what we do

For Brands

Join us

Content we're proud of

Blog

From Followers to Friends: Building Authentic Relationships Through Social Media

May 31, 2024
Justine Lotter & Jasmine Walters

In today’s fast-paced digital world, social media isn't just an add-on—it's a central part of how we connect and communicate. Capturing your audience's attention goes beyond pretty pictures and catchy slogans. It’s about being genuine, relatable, and forming real connections. People are yearning for authenticity, and the brands that can deliver it rise above the noise.

One of the most powerful ways to forge these authentic connections is through Influencer Marketing. By teaming up with trusted voices your customers already know and love, you can naturally integrate your brand into their everyday conversations. These influencers add a layer of credibility and familiarity, transforming your brand from a faceless corporation into a trusted friend. 

Ready to revolutionise your social media game and build lasting relationships with your audience? Let’s dive into the strategies that make it possible!

1. Brand Fit Over Lots of Followers

It’s tempting to collaborate with influencers who have a larger following. However, more followers does not necessarily mean better results. An influencer with a massive following might not be the best fit for your brand and authenticity comes from relevance and relatability. Collaborate with content creators who genuinely resonate with your brand, encompassing the brand's values in their own online presence.The influencers you choose to partner with should mirror your ideal customer, with followers who would genuinely buy your product.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

We partner with you to find influencers whose values align with your brand. We look at the stats - engagement rates, location of followers, gender split of followers etc. - as well as the type of content they produce, rather than just their follower count. A smaller, more engaged audience can often drive better results.

2. Storytelling Instead of Sales Pushing Content

Everybody loves a good story - they’re relatable and memorable. Instead of pushing sales-heavy content, let influencers share their personal experiences with your product or service. This approach leaves a more impactful and authentic impression, showing real-life applications and benefits from an already trusted voice.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

We choose content creators who best represent your ideal consumer. Through this, the influencer naturally weaves your product/service into their daily lives and shares these moments with their audience. Authentic reviews naturally highlight your brand’s offerings without feeling forced or salesy.

The main aim of our Woolies Beauty campaign was to promote people’s unique stories over anything else. When you prioritise the real experiences of your consumers and the people you work with, you won't need to worry about pushing product sales. When people connect with the message you put out into the world, they'll naturally 'buy in' for the long haul.

3. Scripts vs. Creative Freedom

At P.H.I., we understand the importance of creativity in social media marketing - it is what makes a piece of content stand out. While scripts can ensure consistency, they often stifle the unique voice that makes content creators appealing. Giving influencers the freedom to create content that authentically speaks to their audience leads to more organic engagement.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When conceptualising and ideating the messaging of a campaign, we provide content direction. This provides  the content creators with guidance on key messaging while also allowing the influencers the freedom to add their own personal flare. This balance maintains brand integrity while promoting creativity.

Take these two pieces of content for OneCart - they were both given the same brief but two different pieces of content were produced:

4. Subtle Product Placement

As we said before, using an influencer that best represents your target market is vital. This allows for the product to be a natural part of the influencer’s lifestyle, enhancing authenticity. Hard sells can be off-putting, while subtle product integration can be far more effective. 

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When providing influencers with content direction, we aim to provide a way in which the product/service can naturally be shown in the influencer’s everyday life. We also love to hear the influencer’s input - how they would naturally use the product and what they think their audience will respond to best.

5. Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships

The best collaborations are the ones where everyone feels they've benefited equally. For brands, this means reaching their goals & KPIs, and for influencers, it means feeling like valued partners - not just marketing tools.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When analysing the success of any campaign, we ensure to get feedback from the influencers on the campaign. Having these insights into not only the running of the campaign but their experience with the product/service provides invaluable information which can be taken into the next campaign, potentially leading to greater success.  This interaction not only strengthens the relationship between brand and content creator but also signals to the influencer  that your partnership is authentic and appreciated - the more a person feels valued, the higher and more genuine their brand loyalty will be.

Take Moozlie and Vuse ZA for example. Moozlie was part of the talent team that Vuse took to Tomorrowland Winter in March 2024 and now she is making incredible content to show off their new ProSmart Device!

Get In Touch with Us !

Excited to elevate your social media game and forge genuine connections with your audience? If you’re a brand needing some exposure and creative campaigns - let’s chat and make magic together! Don’t forget, it costs nothing to enquire ;)

If you like this blog, you will like these as well:
Building Digital Communities: Strategies and Success Stories
Building Digital Communities: Strategies and Success Stories
Embracing Authenticity in a Filtered World
Embracing Authenticity in a Filtered World
The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing
The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing

From Followers to Friends: Building Authentic Relationships Through Social Media

May 31, 2024
Justine Lotter & Jasmine Walters

In today’s fast-paced digital world, social media isn't just an add-on—it's a central part of how we connect and communicate. Capturing your audience's attention goes beyond pretty pictures and catchy slogans. It’s about being genuine, relatable, and forming real connections. People are yearning for authenticity, and the brands that can deliver it rise above the noise.

One of the most powerful ways to forge these authentic connections is through Influencer Marketing. By teaming up with trusted voices your customers already know and love, you can naturally integrate your brand into their everyday conversations. These influencers add a layer of credibility and familiarity, transforming your brand from a faceless corporation into a trusted friend. 

Ready to revolutionise your social media game and build lasting relationships with your audience? Let’s dive into the strategies that make it possible!

1. Brand Fit Over Lots of Followers

It’s tempting to collaborate with influencers who have a larger following. However, more followers does not necessarily mean better results. An influencer with a massive following might not be the best fit for your brand and authenticity comes from relevance and relatability. Collaborate with content creators who genuinely resonate with your brand, encompassing the brand's values in their own online presence.The influencers you choose to partner with should mirror your ideal customer, with followers who would genuinely buy your product.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

We partner with you to find influencers whose values align with your brand. We look at the stats - engagement rates, location of followers, gender split of followers etc. - as well as the type of content they produce, rather than just their follower count. A smaller, more engaged audience can often drive better results.

2. Storytelling Instead of Sales Pushing Content

Everybody loves a good story - they’re relatable and memorable. Instead of pushing sales-heavy content, let influencers share their personal experiences with your product or service. This approach leaves a more impactful and authentic impression, showing real-life applications and benefits from an already trusted voice.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

We choose content creators who best represent your ideal consumer. Through this, the influencer naturally weaves your product/service into their daily lives and shares these moments with their audience. Authentic reviews naturally highlight your brand’s offerings without feeling forced or salesy.

The main aim of our Woolies Beauty campaign was to promote people’s unique stories over anything else. When you prioritise the real experiences of your consumers and the people you work with, you won't need to worry about pushing product sales. When people connect with the message you put out into the world, they'll naturally 'buy in' for the long haul.

3. Scripts vs. Creative Freedom

At P.H.I., we understand the importance of creativity in social media marketing - it is what makes a piece of content stand out. While scripts can ensure consistency, they often stifle the unique voice that makes content creators appealing. Giving influencers the freedom to create content that authentically speaks to their audience leads to more organic engagement.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When conceptualising and ideating the messaging of a campaign, we provide content direction. This provides  the content creators with guidance on key messaging while also allowing the influencers the freedom to add their own personal flare. This balance maintains brand integrity while promoting creativity.

Take these two pieces of content for OneCart - they were both given the same brief but two different pieces of content were produced:

4. Subtle Product Placement

As we said before, using an influencer that best represents your target market is vital. This allows for the product to be a natural part of the influencer’s lifestyle, enhancing authenticity. Hard sells can be off-putting, while subtle product integration can be far more effective. 

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When providing influencers with content direction, we aim to provide a way in which the product/service can naturally be shown in the influencer’s everyday life. We also love to hear the influencer’s input - how they would naturally use the product and what they think their audience will respond to best.

5. Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships

The best collaborations are the ones where everyone feels they've benefited equally. For brands, this means reaching their goals & KPIs, and for influencers, it means feeling like valued partners - not just marketing tools.

So…Where does P.H.I. fit in?

When analysing the success of any campaign, we ensure to get feedback from the influencers on the campaign. Having these insights into not only the running of the campaign but their experience with the product/service provides invaluable information which can be taken into the next campaign, potentially leading to greater success.  This interaction not only strengthens the relationship between brand and content creator but also signals to the influencer  that your partnership is authentic and appreciated - the more a person feels valued, the higher and more genuine their brand loyalty will be.

Take Moozlie and Vuse ZA for example. Moozlie was part of the talent team that Vuse took to Tomorrowland Winter in March 2024 and now she is making incredible content to show off their new ProSmart Device!

Get In Touch with Us !

Excited to elevate your social media game and forge genuine connections with your audience? If you’re a brand needing some exposure and creative campaigns - let’s chat and make magic together! Don’t forget, it costs nothing to enquire ;)

If you like this blog, you will like these as well:
Building Digital Communities: Strategies and Success Stories
Building Digital Communities: Strategies and Success Stories
Embracing Authenticity in a Filtered World
Embracing Authenticity in a Filtered World
The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing
The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing