Influencer marketing has rapidly grown with the rise of social networks like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Snapchat, and TikTok, evolving into a distinct industry. Globally, platforms such as Up Influence, Hype Editor, and Influencer DB are essential tools for managing influencer campaigns. These agencies and platforms help brands and businesses identify and connect with influencers, analyze their performance, and foster trust by offering data and insights that simplify the selection process. They manage relationship management, influencer campaign strategies, content enhancement, and third-party analytics, serving as an oversight body for influencer activities.

However, for brands and business owners in Iran, working with influencers presents unique challenges due to the absence of such agencies. Forming professional relationships with influencers is a significant obstacle. In contrast, globally, influencer marketing has become a key strategy, especially as seen in YouTube’s 2020 research. According to this study, influencer marketing was utilized by nearly every industry, with 4449 brands participating in YouTube campaigns, especially amid the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges opened new opportunities for influencer marketing and virtual platforms.

Many influencers aim to expand their reach internationally, and in some cases, European countries even offer immigration visas for influencers earning between $2,000 to $5,000 monthly. This internationalization aligns with the goals of many brands that want to sell their products globally. Using regional influencers allows companies to target specific markets effectively, bypassing additional advertising costs and enhancing engagement by working with influencers familiar to the local audience.

When selecting influencers, it’s essential to recognize their different types, such as celebrities (actors, athletes, singers), comedians, and bloggers. One crucial point is to align the influencer’s personality with your brand’s identity. For instance, if your brand has a creative and serious image, partnering with a humorous influencer may create confusion among your audience and damage your long-term strategy. Brands today understand that choosing the right influencer is vital for success in digital marketing.

For those aspiring to become influencers, the first step is to identify the niche or industry in which you want to work and define your goals. These objectives will shape your content creation and help you build a strong relationship with your audience. The next step is selecting the appropriate social networks and creating a cohesive, purposeful content plan tailored to the chosen platform. Building trust with your audience is key; always interact with them respectfully and thoughtfully, as they are more discerning than one might expect. Gaining popularity takes more than just advertising—it requires genuine engagement. If you focus solely on paid promotions, you risk losing your audience’s trust over time.