Updated March 10, 2023. As results of post pandemic continue to emerge, whichever way you look at it, there has been a huge impact on businesses both big and small all across the globe. As of late, now the challenges of high inflation and a slowing economy are at the helm. And sadly, some businesses are facing some tough times ahead. If you have not considered adding a blogger or social media influencer to your online marketing plan now, you just may want to start. It may be a matter of survival. Here is how social media bloggers can help businesses during a challenging economy.

FitLifeTravel Blog Website

Before I explain more details about social media influencers and bloggers, let me share a bit about my lifestyle/adventure blog business. I started my blog as a result of a life changing event. FitLifeTravel, my travel-lifestyle blog, includes primarily my experiences as I travel and hiking adventures around the United States. However, I also include general tips and articles about fitness, wellness, and nutrition. My blog has a purpose and that purpose is to promote positivity, living an active lifestyle, and creating the best life possible!

What Are Influencers?

The definition of influencer can be explained as an online account on any of the social media platforms that have a following or an audience. An influencer’s network can range from 500 followers to millions. There are different levels of influencers which include Micro, Macro, and Mega Influencers. Each is briefly explained below:

Micro Influencers Definition

If you are looking for industry specific and high engagement rates, than Micro Influencers are it. The interaction here can go into deep conversations which can help with a broader reach online.

Macro Influencers

These influencer accounts typically have a following of 10,000 to 1 million and can have high engagement rates. There are many accounts in this category that might also have that star power; being celebrity and famous names or brands can also be in this group.

Mega Influencers

This group is basically star or celebrity and essentially famous accounts. And although these accounts can have a high reach, their engagement can be very low. Engagement can be very critical when you are trying to attract customers as well as building trust. This is so you can retain them as repeat customers.

Business Marketing 101 Basics

With a background in marketing and advertising, I learned that one of the best forms of advertising is “Word of Mouth”. This means that your business must provide and offer an experience that is top notch. No matter what business it is. In today’s world, consumers are looking for quality, value, and yes, positive experiences! So when you add a blogger or influencer to your marketing plan, he or she can put out the word and describe the experience they had in your business and share it with their audience; hence the world.

How Can Influencers Help Business?

Of course, business marketing also entails diverse elements and dynamic strategies to be truly successful. And using a social influencer or blogger is only one piece of the entire marketing pie. This is why they can help you take your business to the next level!  If you are looking to build strong and loyal relationships with your customers, an influencer or blogger can help significantly in this area. Especially during and after the tough times, people will remember your business.

As consumers browse and shop, they also look to spend their hard earned dollars with brands and companies they can trust. Consumers will be more inclined to accept your call to action if they trust your brand or company. This is where social media including blogging, comes in.

Building Trust With Customers

Social media can make a huge impact on your bottom line. The benefits of social media for businesses is multifaceted. is that it’s one of the best methods to create relationships and build strong ones as well. The engagement is what is critical. The blogger or influencer can create deep conversations and truly build friendships, if you will.

The engagement gives that influencer huge credibility, and loyalty by the followers. This benefit can be critical to your business. Of course, choosing the right influencer or blogger should be an appropriate fit to your business. So be sure to consider this factor when adding this to your marketing plan. This is merely one aspect of the benefits provided when using an influencer or blogger in your marketing.

How To Find the Right Blogger or Influencer

Once you have decided to add a blogger or influencer to your marketing plan, now you might be wondering how to find the right one. Who or which one will make the best fit for your business. When it comes to determining which blogger to use, you should spend some time reviewing these particular areas in your research:

Followers: Be cautious here, because sometimes having more followers doesn’t mean the reach is there.
Engagement: Review the posts on social pages and look at the comments section. Is there conversation happening, does that person respond other comments, etc?
Blog-Website Posts: Are there active posts or updates throughout the blog? Look for recent or current posts and articles.
Create Your Own Blog: You can create your own blog for your business, if you have the time to put towards writing about your business. Or you can hire a blogger to help you tell your story and they post it on their established blog or website.
Videos: Tell your business story through videos. Create your own or hire a blogger or influencer to do the videos and they help you create your story.

FitLifeTravel Brand Blogger

This is my blog-brand that I have built over the past five years. Fit Life Travel is an adventure lifestyle blog that entails exploration, fitness, the outdoors and living life to the fullest. We take you on a journey full of new experiences to roads less traveled, finding hidden gems, and wellness lifestyles! We share positive new inspirational moments of adventure and accomplishments! We have grown to nearly 25,000 followers combined social pages.

Additionally, we have gained 26K views on the Youtube channel, and over 10K followers on Instagram, as well as subscribers to our website. Additionally, I have created a Newsbreak account which is more of a local component to my brand. This social publishing site is comprised of both video (4000 followers) and written content (818 followers). In my view, our network are not only followers, but they are friends! As well, FitLifeTravel has also earned several high accolades from a network of bloggers; including “Trusted Blogger and High Closer.” You can also see our reviews on the Facebook page.

Small Business FitLife Feature

One of the latest segments added to the FitLifeTravel blog/website is a special series that features small businesses. The aftermath of the pandemic has done its damage and now the inflation factor is upon us all. I want to do something as a great way to give back. Of course, we are always encouraging others to shop local and shop at small businesses!

Summary

There are so many factors that go into running a business and the challenges you may encounter are many times unforeseen. I hope you will find this article helpful and informational to you. In the year 2023, we are facing the challenges of the other side of the pandemic. Which is why it is so important that businesses stay engaged and listen to customers. I hope you can see how bloggers and social media influencers can help your business or brand grow. At the same time gain a loyal customer base during this current difficult climate and beyond.