners impressive engagement metrics among their dedicated followers. By entering into influencer content whitelisting agreements, brands can effectively reduce their overall ad spend and production budgets while simultaneously driving greater paid results. Some notable benefits for brands include, but are not limited to:
Enhanced ad copy and content selection: Leveraging the expertise and creativity of influencers allows brands to curate more compelling and authentic content that resonates with the target audience, resulting in higher engagement.
Access to audience segmentation data: Collaborating with influencers provides brands with valuable insights into the demographics, interests, and preferences of their target audience, facilitating better audience segmentation and targeting in future campaigns.
Stronger relationships with top-performing creators: Establishing long-term partnerships through whitelisting fosters deeper connections with influential creators, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that can lead to more successful collaborations and brand advocacy.
Increased authentic engagement from consumers: Influencers have a unique ability to drive genuine engagement and interactions with their followers. Whitelisting enables brands to tap into this authenticity, fostering meaningful connections with consumers and building trust in their products or services.
Potential for user-generated content: Whitelisting campaigns have the potential to generate positive user-generated content across various social channels, extending the reach and impact of brand messaging while amplifying the influence of influencers.
Influencer Benefits:
While the spotlight has often been on the benefits for brands, it's important to recognize the significant advantages that influencers gain through whitelisting partnerships. Influencers stand to experience a considerable boost in engagement, growth in their follower counts, and several other benefits, such as:
Creative freedom on future social posts: As brands predominantly repurpose existing influencer posts, creators enjoy more flexibility and creative freedom in their future content creation, allowing them to further showcase their unique style and voice.
Increased compensation opportunities: Successful licensing campaigns can lead to higher compensation for influencers, particularly when they combine campaign fees with affiliate commission structures, providing an additional revenue stream.
Deeper relationships with favorite brands: Whitelisting paves the way for stronger connections between influencers and the brands they genuinely admire and align with. This fosters ongoing collaborations, exclusive partnerships, and the opportunity to become brand ambassadors.
Enhanced audience insights: Through Lookalike Audiences (LALs) and the analysis of data from whitelisting campaigns, influencers gain valuable insights into their audience demographics, preferences, and behaviors. This knowledge empowers them to refine their content strategy, improve targeting, and better serve their followers.
2. How to whitelist an influencer account?
1. Identify Suitable Influencers:
Before you begin the whitelisting process, it's important to identify influencers who align with your brand and target audience. Look for influencers whose content resonates with your brand values and has a significant following. Conduct thorough research and analysis to ensure the influencers you choose have a strong track record of engagement and authenticity.
2. Establish Communication:
Once you have identified potential influencers, establish communication to discuss the whitelisting opportunity. Reach out to the influencers via direct messages or email, expressing your interest in collaborating and explaining the benefits of whitelisting. Clearly outline the advantages for both parties, such as increased exposure for the influencer and extended reach for your brand.
3. Collaborate on Content:
Work closely with the influencer to create content that aligns with your brand's message and objectives. Provide guidelines and creative direction while allowing the influencer's unique voice and style to shine through. Collaborate on the post format, captions, hashtags, and any other specific requirements. Ensure that the content complies with Instagram's advertising policies to avoid any issues during the whitelisting process.
4. Request Access to the Influencer's Facebook Page:
To proceed with the whitelisting process, you will need access to the influencer's Facebook page connected to their Instagram account. Request the influencer to grant you access as an advertiser to their Facebook page. This step is crucial as it allows you to promote the influencer's post as an ad directly from their account.
5. Set Up Business Manager and Ad Account:
To run ads on Instagram, you need to set up a Business Manager account and connect it to your brand's Facebook page. If you haven't already done so, create a Business Manager account and follow the prompts to set up your ad account. Make sure the influencer's Facebook page is added to your Business Manager account and that you have the necessary permissions to run ads.
6. Boost the Influencer's Post:
Once you have access to the influencer's Facebook page and have set up your ad account, you can proceed to boost the influencer's post as an ad. Log in to your Business Manager account, navigate to Ads Manager, and select the appropriate ad account. Create a new ad campaign, choose the objective that aligns with your marketing goals, and select the influencer's post as the ad creative.
7. Define Target Audience and Budget:
As part of the ad setup process, define your target audience based on demographics, interests, and other relevant criteria. Set your budget and bidding strategy, keeping in mind your campaign objectives and overall marketing budget. Ensure that you optimize your ad targeting to reach the right audience and maximize the impact of the influencer's content.
8. Monitor and Optimize Performance:
Once the ad is live, closely monitor its performance using the Ads Manager dashboard. Track key metrics such as reach, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions. Adjust your campaign settings and optimize targeting as needed to improve performance. Continuously analyze the results and make data-driven decisions to enhance the impact of the whitelisted influencer content.
3. Conclusion
By utilizing the whitelisting feature on Instagram, brands can extend their reach and leverage the influence of content creators. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively use the whitelisting feature, enabling successful collaborations with influencers and unlocking the full potential of your influencer marketing campaigns.