Influencers can be tempted to enter agreements with brands because they are focused on the short term gain.

This can be especially true for new influencers who are just starting to form a solid following. However, this near term payoff can come at a cost that is not so long term. Your audience can become weary of agreements that are too frequent. Agreements that are ingenuine will only multiply this intolerance. You will notice your engagement dwindle first, and your audience will diminish soon after. Here are a few tips to avoid it.

Be Selective

Limit your promotions to brands that you genuinely enjoy. Ask yourself, “would this brand be featured in my post if it wasn’t paid?” This can be a good indication as to whether you’re a true fan of the brand or not. You will miss out on some opportunities by employing this discernment. However, you will gain a reputation for being an authentic influencer. Your audience will trust you more as a result, and they will trust your recommendations more.

Monitor Engagement

In some cases you may not realize that your collaborations are indeed half-hearted. Even more, your collaborations may be genuine, but they can be perceived as insincere. Rely on your engagement metrics to make you aware of this in the case that it occurs.
Engagement is not the best metric for the satisfaction of your following or the effectiveness of your influencer since it is the result of many different factors at play and it can be volatile. However, sudden dips can be grounds for reflection, and contemplation.

Ask Your Audience

Like any brand, influencers should use their audience as a central part of their development. Ask them for their input along the way. Remember that you’re in control of your direction, but an outside perspective never hurts. It also lets your audience know that you value their opinion.