You don't need millions of followers to sell millions of products.
Big influencers are great for brand awareness. If you're trying to get your name out there, they're the big guns. But the deeper I got into the marketing world, the more I realized that just because you can reach a lot of people doesn't mean they'll care. And while they bring a lot of eyeballs, they don't necessarily bring the kind of deep engagement that you can build a real, lasting customer base with.
That's why I've shifted my focus in recent years toward micro-influencers. These are the people who've carved out a niche audience that's incredibly loyal.
For example, one of my clients last year launched a new product, where we had two influencers. One of them had a million followers; another one had about 50k. Well, the small influencer brought in a much higher ROI. Their audience wasn't just passively following; they were engaged.
Micro-influencers know their audience inside and out. They don't just pitch a product, they tell a story, and their community listens.
Besides, the cost-benefit ratio is far better. With fewer overheads and intimate connections with their communities, you get more bang for your buck. These influencers are most of the time flexible, too, and will work closely with you to create something that speaks to their audience.