How to Engage Influencers

So You Can Engage Their Fans

From: http://socialmediaexaminer.com

From: http://crenshawcomm.com

Show you’re paying attention.  This one is simple enough—retweet a reporter’s articles/tweets and favorite their content regularly. This will put you on their radar and make them familiar with you.

Don’t just RT; start a conversation.  Whenever you tweet an article, be sure to include the author’s handle (if you don’t know it, find it), as well as a POV on their piece. If you agree with it, let them know. If you disagree, ask questions. There’s no better way to show that you know a reporter’s beat. You’ll also learn a lot about the writer’s POV for future pitches.

Share information. Another way to show you’re following a given reporter is to share information that’s relevant to their beat or personal passion. This should be totally distinct from a client pitch unless it’s a truly great fit.

Don’t focus only on the rockstars.  It’s great to engage with a journalist or blogger with 100K followers, but don’t ignore those who are less known. Their feeds tend to be less cluttered, and there’s often a greater chance for a real dialogue.

Not everything has to be business.  I find that the most memorable tweets are often the funniest/oddest. That’s why sometimes being silly or quirky is your best bet. In fact, my most meaningful interactions with reporters have come from somewhat bold tweets with an odd remark or funny GIF. This works if you give it some thought and think through the idea. If they respond, great. If they don’t, no harm done.

From SocialMediaExaminer.com:!!“If you see a way you can provide assistance to an influencer, do it. When you provide assistance, you build credibility, trust and social capital with the influencer.!!“Here are a few ways to build relationships with members of your short list:!!

•Promote their content, cause and products!•Comment on their content!•Contribute to their Facebook pages and LinkedIn Groups!•Message them when appropriate!•Create content for them!•Attend their events!•Buy their products and services!•Hire them as a coach or consultant!•Send them referrals!!

“Members of your short list want to grow their influence, make more money and save time. If you regularly address these issues for them, you’ll grow your relationship.”!!