5 WAYS KENYAN BRANDS CAN CATCH EYE OF WHATSAPP INFLUENCERS
WhatsApp influencers are gaining traction in Kenya, and brands must be on the lookout.
Although the big players like Instagram and TikTok are still dominating the influencer marketing scene, WhatsApp engagement can no longer be overlooked.
A recent report dubbed the Global Digital 2023 showed that around 63% of Kenyans use WhatsApp on a daily basis.
Furthermore, more than 87% of the 15 million people who regularly log on to the app spend an average of 28 minutes a day on the platform.
This presents a golden opportunity for brands to leverage WhatsApp influencers and penetrate the Kenyan market.
However, identifying and engaging with WhatsApp influencers is not as straightforward as it may seem.
In this article, we look at five tips to help your brand find and engage with the best WhatsApp influencers.
🤖 SEARCH THE POPULAR INFLUENCERS DATABASES
One of the easiest and most effective ways to find WhatsApp influencers who suit your brand is to explore popular influencer databases.
The task of vetting and confirming the authenticity of influencers has been made easier by the many databases available.
Here are some of the most popular influencer databases that you can explore to find WhatsApp influencers for your brand.
1. SociaLift
SociaLift is one of the fastest-growing influencer marketing platforms in the world.
The database features more than 300,000 vetted influencers from around the globe, over 40% of which are based in Africa.
Among the many categories that they cover, SociaLift has a dedicated section for WhatsApp influencers.
By clicking on this section, brands can browse hundreds of WhatsApp influencers who are available for various campaigns.
Additionally, brands can filter the influencers based on their location, niche, audience size, and engagement.
2. Influence.co
Influence.co is another reputable influencer database that has a dedicated section for WhatsApp influencers.
This platform features influencers from various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
You can browse through thousands of vetted influencers and filter your searches based on the influencer’s location, niche, audience size, and engagement.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is in a class of its own. Brands in Kenya can find the best WhatsApp influencers on the Bamboo platform.
Bamboo ranks influencers based on their social media following, engagement, and reach.
This platform allows brands to send bulk messages to WhatsApp influencers who are relevant to their niche.
4. Glamour Modelz
Glamour Modelz is another rising star among influencer marketing platforms.
The platform provides brands with access to a variety of influencers from various niches, including fashion, lifestyle, health, and wellness.
Glamour Modelz has a dedicated section for WhatsApp influencers, making it easy for brands to find and connect with the right influencers for their campaigns.
5. Swayy
Swayy is another go-to platform for brands looking to collaborate with WhatsApp influencers.
The platform offers a range of tools to help brands streamline their influencer marketing efforts.
Swayy features a user-friendly interface that allows brands to easily search for WhatsApp influencers based on their niche, audience size, and engagement.
Additionally, brands can access valuable insights and analytics to help them make informed decisions about their influencer partnerships.
📱 USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO IDENTIFY WHATSAPP INFLUENCERS
In addition to influencer databases, brands can also use social media to identify WhatsApp influencers.
WhatsApp influencers often utilize other social media platforms to promote their WhatsApp numbers.
Some of the most common platforms that WhatsApp influencers use to promote themselves include Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
1. Instagram
Instagram is one of the most popular platforms that WhatsApp influencers use to promote their WhatsApp numbers.
If you want to find WhatsApp influencers, simply search for hashtags like #whatsappinfluencer, #whatsappinfluencers, or #whatsappinfluencerkenya.
You can also browse through accounts that have the words “WhatsApp influencer” in their bios.
2. Facebook
Facebook is another platform that boasts a wide variety of WhatsApp influencers.
Groups are one of the most useful features that WhatsApp influencers leverage on Facebook.
You can search for groups that are dedicated to WhatsApp influencers by using keywords like “WhatsApp influencers in Kenya.”
3. TikTok
TikTok is also home to many upcoming WhatsApp influencers.
TikTok is a video-based platform that is known for its entertainment value, and WhatsApp influencers have tapped into this by creating engaging videos.
To find TikTok influencers, you can search for hashtags like #whatsappinfluencerkenya, #whatsappinfluencer, and #whatsappinfluencers.
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏾 ENGAGE AN INFLUENCER MARKETING AGENCY
If you want to save time and avoid the hassle of identifying WhatsApp influencers, consider engaging the services of an influencer marketing agency.
An influencer marketing agency specializes in connecting brands with influencers who align with their marketing goals.
Here are three influencer marketing agencies that you can hire to help you find WhatsApp influencers in Kenya.
1. Adsyndicate
Adsyndicate is one of Kenya’s leading influencer marketing agencies.
The agency has a robust database that features influencers of all types, including WhatsApp influencers.
Adsyndicate also provides brands with a range of services, including campaign management, content creation, and performance tracking.
2. Bamboo
As mentioned earlier, Bamboo is a rising star in the influencer marketing space. They not only offer brands a platform to find WhatsApp influencers but also a range of influencer marketing services.
Bamboo can help brands streamline their influencer marketing strategies and achieve their marketing goals.
3. SociaLift
SociaLift is yet another influencer marketing agency that can help your brand find WhatsApp influencers.
The agency not only connects brands with influencers but also provides effective influencer marketing strategies to ensure successful campaigns.
4. Mediabuzz
Mediabuzz is another reputable influencer marketing agency that can help brands find WhatsApp influencers.
The agency has a wealth of experience in the influencer marketing space, making them a reliable partner for brands looking to leverage WhatsApp influencers.
✔️ USE WHATSAPP INFLUENCER MARKETING PLATFORMS
In addition to influencer databases and agencies, brands can also use WhatsApp influencer marketing platforms to find and engage WhatsApp influencers.
WhatsApp influencer marketing platforms are specifically designed to connect brands with WhatsApp influencers.
Here are some popular WhatsApp influencer marketing platforms that brands can use to find and collaborate with influencers.
1. WhatsApp Influencer Studio
WhatsApp Influencer Studio is one of the top platforms for brands looking to find WhatsApp influencers.
The platform allows brands to browse through a list of WhatsApp influencers and filter their searches based on location and niche.
WhatsApp Influencer Studio also offers brands a range of tools to help them streamline their influencer marketing efforts.
2. Promote via WhatsApp
Promote via WhatsApp is another go-to platform for brands looking to find WhatsApp influencers.
Promote via WhatsApp allows brands to connect with influencers and promote their products and services through WhatsApp.
The platform has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for brands to find and collaborate with influencers.
3. Promote WhatsApp Group
Promote WhatsApp Group is also dedicated to connecting brands with WhatsApp influencers.
The platform allows brands to promote their products and services through WhatsApp influencers.
Promote WhatsApp Group has a range of features that make it easy for brands to find and collaborate with influencers.
💡 OFFER FREEBIES
If you want to attract the attention of WhatsApp influencers, you need to think outside the box.
Unlike other influencers, WhatsApp influencers are more likely to be responsive to brands that offer freebies or gifts.
In fact, many WhatsApp influencers expect brands to offer them something in return for promoting their products or services.
This does not mean that WhatsApp influencers only work for free stuff.
However, brands that send WhatsApp influencers gifts are more likely to get their attention than those that send cold DMs asking for collaboration.
WHAT TO SEND WHATSAPP INFLUENCERS
The type of freebies you send to WhatsApp influencers will depend on your brand and target audience.
For example, if you are a beverage company, you can send WhatsApp influencers a pack of your products.
If you are a fashion retailer, you can send WhatsApp influencers clothing or accessories from your collection.
You can also send WhatsApp influencers items that they can use to create content.
For instance, if you are a fitness brand, you can send WhatsApp influencers gym equipment or apparel that they can use in their videos.
WHEN TO SEND FREEBIES
When sending freebies to WhatsApp influencers, timing is crucial.
You should send freebies to WhatsApp influencers after you have identified them and confirmed their authenticity.
It is also important to send freebies to WhatsApp influencers before reaching out to them for collaboration.
Sending gifts before asking for collaboration is a great way to attract the attention of WhatsApp influencers.
SEND FREEBIES THAT ARE EXCLUSIVE TO INFLUENCERS
To take it a step further, brands can send exclusive freebies to WhatsApp influencers.
Exclusive freebies are items that are specifically created or designed for influencers.
Sending exclusive freebies to WhatsApp influencers is a great way to make them feel special and appreciated.
It is also an effective way to promote your brand, as WhatsApp influencers are likely to share their experiences with their followers.
For instance, if you are a skincare brand, you can send WhatsApp influencers skincare products that are only available to influencers.
📞 REACH OUT TO WHATSAPP INFLUENCERS
If you want to connect with WhatsApp influencers, one of the most effective ways to do so is to reach out to them directly.
Most WhatsApp influencers are open to collaboration, and many even provide their WhatsApp numbers on their social media accounts.
Here are some tips to help you effectively contact WhatsApp influencers for collaboration.
1. USE THEIR WHATSAPP NUMBER
The most straightforward way to contact WhatsApp influencers is to use their WhatsApp number.
When reaching out to WhatsApp influencers via WhatsApp, ensure that your message is concise and to the point.
Start by introducing yourself and your brand, and explain why you are contacting them.
If possible, include a call to action in your message, such as asking them to send you their email address so you can send them more information.
2. SEND AN EMAIL
If you cannot find a WhatsApp number for the influencer you want to contact, check their social media bio for their email address.
Many WhatsApp influencers provide their email address in their bios as a way for brands to contact them for collaboration.
When sending an email to WhatsApp influencers, ensure that your email is clear and professional.
Include your subject line, a brief introduction, and why you are reaching out to them.
You can also include links to your website and social media accounts so they can learn more about your brand.
3. DM ON SOCIAL MEDIA
If you cannot find a WhatsApp number or email address, you can also reach out to WhatsApp influencers via direct message (DM) on social media.
When sending a DM to WhatsApp influencers, make sure that your message is personal and tailored to them.
You can also mention that you have a WhatsApp number that they can reach you on for a quicker response.
4. INFLUENCER MARKETING AGENCIES
As mentioned earlier, engaging the services of an influencer marketing agency is another way to connect with WhatsApp influencers.
Influencer marketing agencies specialize in connecting brands with influencers who align with their marketing goals.
They typically have a database of influencers that brands can browse through, and they can also help brands with campaign management and performance tracking.
🌍 CONCLUSION
WhatsApp influencers are becoming increasingly popular in Kenya, and brands must find and engage them to remain competitive.
Fortunately, there are several ways that brands can identify and connect with WhatsApp influencers.
From using influencer databases, social media, and WhatsApp influencer marketing platforms to reaching out to them directly, brands have plenty of options.
By following the tips outlined in this article, brands can find and engage WhatsApp influencers to help them achieve their marketing goals.