Taipei, Taiwan – CreatorDB, a leading influencer marketing platform, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its Data Engineering Department. This move not only showcases the company’s drive to blend the latest in AI and research with its platform but reflects its dedication to innovation and progress.
The department will focus on utilizing cutting-edge AI technologies to refine and elevate how brands and influencers connect. Incorporating tools such as NLP/LLM means CreatorDB can offer even more authentic and efficient connections. In addition, the Department plans to work closely with internal team members to ensure all departments benefit from the advancements in data engineering.
Dominic Cope, with nearly two decades of professional experience in Taiwan, assumes the role of Director of Data Engineering. Cope’s diverse career journey started in a marketing and design firm, leading him to an IoT platform and services startup where he served as the Director of Operations. He progressed through multiple Director-level positions at Gogoro, overseeing diverse projects from FinTech innovations to global expansion initiatives. Now, he brings his extensive experience and visionary approach to CreatorDB, immersing himself in the intricate realm of data engineering.
As an expert in AI and Machine Learning, Francisco Martos Triguero will join as the Head Machine Learning Engineer and report to Cope. Together, they chart an ambitious course for CreatorDB. The dynamic duo aims to spearhead initiatives such as patent developments, enhance the quality and consistency of the data in the database, and synergistically work with the other departments to improve CreatorDB’s offering and effectiveness to bring unparalleled value to clients.
In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking effective marketing strategies to gain an edge over their competitors. One such strategy that has gained significant attention is social proof marketing. Social proof, a concept deeply rooted in human psychology, has the power to influence consumer behavior and drive conversions.
In this article, we will delve into the psychology behind social proof marketing, exploring its various forms and how businesses can leverage its power to attract and retain customers.
How Social Proof Works?
Definition and Importance
Social proof refers to the psychological phenomenon where individuals rely on the actions and decisions of others to determine their own behavior. It is a powerful tool in marketing as it taps into the innate human desire to conform and seek validation from their peers. By showcasing social proof, businesses can establish trust, credibility, and influence over their target audience.
Evolutionary Roots
The concept of social proof can be traced back to our evolutionary history. In primitive societies, conforming to the behaviors of the group was crucial for survival. Individuals who deviated from the group’s actions risked isolation and potential danger. As a result, our brains have developed a deep-rooted inclination to follow the crowd, which manifests in modern-day consumer behavior.
What are the Types of Social Proof?
Expert Social Proof
Expert social proof involves leveraging the authority and expertise of credible individuals or organizations to influence consumer decisions. This form of social proof is commonly seen in endorsements by industry experts, professionals, or renowned organizations, providing validation and credibility to a product or service.
Celebrity Social Proof
Celebrity social proof relies on the influence and popularity of well-known personalities to endorse products or services. By associating their brand with a recognizable figure, businesses can tap into the emotional connection that fans have with their favorite celebrities, increasing trust and generating interest.
Influencer Social Proof
Influencer social proof stands in the middle between expert and celebrity social proof. While in a sense influencers are celebrities themselves more often than not they are catering to smaller audiences that follow them because of the nature of the content they produce. By associating with the right influencers a brand can show to understand and value the input from the community around their products.
User Social Proof
User social proof involves leveraging the experiences and opinions of existing customers to influence potential buyers. Testimonials, reviews, and ratings play a significant role in this form of social proof. Positive user feedback can build trust and credibility, while negative feedback can raise concerns or prompt improvements.
Wisdom of the Crowds
The wisdom of the crowds is based on the belief that a large group’s collective opinion or behavior can be a reliable indicator of what is popular or desirable. This form of social proof is often seen in social media metrics such as the number of followers, likes, shares, or comments. The more significant the numbers, the greater the perceived value or quality of a product or service.
The Psychology of Social Proof Explained
Cognitive Bias: Informational Social Influence
Informational social influence occurs when individuals conform to the actions or decisions of others because they believe that others possess more knowledge or information. This cognitive bias often leads to the assumption that “if many people are doing it, it must be the right thing to do.” Businesses can leverage this bias by showcasing the popularity or widespread adoption of their offerings.
Emotional Impact: Normative Social Influence
Normative social influence taps into the human need for acceptance and belongingness. When individuals observe others engaging in certain behaviors or making particular choices, they often feel compelled to conform to fit in. By highlighting how a product or service aligns with social norms or trends, businesses can trigger the emotional desire to be part of a larger community.
How to use Social Proof in Marketing?
Testimonials and Reviews
Displaying authentic testimonials and positive reviews from satisfied customers can be a persuasive form of social proof. By sharing real-life experiences, businesses can showcase the benefits and quality of their offerings, easing potential customers’ concerns and building trust.
Influencer Collaborations
Partnering with influencers who have a strong following in a specific niche can significantly impact consumer behavior. When influencers endorse a product or service, their audience perceives it as a recommendation from a trusted source, leading to increased interest and potential conversions.
User-Generated Content
Encouraging customers to create and share content related to a brand or product can amplify social proof. User-generated content, such as photos, videos, or testimonials, not only showcases genuine experiences but also creates a sense of community around the brand, strengthening brand loyalty and attracting new customers.
Social Media Engagement
Active engagement on social media platforms allows businesses to showcase real-time interactions with customers. Responding to comments, addressing concerns, and sharing user-generated content can create a positive perception and generate social proof by demonstrating that others find value in the brand’s offerings.
Expert Endorsements
Identify influential experts or industry leaders in your field and seek their endorsements. This can be done through collaborations, guest blog posts, or interviews. Expert opinions provide a valuable stamp of approval and can significantly enhance your brand’s reputation and credibility.
How Does Social Proof Impact on Consumer Behavior?
Building Trust and Credibility
Social proof plays a vital role in building trust and credibility among potential customers. When they see others actively engaging with your brand and expressing satisfaction, it alleviates doubts and reduces perceived risks. Trust is a critical factor in the decision-making process, and social proof provides the necessary reassurance to potential customers.
Influencing Purchase Decisions
The power of social proof lies in its ability to influence consumer behavior. When individuals observe others purchasing or recommending a product, they feel compelled to follow suit due to the fear of missing out (FOMO) or the desire for social acceptance. By strategically showcasing social proof, businesses can influence potential customers’ purchase decisions and drive sales.
Enhancing Perceived Value
Social proof marketing can enhance the perceived value of your products or services. When potential customers witness others positively engaging with your offerings, it creates a sense of desirability and exclusivity. By associating your brand with satisfied customers, influencers, or industry experts, you elevate its perceived value, making it more attractive to consumers.
Examples of Successful Social Proof Campaigns
BYDFi and Customer Reviews
BYDFi effectively utilized customer reviews on third-party platforms to establish credibility and trust. By promoting reviews of their platform they were able to create a solid track record that new users investigating the platform could easily find.
Fraîcheur partnered with popular celebrities, media companies, and influencers in their target market to endorse their new product line. The association with the brand generated significant buzz and social media engagement, resulting in increased brand awareness and a boost in sales.
Surfshark collaborated with influencers to showcase their product’s unique features and benefits. Through genuine and authentic content, they were able to reach a highly engaged audience and generate social proof, leading to increased product adoption and brand recognition.
How to Overcome Challenges in Social Proof Marketing
Authenticity and Trust
Maintaining authenticity is crucial in social proof marketing. Businesses must ensure that the social proof they showcase is genuine and reflects real customer experiences. Faking or manipulating social proof can lead to a loss of trust and credibility, ultimately damaging the brand’s reputation.
Balancing Quantity and Quality
While social proof relies on numbers and metrics, businesses must strike a balance between quantity and quality. Displaying an overwhelming amount of social proof without considering its relevance or impact may dilute its effectiveness. It is essential to curate and showcase the most compelling forms of social proof to drive meaningful engagement.
Mitigating Negative Social Proof
Negative social proof, such as publicized customer complaints or low ratings, can undermine a brand’s reputation. Addressing and resolving negative feedback promptly and transparently is crucial to mitigate its impact. By actively engaging with customers and demonstrating a commitment to improvement, businesses can turn negative experiences into positive ones.
What are the Future Trends in Social Proof Marketing?
Artificial Intelligence and Personalization
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) allow for personalized social proof experiences. AI-powered algorithms can analyze user behavior and preferences to provide tailored recommendations and social proof content, enhancing the overall customer experience and driving conversions.
Gamification and Interactive Experiences
Incorporating gamification elements and interactive experiences can boost engagement and social proof. By creating interactive quizzes, challenges, or contests, businesses can encourage customer participation and generate user-generated content, fostering a sense of community and authenticity.
Conclusion
Social proof marketing taps into the fundamental aspects of human psychology to influence consumer behavior. By understanding the psychology behind social proof and leveraging its various forms, businesses can build trust, credibility, and generate interest in their products or services. Authentic testimonials, influencer collaborations, user-generated content, and social media engagement are powerful tools that can drive conversions and foster long-term customer relationships.
FAQs
1. Does social proof marketing work for all industries?
Social proof marketing can be effective across various industries, but its impact may vary depending on the target audience and the nature of the products or services. It is essential to understand your target market and tailor your social proof strategies accordingly.
2. Is it better to have a few influential testimonials or many testimonials from regular customers?
Both influential testimonials and testimonials from regular customers can be valuable forms of social proof. The choice depends on your target audience and the message you want to convey. Influential testimonials can provide immediate credibility, while regular customer testimonials showcase widespread satisfaction.
3. How can I ensure the authenticity of user-generated content?
To ensure the authenticity of user-generated content, encourage customers to provide honest feedback and experiences. Implement moderation processes to filter out any irrelevant or inappropriate content. Engage with customers and respond to their content to show genuine appreciation for their contributions.
4. Can negative social proof be turned into a positive?
Yes, negative social proof can be turned into a positive if handled effectively. Address negative feedback promptly, empathize with customers’ concerns, and take visible actions to resolve the issues. By demonstrating your commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction, you can turn negative experiences into positive ones.
5. How can businesses stay ahead with social proof marketing in the future?
To stay ahead with social proof marketing, businesses should keep an eye on emerging trends and technologies. Incorporating personalization through AI-driven recommendations and creating interactive experiences can help businesses stand out and provide unique social proof experiences for their customers.
Gen Zers are abandoning Google and using social media to find new products, opinions, and reviews. This phenomenon is called Social Search. But why is this happening?
While Google, and search engines in general, are powerful tools to find information, they come with a price. A few established companies that are heavily invested in SEO, thanks to good backlinking strategies, can dwarf other smaller or less tech-savvy competitors.
For these reasons, many users may consider Google results less reliable and not as able to provide true unbiased information.
Social media, on the other hand, provide less sophisticated search tools, and much smaller results pools mostly comprised of user-generated content that resonates with users as genuine and less biased. Marketers need to keep in mind these kinds of changes and adapt while they are happening to avoid rushed hard pivots when is too late.
The evolution of SEO, search engines, and social media is changing where consumers discover products and search for information before buying. For brands is crucial to keep an open mind about integrating marketing efforts that aim to strengthen their position on social media through paid and earned media.
What is social search?
Search engines have been one of the leading forces that shaped the internet into what it is now. They made it possible for anyone to find websites without knowing the exact domain address. Without them, we will be browsing the same handful of websites we are familiar with, and we would rely on organic linking between websites as the main avenue to discover new websites.
But while they allowed much easier and faster internet navigation, they brought the birth of Search Engine Optimization. To gain more visits and, potentially, customers brands started applying strategies to improve their ranking in search engine results. While SEO is not inherently bad, it allows a few dedicated companies to de facto monopolize results and gain a dominant position in their field.
Social media on the other hand exists as a separate internet universe from search engine results. Content published on social media does not rank high in search engine results and is actively avoided by many of the algorithms to prevent fake news and dubious sources from ranking. But is often searchable inside the social media platform itself through various ways, most commonly simple word queries or hashtag searches.
While not as intuitive or efficient as searching through a search engine, social search gives users organic results and unfiltered access to other users’ experiences. This is especially important if considered along the growing trend of researching reviews and first-hand accounts of product use before making a purchase.
The influence of social search on consumer behavior
While the full social shopping experience may have to be put on hold for a bit longer, social media platforms are becoming the first and most trusted platform for product discovery. By allowing users to interact with one another they are becoming the main way to find out if something is worth buying or not. Just by following and interacting with other users and influencers with your same interests, you will be able to organically discover products and services catered to you.
Social media not only allows one to join communities and find other users with the same interests but also deploy fine-tuned algorithms that can understand which kind of content one is looking for and provide personalized recommendations. By combining user-generated content, organic discovery, and personalized suggestions social media creates a more authentic and trustworthy experience than search engine results.
Compared to professionally created content like blog posts, branded communication, and landing pages social media posts feel more authentic and genuine working towards establishing a stronger social proof for the user.
Social media also host most of the influencer-generated content that can be a great bridge between fully brand-owned content and user-generated social media posts. Influencers can target highly specific audiences and have one of the highest levels of trust in any marketing channel, with studies showing 61% of users trust the recommendations of other users on social media compared to only 38% trusting brands. While in most countries branded content created in partnership with influencers needs to be disclosed as an advertisement it still benefits from the trust and expertise that is around the influencers themselves.
As of now is difficult to directly track the impact that social search have on purchase decision and conversion rates since many of the users will passively engage with posts and discussions about products long after they have dried up. But for brands is important to realize that fostering online discussion around their product and pursuing creative ideas to generate organic and influencer content on social media is going to be a long-term winning strategy not only to sell today but to establish a positive track record that users will be able to come across in the future.
How can influencers boost social search?
Social media influencers and content creators will be an essential part of any campaign that wants to harvest the benefits of social search. Even if not explicitly included they are going to weigh in and influence the outcome.
Influencers are internet personalities who have been able to create a substantial following by posting content in line with their interests and expertise. They function as thought leaders towards their audience and they can stir the attention of the audience toward specific topics and brands.
Any brand that is interested in developing a successful social media presence should consider collaborating with influencers and other key opinion leaders in their market segment. Being separated from the brand itself and having reached notoriety thanks to their ideas and opinions influencers are the perfect medium to establish brand visibility and credibility on social media.
When partnering with influencers brands are not only gaining exposure to the current audience that they currently have but also leaving a track about the brand and their feeling towards it for future searches. Influencers are also a great way to start the discussion around a brand, prompt user-generated content, and frame the brand in the best light possible.
While using direct sponsorships is the most common way to collaborate with influencers there are alternative ways like product seeding or interacting with organic discussions around the product that can yield great results in promoting a brand and enhancing its visibility on social media.
How to get the best out of social search
Exactly like with SEO, there is work to be done to optimize the social search results for a brand. But should keep in consideration that unlike SEO here there isn’t complete control over the material that is published and a too-polished approach may backfire by giving the curated vibe social searchers are trying to escape in the first place.
Spark discussion
If there are no mentions of a brand on social media there is no possibility to use social search in the first place. Work towards getting the brand name out there in the first place. Collaborate with influencers, engage in viral stunts, or just provide an incentive program for customers to post reviews and impressions on social media.
Monitor the discussion
When there is a bit of movement about the brand going on social media, people are posting reviews and opinions. That is a good start. But is no time to rest. While there is no way to control what gets posted, and some of the things that get posted may be negative, a good practice is to engage with those posts, interact with the users that mention your brand, help the posts to gain traction, and show how much your brand cares about its customers. Being able to interject in the right conversations and be helpful and insightful is going to improve the brand image, even if the initial post is negative or critical of your product.
Focus on the language
Social media are not search engines and they are much less helpful to stir users towards adjacent terms that may be more used. This means that if the messaging has an unusual choice of terms it will be more difficult to find compared to someone who is using common terms. Try to maintain your brand uniqueness and identity by focusing on a few distinctive traits and special choices of words but also coopt and include widespread terms of your industry. Similarly, do not change hashtags too often but focus on the ones that can be repeated across multiple campaigns.
Use influencers correctly
Influencers are going to be the strongest ally in improving social search results. By partnering with various tiers of influencers you are going to reach different segments of the target audience. But how you include influencers in your plan is going to make the difference between a forgettable campaign and one that will leave the mark. As we said before influencers are highly valued by their followers due to their genuinity and authenticity, and these are the characteristics you should go after when planning your collaborations. Organize ways in which not only they can endorse the brand and the products but so it from a genuine perspective. This is often achieved by having them do reviews and relate the product to their daily use.
What are the challenges in social search?
But social search is not free from challenges. While for the moment is a relatively underdeveloped part of most companies marketing efforts are likely to see an increase soon and with it a steeper entry barrier.
Compared to other ways of doing marketing optimizing social search results is at high risk of being overdone and creating a “too corporate” feeling for the users who are just trying to escape from the too-institutionalized search engine results.
Social media, especially smaller ones with little to no moderation measures, may be vulnerable to brigading and fake reviews. Determined keywords and profiles may come at certain times under the attack of adversarial actors that would use bots and fake profiles to spread false and misleading information about certain topics. Most large social media have already in place ways to prevent and mitigate the effect of these actors it can be a very difficult issue on smaller and less established platforms.
Conclusion
Search engines have brought a great change in how we can access information, but they are also more and more doubted when it comes to purchasing information. Concurrently social media have created new ways people can communicate and get exposed to each other experiences and opinions.
In recent times we are assisting to a shift by the new generations which are abandoning search engines in favor of social media when it comes to pre-purchase information. With this shift, it emerges the possibility for marketers to turn social media into their frontline for customer acquisition and conversion.
These trend fits in perfectly with the growth of influencer marketing since both nurture the feelings of honesty and authenticity in high demand by customers making a great choice to pursue both concurrently.
Taipei, Taiwan – Clayton Jacobs, CEO and Founder of CreatorDB, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first foreigner in Taiwan to be recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, an annual list spotlighting the brightest young entrepreneurs, innovators, and game changers. This distinction underscores his exceptional journey in entrepreneurship, vision, and leadership.
In 2019, Jacobs launched CreatorDB, a disruptive influencer marketing agency that bridges the gap between businesses and influencers. The start-up, headquartered in Taiwan, was built two years after Jacobs moved to the country. In four years, CreatorDB has reached an annualized revenue of over $4 million and has grown to over 30 full-time staff. Its high-profile clientele includes the renowned VPN service Surfshark and the globally popular online game, World of Tanks.
Jacobs has always emphasized the significant potential of Taiwan for startups and has been a vocal advocate for the country’s rich opportunities for foreign talent. His success story with CreatorDB is a shining example of Taiwan’s thriving startup ecosystem. Jacobs joins other distinguished individuals from Taiwan in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, including Candace Chen from Fluv, the trio Chan Yu-An, Lin Yu-Fan, and Wu YuChuan from Heptabase, Alice Li from Rosetta.ai, and the Storipress team – Chang Yu-Sheng, Alex Pan, and David Peng.
CreatorDB provides cutting-edge tools for discovering and monitoring influencers and competitors. With over 4 million creators and 130+ data points updated daily, it offers the most comprehensive and effective solution for influencer marketing.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Jacobs plans to publish a book on the creator economy in early 2024, further strengthening his position as a thought leader in the field
Visit here for the full list of Forbes 30 under 30 Asia.
About CreatorDB
CreatorDB is a leading platform of influencer marketing data, connecting brands and agencies with influencers who align with their values and goals. The company’s innovative platform enables users to search and filter through a database of over 4 million creators globally, making finding the right influencer for any campaign easier than ever. For more information on CreatorDB and its services, visit https://www.creatordb.app/
Taipei, Taiwan – CreatorDB, a leading SaaS influencer marketing platform, is excited to announce its participation in InnoVEX 2023, held as part of COMPUTEX TAIPEI, one of the world’s most prominent ICT, IoT, and startup trade shows. The event will take place from May 30th to June 2nd at Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei, Taiwan.
CreatorDB’s platform provides businesses with accessible, transparent, and effective influencer marketing solutions. Our platform empowers businesses to discover the right influencers, track campaign performance, maintain positive relationships with influencers, ensure authenticity, comply with legal regulations, and seamlessly integrate influencer marketing into their overall marketing strategy. With CreatorDB’s platform, businesses can achieve sustainable growth and drive impactful results through influencer marketing.
InnoVEX 2023 offers an excellent opportunity for CreatorDB to connect with potential partners, investors, and customers from around the world, and demonstrate how its platform can revolutionize the influencer marketing landscape.
Visitors to InnoVEX 2023 are encouraged to stop by CreatorDB’s booth to learn more about the platform and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
About CreatorDB
CreatorDB is a leading platform of influencer marketing data, connecting brands and agencies with influencers who align with their values and goals. The company’s innovative platform enables users to search and filter through a database of over 3 million creators globally, making finding the right influencer for any campaign easier than ever. For more information on CreatorDB and its services, visit https://www.creatordb.app/
With over 50 billion views combined across hundreds of thousands of videos, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is the latest trend in social commerce and something every marketer should be aware of. In brief, under the hashtag, you can find almost infinite videos showcasing some of the purchases the users made because they saw them on TikTok. That is great social proof for your product, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to organically, or maybe not, reach a wider audience.
Hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt show how social media and retail platforms are blurring one another. This is happening fast. Just think about how Instagram now offers the option for shops to list their products and will show the prompt “shop now” under sponsored posts providing users the chance to access the offer without leaving the platform.
1. What is social commerce?
Social commerce is a form of e-commerce that uses social media platforms or social networking sites to facilitate online transactions. It uses social networks to create, share, and promote products and services, enabling direct transactions between buyers and sellers.
Social commerce leverages the power of social media to drive sales, increase brand awareness, and improve customer engagement. It includes various activities, such as social media advertising, influencer marketing, customer reviews, and social shopping.
Social commerce seeks to create a seamless buying experience by combining social media with traditional e-commerce.
Social commerce is growing in two main directions: from social media and e-commerce sites.
While platforms like Instagram are implementing ways to incorporate shopping into their platform and give the user an attrition-free experience from the moment, they discover the product on an influencer post to the moment they buy from the seller’s page. Shopping platforms are doing the opposite: adding social features, like photos and live streams, and allowing users to share their opinion about their purchases. Amazon is leading the charge with its Inspire app.
2. How TikTok is driving social commerce
The success of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is primarily due to how the TikTok algorithm works and how powerful and precise it can be in targeting a specific audience.
Videos using the hashtag often play to the platform’s strengths: being user-generated or similar to user-generated content featuring exciting products and catchy tunes to garner attention and attract views.
TikTok has in 2022 have worked hard to position itself in a better position in social shopping: rolling out the Shop feature in the US and a partnership with TalkShopLive to include live-stream commerce were two essential steps to make the platform ready to cash on the#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt phenomenon.
And the trend keeps going in 2023 with the testing of in-app checkout to prepare the platform for an end-to-end shopping experience. Thanks to these improvements, the number of buyers on TikTok in the US alone grew by 72.3% in 2022, bringing the total to 23.7 million.
Even if TikTok is expected to have fewer social buyers for the next couple of years than Facebook or Instagram, the steps taken make it evident that the platform is pushing to become the dominant player in the field.
3. Understanding the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt phenomenon
With #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, we can see how the platform can blend organic content and ads almost seamlessly: marketers and advertisers can generate creatives that are simil-User generated content and leverage the robust TikTok algorithm to target users that are most likely to decide on a purchase while browsing content. Concurrently non sponsored users would also generate organic content about the product and use the hashtag just because of personal choice, and because is a trend. This double approach shows that this is not just a trend pushed by marketing spend but is a type of content users enjoy and look for organically.
The #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend leverages social influence by combining paid promoters and organic fans to present and explain how a product has been a great addition to their life and, indirectly, invite the user to make the same purchase.
TikTok users are interested in genuine content and ways to express themselves or see other people express themselves, which should be kept in mind if wanting to leverage the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend effectively.
4. How to craft a successful #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt campaign
To successfully run a #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt campaign you will have to use the TikTok native format, be entertaining, encourage users to post their content, include strong CTAs, interact with the engaged users, and repurpose the content your userbase creates.
Use the native TikTok format
Vertical orientation, with dimensions of 1080×1920 with a ratio of 9:16. This way, your content will have the best quality and occupy the full screen for the viewer. It has also been shown that users will engage 30% more with TikTok native formats.
Include a strong call to action
Strong calls to action should be a part of your strategy and will translate into a solid conversion of those users that came to TikTok for entertainment and will get inspired to purchase.
Keep it entertaining
TikTok users are on the platform to express themselves and be entertained. Therefore you should keep it in mind when planning your creatives, and if you want to bring it to the next level,
Encourage user content
Consider introducing an aspect of challenge. Something users could latch on to create organic content.
Interact with the audience
Not only do your creatives need to be in line with TikTok etiquettes, but your way of interacting with users on the platform needs to be up to par. Be ready to like and comment on the replies and videos of the user that engage and create content around your product. Show the fun side of your company.
Repurpose the content
Use user-generated content you earned from the campaign as social proof, repurposing it for other social media or your website.
5. The future of social commerce and TikTok
Social commerce is projected to break over 1 Trillion dollars in revenue worldwide by 2024 and, by 2030, be over 6 Trillion. While countries like the US are lagging a bit behind in this trend China and other Asian countries, lead the charge.
From these countries, we can see how social commerce can achieve a conversion rate of almost 30% or ten times higher than other forms of e-commerce, presenting a great opportunity for brands and companies ready to delve into it.
Influencers and KOLs will play a central role in the success of many brands’ social commerce strategies. With the audience and credibility they built around their persona, they will become a fundamental part of the consumer journey for social media users.
One of the main avenues by which users will discover and build trust towards brands and a further incentive to purchase the products since is going to help the creator. Due to this ongoing shift toward social commerce, developing a comprehensive influencer marketing strategy will become of central importance for any brand that is seriously interested in going down this path.
Users are shifting from discovering products and brands from owned channels to influencers’ suggestions and recommendations. To keep on top of that is necessary to identify and nurture relationships with influencers that are active in your market niche and have access to audiences you want to tap into. To effectively identify relevant KOLs and keep track of them, you can rely on services like CreatorDB. With our large influencer database, advanced search tools, and niche identification technology, you can pinpoint all the influencers adjacent to your product and start contacting them immediately. CreatorDB is available as an online SaaS for ease of use and immediate results and as an API service to be integrated with your existing workflow and provide you with all the data you need to make the right decisions regarding influencer marketing.
6. Conclusion
Social media and e-commerce platforms are racing to create a hybrid where users can access entertainment and purchase simultaneously. This formula has already been shown to bring higher than average conversion rates in the Asian markets where it first gained popularity. While Facebook and Instagram are leaders in social commerce in the Western world, TikTok is positioning its structure to overtake them soon. Social media campaigns like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt can blend advertisement and organic content to drive user engagement and amplify the potential virality of a paid campaign. With the rise of social commerce, influencer marketing will become essential for any business that wants to take this opportunity seriously.
Taipei, Taiwan – CreatorDB is proud to have its influencer marketing expertise featured in the Social Juice, Jaskaran’s highly regarded social media report. The report includes insights from CreatorDB’s vast database, which provides valuable information on the most pressing questions in the industry. This year, the report delves into whether engagement rate is a reliable predictor of social media growth, a topic of significant interest to brands and marketers.
Targeted at influencer and social media marketing insiders, the Social Juice is a respected publication that provides its readers with the latest trends, strategies, and best practices in social media marketing. As a leading provider of influencer marketing data, CreatorDB is honored to be included in this year’s influencer marketing report alongside other top industry experts and influencers.
With CreatorDB’s expert insight from its own database, brands can stay abreast of the constantly evolving climate in the influencer marketing industry and make informed decisions on their marketing campaigns. Whether a brand is looking for influencers who align with their values and goals, or seeking guidance on the latest trends and strategies, CreatorDB’s platform and database provide the necessary resources to succeed in the competitive world of influencer marketing.
About CreatorDB
CreatorDB is a leading platform of influencer marketing data, connecting brands and agencies with influencers who align with their values and goals. The company’s innovative platform enables users to search and filter through a database of over 3 million creators globally, making finding the right influencer for any campaign easier than ever. For more information on CreatorDB and its services, visit https://www.creatordb.app/
Influencers have gained power and fame because of the rise of social media. These individuals have millions of followers, and with their massive audiences, they can make or break brands, quickly turning an unknown brand into a viral sensation. However, as the influencer industry has grown, so have concerns about the credibility of the reviews and recommendations they give.
Recently, a new trend has emerged on TikTok: “de-influencing.” The trend encourages people to think critically about the products that influencers promote and to be more mindful of their purchasing decisions.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the de-influencing trend, examining what it is, why it’s important, and how it’s changing the way we approach social media.
What is de-influencing?
As the word indicates, de-influencing is a new trend on TikTok which encourages viewers not to purchase or use certain products, often as a way to combat overconsumption and challenge the credibility of influencers.
This trend has gained popularity on TikTok, where videos with the #deinfluencing hashtag have garnered millions of views.
While some people in the industry may find this trend concerning, it reflects a desire for authenticity in a world of curated content and allows for a broader range of voices to be heard on social media. Ultimately, the de-influencing movement helps people, particularly Gen Z, to question who to trust and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Why is de-influencing trending now?
According to TODAY, de-influencing is currently on the rise on TikTok for several reasons:
1. Influencer controversies
Recent controversies involving influencers have led to increased scrutiny of their credibility. For example, TikToker Mikayla Nogueira was accused of wearing fake eyelashes in a video for a L’Oréal brand deal, causing people to question the trustworthiness of influencers.
The trend also reflects a growing desire for authenticity and relatability on social media. People are starting to crave content that feels more real and attainable, rather than the lavish and unattainable lifestyle often portrayed by influencers.
The de-influencing trend is a direct response to the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend, where content creators would promote products that viewers would then purchase. Many people are now pushing back against this trend and urging others to think more critically about their purchasing decisions.
Lastly, the current state of the economy may be a factor in the rise of de-influencing. As people become more mindful of spending, they shift from aspirational and expensive purchases to more functional and affordable ones.
De-influencing is still influencing
Although the “de-influencing” trend is gaining traction on social media, some experts argue that “de-influencing” is another form of influencing, as influencers still offer alternatives to the products they advise their followers to avoid.
Some influencers may promote products purely for income or connecting with sponsors, many genuinely enjoy the products they recommend, and the popularity of certain products often stems from authentic enthusiasm.
In short, while “de-influencing” is a fun trend, it is unlikely to spell the end of the influencer industry.
Will de-influencing affect brands and the influencer economy?
With a rising social media trend like de-influencing on TikTok, it’s still uncertain whether it will affect the influencer economy, which has grown from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $14.6 billion in 2022.
But still, brands are now becoming more considerate about whom they hire to promote their products and are assessing the risk of sending products to de-influencers who might negatively review them.
As a consequence, influencers may turn down brand deals that don’t align with their interests. Influencers may also need to adapt by showing a deeper look into their passions and interests beyond just selling and promoting products.
Some content creators are already exploring other creative outlets, such as in-person collaborations and shoots with brands, to prepare for potential changes in the industry. We may also see more diversity and unfiltered moments in social media feeds. After all, the future of influencers will depend on their ability to adapt and provide value to their followers beyond just promoting products.
In DB Insight, we extracted the following metrics from CreatorDB’s database to address the most pressing question in the influencer marketing industry:
“Which social media platform has the highest growth rate?“
What does growth rate mean for social media?
When we talk about “growth rate” in the world of social media, we’re looking at how fast an account is gaining new followers. This can show us how well a person or business is doing online.
For example, if a company’s Instagram account has 1,000 followers at the start of the month and gains 200 more followers by the end of the month, we can say it’s seen a 20% growth rate for that month (because 200 is 20% of 1,000).
This growth rate helps us understand if the content being posted is interesting and engaging to followers. A rising growth rate means you’re doing well, and people like what they see.
On the other hand, if the growth rate dips, it might be time to shake things up and try a new strategy.
Do different social media platforms have different growth rate?
Different social media platforms do have different growth rates, they depends on several factors:
The platform’s popularity
Its user demographic
The type of content shared
How the platform’s algorithms work
For example, a vibrant and visually engaging platform like Instagram might be a better fit for a travel influencer or a fashion blogger. Here, stunning visuals can attract more followers quickly, resulting in a high growth rate.
On the other hand, a thought leader or a tech influencer might find a platform like Twitter or LinkedIn more suitable, where text-based posts and industry-specific content could lead to steady follower growth.
So, it’s essential for influencers and content creators to understand their audience, the nature of their content, and the unique characteristics of each platform.
Why growth rate matters for influencers and content creators?
The “growth rate” is a big deal for influencers and content creators because it’s like a pulse check on how well they’re doing. A steady or increasing growth rate means their content is hitting the mark—it’s engaging, exciting, and it’s getting people to click the ‘follow’ button.
Think of it this way, every new follower is a potential fan, customer, or supporter:
For influencers, a higher follower count can lead to more lucrative partnerships with brands because it means a wider audience for those brands’ products or services.
For content creators, a growing follower count can mean more views, likes, and shares for their work, increasing their visibility and chances of monetization.
So, which social media platform has the highest growth rate?“
From our database, we’ve found:
Followers Social media platform
10.000 to 100.000
100.000 or more
1.000.000 or more
IG
4.7%
3.1%
1.1%
TikTok
189%
151.9%
2570.0%
YouTube
4.2%
1.3%
1.3%
Key takeaway
According to CreatorDB’s own detailed database, there is a weak correlation between engagement rate and growth across all social media platforms and follower categories, suggesting that engagement rate is not a reliable predictor of growth.
Based on the provided data, it is clear that TikTok has consistently shown the highest growth rates among all the platforms analyzed. Specifically, TikTok’s growth rates range from 189% for creators with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, to a staggering 2570.0% for creators with 1,000,000 or more followers.
This is a clear indication that TikTok has been able to provide a platform for creators to reach a wider audience in a short amount of time.
In comparison, YouTube has shown the lowest growth rates among all the platforms analyzed. With growth rates ranging from 4.2% for creators with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, to just 1.3% for creators with 100,000 or more followers and 1.3% for creators with 1,000,000 or more followers, it seems that YouTube’s algorithm and policies may not be as conducive to rapid growth as TikTok’s.
Instagram, on the other hand, has shown moderate growth rates compared to TikTok and YouTube. With growth rates of 4.7% for creators with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, 3.1% for creators with 100,000 or more followers, and 1.1% for creators with 1,000,000 or more followers, Instagram seems to be somewhere in between TikTok and YouTube in terms of providing a platform for creators to grow.
Overall, these metrics suggest that TikTok may be the most effective platform for creators looking to rapidly grow their audience, while YouTube may be better suited for creators looking for more stable and consistent growth over time. Instagram, meanwhile, appears to offer a middle ground between the two.
However, it is important to note that these metrics may not necessarily indicate long-term success or sustainability for creators on these platforms, and other factors such as content quality and audience engagement may also play significant roles in determining success.
In recent years, influencer marketing has become one of the most popular trends in the e-commerce industry. As we slowly transition into the post-Covid era, and social media continues to dominate our daily lives, brands are increasingly turning to influencers to help them reach their target audience and drive sales.
With the rise of new platforms and technologies, the way that brands and influencers collaborate is evolving. It’s important for e-commerce businesses to keep up with the latest trends and best practices.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of influencer marketing in e-commerce and highlight 6 key trends that are shaping the industry. Whether you’re an established e-commerce brand or just starting out, understanding the power of influencer marketing can help take your business to the next level.
1. Following preferred creators across multiple platforms
One of the key trends in influencer marketing is that consumers are following their favorite creators across multiple platforms, not just one.
Meaning that e-commerce brands need to diversify their influencer campaigns and work with influencers who have a strong presence on different channels, such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Working with multi-platform influencers can help e-commerce brands reach more potential customers and increase their exposure.
For instance, an influencer with a large following on Instagram can create YouTube videos or TikTok clips featuring the brand’s products, which can drive more traffic and conversions to the brand’s website.
Also, collaborating with multi-platform influencers can enable e-commerce brands to build trust and credibility with their target audience. Consumers tend to trust influencers who share authentic and consistent content across different channels.
Therefore, e-commerce brands should seek out influencers who align with their brand values and voice, and who can create engaging content that highlights their products or services in a natural way.
2. Influencers will be important for affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is another trend that e-commerce brands should pay attention to.
Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where an e-commerce brand pays a commission to an affiliate (in this case, an influencer) for each sale or action generated by their referral link.
Affiliate marketing can be a win-win situation for both e-commerce brands and influencers.
For e-commerce brands, affiliate marketing can help them increase their sales volume and ROI without spending too much on upfront costs.
For influencers, affiliate marketing can help them monetize their content and earn passive income from promoting products or services they love.
However, affiliate marketing requires careful planning and execution from both parties. E-commerce brands need to choose the right influencers who have relevant audiences for their products or services. They also need to provide clear guidelines and expectations for the influencers regarding how they should disclose their affiliation and track their performance.
Influencers need to follow the best practices of affiliate marketing such as disclosing their relationship with the brand clearly, providing honest reviews and recommendations, using catchy call-to-actions, and optimizing their links for mobile devices.
To leverage employee-driven content effectively, e-commerce brands need to create a culture of empowerment and appreciation among their employees. They also need to provide training and guidance on how to create engaging content that complies with ethical standards and regulations.
4. Micro and nano influencers will still be trending
Micro and nano influencers have a more engaged and loyal following, which makes their recommendations more trusted by their followers.
They have a stronger personal connection with their audience, which makes them more relatable and authentic.
They have the ability to target specific niches and cater to their followers’ interests, making them a valuable asset for businesses looking to reach their target market.
They are more cost-effective and easier to work with than mega influencers, making them a more attractive option for businesses with smaller budgets or those just starting out in the world of influencer marketing.
Overall, it’s clear that micro and nano influencers are here to stay and that businesses would be wise to incorporate them into their marketing strategies.
5. AI/ML plays a crucial role in the influencer marketing industry
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is rapidly growing in the influencer marketing industry. With the vast amount of data available through social media and other online platforms, AI/ML technology can help brands and marketers analyze data more efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, AI/ML can help automate the process of influencer selection, negotiation, and campaign optimization, freeing up time for marketers to focus on other tasks. As technology continues to improve, we can expect AI/ML to play an even greater role in the influencer marketing industry, providing more precise targeting and higher ROI for brands.
6. Influencer marketing and live shopping are the latest trends
Influencer marketing and live shopping are currently trending in e-commerce. This is because they can help attract and retain customers, increase brand awareness and trust, and boost sales and profitability. The following are five key points regarding this trend:
Authenticity: Influencer marketing allows brands to leverage the authenticity and trust that social media personalities have built with their followers, leading to more genuine and credible brand endorsements.
Engaging content: Influencers are skilled at creating engaging and relatable content that resonates with their followers. This can help brands to capture the attention of their target audience and generate buzz around their products or services.
Targeted reach: Influencer marketing can help brands to reach their target audience more effectively by leveraging the influence of influencers who have a similar target audience.
Interactive shopping experience: Live shopping provides customers with a more immersive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to ask questions, interact with hosts and other viewers, and get real-time feedback.
Increased sales: Both influencer marketing and live shopping have been shown to drive sales and increase revenue for brands. By combining these two strategies, brands can create even more impactful campaigns that generate results.
