Startups are turning to influencers more and more often in efforts to market their burgeoning businesses. Influencers have the power to make or break a startup with the sway they have with their followers. With the power of social media, deciding to work with an influencer can be instrumental in helping your business grow.

Reach a new audience

For your business to grow, you need to reach out and bring it to the attention of more people. Building a social media presence is crucial, especially at the beginning when people don't know who you are, what your product is, or does. Because of that uncertainty, they are more hesitant to follow you.

But an influencer with thousands—or millions—of followers can help you reach a new audience that you would otherwise not be able to access at this stage of the game.

Target your demographic

To make the most of working with an influencer, target your startup’s ideal audience and desired demographic. Then begin looking at influencers whose followers align with your company’s niche.

Improve brand awareness

Working with influencers automatically helps to improve brand awareness by putting your product or service in front of new eyes and ears who will likely want to know more about you.

Reaching out to an influencer

If partnering with an influencer sounds like a step you'd like to take, take time to craft your pitch to them carefully. You're asking them to [help your brand](https://tech.co/startups-influencer-marketing-imrpove-2017-12), so be clear and straight-to-the-point. Remember, yours won't be the only pitch they receive today, but you want it to be the one they remember.

Critical points to a successful influencer pitch:

• Provide a deadline for their response.

• Clarify if you're hoping for a long-term (ongoing) or short-term (one-off) involvement.

• Be professional. This one can’t be stressed enough. The influencer you've targeted is a business professional like you; meet them on that professional playing field for best results.

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