Celebrity endorsements are an age-old advertising tactic. It’s been around since the 1700s. Fast forward to the age of radio and black-and-white TV, celebrity endorsements continued to be a common marketing strategy as brands and products sponsor certain radio and TV segments, productions, and shows.

While brands continue to work with celebrities, today’s digital world has companies partnering with social media and blogging influencers to promote their products and services.

Like a celebrity endorsement or sponsorship, influencer marketing is when brands ask specific influencers to create valuable and relevant content around a particular campaign, product, or service. TapInfluence, an influencer marketing program and marketplace, defines this strategy as “a type of marketing that focuses on using key leaders to drive your brand’s message to the larger market.”

Why do brands use Influencer Marketing?

In an age where anyone can become an advertiser, we are more sceptical than ever about our online activity and purchases.

Brands use influencer marketing to:

• Drive social media engagement on their brand channels
• Gain quality backlinks for their online content
• Generate consistent website traffic
• Foster a connection with targeted audiences
• Improve awareness of a brand or specific campaign
• While influencer marketing can benefit both parties involved, you need to determine if it is the right course of action for you and your blog before jumping in head first.