How can you evaluate an influencer's storytelling skills before partnering with them?

It’s important to not just check the quality of their content in general but also specifically for their sponsored content they’ve created. Are they able to hit on points in a way that still feels native to their original content? Do they still infuse their creativity into sponsored content or does it fall off? When working with influencers whose content is super creative in general, be sure to tailor their brief to highlight specific pieces of content they’ve created in the past and why you think something similar would be a good inspiration or starting point for the sponsored content you’re collaborating with them to make. Think of yourself as an exec producer helping them (actor/director) find the content you need for your program.

Do they strike the perfect chord of your Brand? Assess the balance—information, entertainment, emotion. In this storytelling saga, authenticity reigns supreme. Let's choose influencers who narrate tales that echo with truth and resonate with hearts. ????

You've got to deep dive into their content. Organic and sponsored. Are they consistent across the board or do they dial it up for sponsored content. If they're not consistent their audience is going to smell the inauthenticity and it will backfire. Don't just absorb their content, even more importantly is diving into their comments to see how their audience is engaging. Are they passive or are they active. Creators with true communities and not just followers are golden nuggets. You want it to feel like a place where people engage, talk to each other, the creator is in the mix, etc.

It's not really about engagement rate. It's about types and quality of engagement. Someone could get tons of "likes" but no comments, so did the content really resonate or was it just "pretty" or "cool". When you want storytelling, you want to see the community light up with conversation, questions, their own stories and you want to see the creator responding. Here are some of the key things to look out for: - comments - are they consistent, thoughtful vs "cute top", is the creator engaged, is their story evoking others to share their own stories - view to comment ratio - if people take the time to leave a comment it impacted them Here are things you can ask them for to see what action their storytelling drives: - link clicks - sales

I look for two KPIs for engagement when it comes to influencers. I review comments and shares. If they have large amounts of positive comments and they communicate with their audience, it's a strong indication that they have the influence we need to reach their audience. If an influencer has shares, it indicates that their audience trusts them enough to make referrals on their behalf. That's the kind of influencer we need, every time.

Observe the loyalty of their following. Is it a devoted community that cherishes their storytelling? In this odyssey of influence, the hero is the storyteller whose saga is both unique and aligned.

Additional points to consider; Consistency: Does the influencer maintain a consistent narrative style across various platforms? Tone and Style: Ensure their tone and style of storytelling complement your brand's image. Content Format: Verify that they can tell stories effectively in the content format you desire, be it videos, blogs, or social media posts. Story Arc: Does the influencer craft compelling beginnings, middles, and ends in their stories? A good story arc can hold the audience's attention. Emotional Connection: Evaluate if the influencer is capable of creating an emotional connection with the audience . Pilot Test: Consider running a small campaign as a test to evaluate the influencer's storytelling.

Invite the influencer to an event. Observe how he or she reacts, communicates verbally and nonverbally, asks questions, and considers the following: Does the influencer know or have tried the product they are going to talk about? What words and terms are they using regarding the product or service they are about to promote? See if they are empathic to different topics. Do they work only for the money, or do they really like and use the brand? Feel their vibe; if offline is fine, online will convey the message in the right way.