The Outloud Group reposted this
Biggest mistake I see? Viewing influencers as billboards instead of partners. ❌ Here’s how it looks: 👇 → Blast generic outreach to hundreds of creators → Focus solely on views and engagement metrics → Try to control every aspect of creative → Treat each campaign as a one-off transaction The problem is: creators are drowning in low-quality opportunities. What creators want is actually simple: - Be able to fully focus on their content - Build sustainable income streams - Work with brands that truly fit their channel - Partner with people they can trust One of the things we realized early on at Outloud: when you build a genuine relationship and ACTUALLY show up for creators – they want to help you in return. Not because of a contract. But because of trust — trust that you understand them and value what they’ve built. We ask creators: - How do you want to grow? - What's your vision for your channel? - What content makes you excited to create? - How can we help you achieve your goals? We’ve been at this for 17 years, and honestly: the magic happens when you shift from transaction to partnership: 🤝 When you understand a creator's vision, they're more likely to: → Bring you unique opportunities first → Give you preferred rates and placement → Create authentic content their audience trusts → Build long-term partnerships that grow over time No contract can create that kind of loyalty. That's the real magic of putting relationships first: a fulfilling, compounding, win-win partnership. That's not just feel-good advice – it's good business. // Build Boldly. #influencer #marketing #partnerships #creator
Love how you frame this as smart business strategy rather than just feel-good advice, M. Bradley! 17 years of experience really shows in this insight :) We've found that creators who feel truly supported often become passionate brand advocates far beyond the scope of any agreement. What's been the most surprising long-term benefit you've seen from putting relationships first?
Creators are still humans not AI. They deserve breaks to stretch their legs just like you instead of being plugged in; taking breaks helps a creator recharge, see the issue in a different light and come up with a solution.
Building genuine, trust-based relationships is so crucial. When you take the time to understand a creator's vision and goals, and show up to support them, they're much more likely to be enthusiastic, authentic partners.
Yea man -- it can't just be a win-win. It has to be a win-win-win. It's by far the best way to keep it sustainable.
I help creators and startups drive social media traffic with impactful visuals. Sharing what I learn about design, marketing, newsletter and business.
1moTransactional relationship is a short term game. Partnership is a long-term game. Playing the long-term game with long-term partners is what makes the overall relationship sustainable. Limited downside, huge upside.