---
name: influencer-marketing
description: When the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize influencer marketing strategy. Also use when the user mentions "influencer marketing," "KOL," "creator partnership," "brand ambassador," "sponsored content," "influencer campaign," "micro-influencer," "influencer outreach," "creator collaboration," or "influencer deal." For creator programs, use creator-program.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.1
---

# Channels: Influencer

Guides influencer marketing strategy for AI/SaaS products. Focus on trust and brand exposure; 2–3x higher conversion and 40%–50% lower CAC than traditional ads. 92% of consumers trust influencers over celebrities.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for product, audience, and brand voice.

Identify:
1. **Goal**: Brand awareness, trust, or direct conversion
2. **Platform**: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn
3. **Target**: Nano (1K–10K), micro (10K–100K), mid-tier (100K–1M), macro (1M+)

## Influencer vs. Affiliate vs. Creator

| Dimension | Influencer | Affiliate | Creator Program |
|-----------|------------|-----------|-----------------|
| **Goal** | Brand exposure, trust | Direct sales | Content co-creation |
| **Incentive** | Paid, product exchange | Commission | Credits, free use |
| **Content** | Influencer original | Links sufficient | Must use product |
| **Relationship** | Short or long-term | Transactional | Long-term |

## Influencer Types by Platform

| Platform | Best For | Audience |
|----------|----------|----------|
| **Instagram** | Visual, lifestyle | 25–34 |
| **TikTok** | Viral, short-form | Under 24 |
| **YouTube** | Reviews, tutorials | 18–24 |
| **LinkedIn** | B2B, professional | Professionals |

## Discovery & Screening

- **Platform search**: Search by brand/industry terms; check competitors
- **Tools**: Stormy.ai, Upfluence, Passionfroot
- **Form**: Application form on site for interested creators

**Screening**: Engagement rate > follower count; avoid fake followers; content style match.

## Cooperation Models

| Model | Use |
|-------|-----|
| **Product exchange** | Low cost; testing; requires influencer interest |
| **Commission (affiliate)** | Lower risk; CPS; hybrid with flat fee common |
| **Paid promotion** | Direct payment; quick exposure |
| **Long-term partnership** | Brand ambassador; sustained relationship |

## Content Strategy

- **Forms**: Shoutout, review, favorites, tutorial, placement
- **Creative freedom**: Avoid overly scripted; authenticity drives trust
- **Cross-platform**: Repurpose for website, ads, email
- **Publishing**: Multiple drops; align with target market hours

## Best Practices

- **Payment**: PayPal; prepay + final payment after publish
- **Contract**: Clear dates, review process, deliverables
- **Content review**: Brand guidance without over-control
- **Disclosure**: FTC/ASA compliant; disclose paid partnerships

## Output Format

- **Platform** and tier selection
- **Discovery** approach
- **Cooperation** model
- **Content** brief
- **Tracking** plan

## Related Skills

- **affiliate-marketing**: Influencers can be affiliates (hybrid model)
- **creator-program**: Long-term creator partnerships
- **employee-generated-content**: Internal employee content; influencer is external
- **affiliate-page-generator**: Commission structure if hybrid