Three Fundamentals for Building an Influencer Program on Instagram

This week I decided to read an article on PR New for Smart Communicators focusing on utilizing PR throughout an application called Instagram. This specific article was call 3 Fundamentals for Building an Influencer Program on Instagram written by Steven Goldstein. Throughout this article Goldstein expresses that throughout research it has been proven that Instagram is the most popular platform that reaches people who actually are engaging with brands on social media. Since Instagram is the most popular for brand recognition on social media, it is important to recognize how to utilize this platform to the best of ones ability given that there are limitations to how much a brand can do through a social media platform. The following three points are the ways that organizations and individuals should create an influencer program on Instagram:

• Extend Existing Relationships: For organizations and individuals that already have existing influencing social media accounts, they should utilize those followers that already exist from these accounts to expand and reach out to new followers. The benefit is explained to be a crossover across social networks affect rather than just having one. 
• Organic - Getting Hands On: This tip is talking about being more hands on with the followers. Organizations and individuals should not just follow individuals - they should share what they post and possible direct message them. If it is a piece of work that you absolutely love, you should consider asking to re-post with a full attribution and explanation about how you would use the image. This is giving your followers the power to influence your profile. If you are sharing their work - they will share your work. 
• Influencer Agencies: Seeing how these relationships are hard to maintain and nurture, organizations and individuals should take in consideration the help from an influencer talent agency. These agencies are rapidly growing and will ease the amount of effort you must put into your relationships. Even though this a cost that you should take into consideration, looking at the benefits you may decide it is worth it - especially if your want to sustain relationship on behalf of your brand.