What They Don’t Want You To Know About Influencer Marketing
Leaked: Influencer’s Top Secrets 🗝️
If you’ve ever scrolled past a perfectly curated Instagram post or a snappy TikTok ad and thought, How does this all really work?—you’re not alone. Influencer marketing might look effortless on the surface, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that many brands (and influencers) prefer to keep quiet.
Today, we’re spilling the tea on influencer marketing secrets and pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes. Ready to rethink your wish to become an influencer? Let’s go!
Influencer Marketing Secrets you should know
Do Influencers Really Do It All Themselves?
Short answer: Not always. While many micro-influencers (fewer than 50,000 followers) manage their own content, communities and beyond, larger influencers often outsource tasks like video editing, photo retouching, and even community management. Some even have entire teams!
Why This Matters:
When partnering with an influencer, it’s worth asking about their process. Knowing their setup can help you adjust timelines and set realistic expectations for content delivery.
Do Influencers Actually Support Every Brand/Product They Promote?
Not necessarily. While many influencers genuinely believe in the products they advertise, some campaigns are purely transactional. Influencers are professionals, and like any job, some gigs are simply about business. An outside person can often tell if the influencer believes in the product or is just doing it for the money.
Pro Tip:
Collaborate with influencers whose values and niche align with your brand. This fosters authenticity and builds trust with their audience—an essential factor in influencer marketing.
Why Do Influencers Avoid Critical Topics?
Ever notice how influencers rarely wade into controversial issues? That’s intentional. Some users demand an Influencer’s point of view on specific topics from time to time. However every Influencer has somewhat of a niche and is often not an expert on the requested topic. We’ve seen the downfall of influencers after taking a stand on something controversial. So it’s understandable why most Influencers avoid to comment on controversial topics. Also, let’s not forget — Social media is primarily an entertainment space, and heavy topics often lead to polarized audiences and diminished engagement.
Takeaway:
Brands looking to tackle serious issues should approach influencers who are known for being vocal and knowledgeable in those areas. It’s about finding the right fit for your campaign.
How Much Do Influencers Earn?
It’s probably one of the biggest Influencer Marketing secrets. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. Influencers aren’t paid based on likes or comments. Instead, metrics like engagement rate, audience demographics, and reach determine their fees, as well as their brand image and market value. So there’s really no direct answer as to how much influencers make.
Fun Fact:
A micro-influencer might charge $500 per post, while a celebrity influencer could command upwards of $100,000. On average Kim Kardashian is paid $400,000 per each sponsored post on Instagram. That is a large sum and yet she still is not among the top 10 influencers. Did we miss the opportunity for Kim K’s lost diamond earring GIF here?! Yes, probably.
Did we just catch you questioning your career choices and pondering about becoming an influencer? The numbers sure are tempting. With the upcoming trend of employee branding the thought isn’t so far fetched. If you are currently pursuing another career — become an expert in your niche and put yourself out there! There’s enough lifestyle influencers already, but not enough niche-y or “real job“ influencers.
Do You Really Need a Contract for Influencer Marketing?
Technically, no. But practically? Yes! A clear contract ensures both parties are aligned on expectations, deliverables, and goals. That said, overly restrictive briefings and contracts (e.g., demanding “viral” content) can stifle creativity, making it harder for the influencer to create something authentic.
Pro Tip:
Leave room for creative freedom! Influencers know their audience best, and flexibility often leads to more impactful campaigns.
Wanting to collaborate with a social media influencer to promote your brand? Check out these tips for successful influencer marketing.
COLLAB SOCIALKIND x YOUR BUSINESS?
Influencer marketing is an ever-evolving field, and transparency is key. Whether you’re a brand looking to launch your first campaign or a seasoned marketer, understanding these influencer marketing secrets can help you approach collaborations with clarity and confidence.
We specialize in creating influencer strategies that feel authentic and impactful. Let’s tell your brand’s story together—contact us here!