10 Platforms for influencers to connect with brands (and vice versa)

You’re a brand with a story to tell.
You have products to showcase.
You need to reach your target audience.
But the traditional marketing playbook isn’t cutting it anymore.

Enter influencer marketing – a powerful strategy that leverages the trust and credibility of social media influencers to connect with potential customers.

But finding the right influencers can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That’s where influencer marketing platforms come in.

These platforms are your secret weapon.
They connect brands and influencers.
They streamline the process of finding, managing, and tracking influencer campaigns.

Ready to discover the perfect influencer marketing platform for your brand?
Let’s dive in!

What is the Best Platform to Connect with Influencers?

You’re ready to explore the world of influencer marketing platforms.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming.
Which platform is right for your brand?
Which platform will deliver the best results?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve curated a list of the top influencer marketing platforms.
These platforms offer a range of features.
They cater to different needs and budgets.

Let’s dive in and discover your perfect match!

1. Upfluence: Your E-commerce Influencer Powerhouse

Best for: E-commerce brands, listen up! Want to watch your sales skyrocket and build a customer base that’s as loyal as a pack of wolves? Upfluence is your secret weapon! This powered influencer marketing platform connects you with top-notch influencers across social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Top Features:

• Extensive Influencer Database: Discover the perfect influencers using advanced search filters and detailed influencer analytics.
• E-commerce Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Shopify for effortless product seeding and campaign tracking.
• Campaign Management Tools: Plan, execute, and track your influencer marketing campaigns with powerful tools and real-time data.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on features; typically higher-end.

Downsides: No bulk payment system, which can be cumbersome; some syncing issues reported.

2. GRIN: Your Influencer Relationship Guru

Best for: Tired of juggling spreadsheets and struggling to manage your influencer relationships? GRIN is here to save the day! This user-friendly platform streamlines influencer workflows and offers an end-to-end solution, from influencer discovery to payments, with top-notch customer support.

Top Features:

• End-to-End Management: Manage your entire influencer marketing process in one central hub, from finding influencers to tracking campaign performance.
• Shopify Integration: Effortlessly integrate with Shopify for seamless product seeding and campaign tracking.
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the platform with ease, even if you’re new to the world of influencer marketing.

Pricing: Custom pricing; generally on the higher side.

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Higher costs may not suit smaller brands; some users report a learning curve.

3. Tagger: Your Data-Driven Influencer Marketing Command Center

Best for: Data geeks, rejoice! Tagger is your dream come true! This platform is a powerhouse of influencer marketing tools and analytics, perfect for brands who crave in-depth insights and robust campaign tracking to optimize their marketing efforts.

Top Features:

• Advanced Search: Uncover hidden influencer gems using extensive filtering options and detailed audience insights.
• Performance Tracking: Measure your campaign performance with granular data and ROI calculations to make data-backed decisions.
• Collaboration Features: Work seamlessly with your team to plan, execute, and track your influencer campaigns.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs; typically premium rates.

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Higher cost may deter smaller businesses; complex interface.

4. Influencity: Streamline Your Influencer Campaigns Like a Pro

Best for: Want to find influencers who already love your brand? Influencity’s creator opt-in page makes it happen! This platform also unlocks hidden insights and helps you analyze audiences with precision, weeding out fake followers like a digital detective. 🕵️‍♀️

Top Features:

• Creator Opt-In Page: Discover influencers who are already fans of your brand and eager to collaborate.
• Unlocked Insights: Access metrics that go beyond standard social media data, giving you a deeper understanding of influencer performance.
• Advanced Audience Analytics: Identify fake followers and ensure you’re partnering with authentic influencers who have genuine reach.

Pricing: Starts at around $198/month; custom plans available.

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Limited features in lower-tier plans; some users find it less intuitive.

5. Later (formerly Mavrck): Your Micro & Macro Influencer Matchmaker

Best for: Brands looking to manage both micro-influencers and macro-influencers with ease. Later (formerly Mavrck) offers a range of features to streamline your influencer campaigns, from automated recruitment to performance tracking.

Top Features:

• Influencer Identification & Authentication: Easily find and verify influencers using built-in tools.
• Automated Campaign Applications: Simplify the recruitment process with automated application and selection features.
• Trackable Codes: Monitor conversions and measure the success of your campaigns with unique trackable codes.

Pricing: Custom pricing self-serve or managed.

Channels: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more.

Downsides: Limited features in the free version; some users report bugs.

6. Captiv8: AI-Powered Influencer Marketing for the Big Leagues

Best for: Large brands with ambitious goals and a need for data-driven insights. Captiv8 is a powered influencer management platform that leverages AI to streamline influencer discovery, campaign management, and social listening.

Top Features:

• AI-Powered Engine: Harness the power of artificial intelligence to find the perfect influencers and optimize your campaigns.
• Social Listening: Gain valuable insights into your target audience and industry trends with extensive social listening capabilities.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Measure your campaign success with detailed reports and data visualizations.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on services utilized; typically premium rates.

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Higher costs may not be feasible for smaller brands; complexity in navigation is reported by some users.

7. Creator.co: Scale Your Influencer and Affiliate Marketing

Best for: Brands looking to maximize their reach and revenue by combining influencer marketing with affiliate marketing. Creator.co offers access to a massive network of influencers and creators, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with affiliate networks.

Top Features:

• Massive Influencer Network: Tap into a pool of over 300 million profiles across multiple platforms.
• Advanced Analytics: Monitor your campaign performance continuously and make data-driven decisions.
• Affiliate Network Integration: Boost your earnings by integrating with affiliate networks and tracking affiliate links.

Pricing: Self-Serve start at 495$/month

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Some users find the interface less intuitive; reliance on influencer responsiveness can vary.

8. Brandwatch: Social Listening Meets Influencer Marketing

Best for: Brands who prioritize social listening alongside their influencer marketing strategies. Brandwatch offers an extensive influencer database, robust CRM capabilities, and in-depth campaign management tools.

Top Features:

• Influencer Discovery: Find the perfect influencers using advanced filtering options based on interests and brand affinity.
• Relationship Management: Manage your influencer relationships effectively with powerful CRM features.
• Campaign Management: Track your campaign’s progress in real-time and optimize your strategy for maximum impact.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on features and business needs; typically premium rates apply.

Channels: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Downsides: Higher costs may deter smaller businesses; can be complex to set up initially.

9. HypeAuditor: Your YouTube Influencer Marketing Expert

Best for: Brands focused on running impactful influencer campaigns on YouTube. HypeAuditor offers specialized tools for influencer discovery, campaign management, and fraud detection, ensuring authentic partnerships and measurable results.

Top Features:

• YouTube-Specific Tools: Discover and manage YouTube influencers with tailored features and insights.
• Audience Analysis: Gain a deep understanding of influencer audiences with detailed demographic and psychographic data.
• AI Fraud Detection: Ensure influencer authenticity and protect your brand from fake followers and engagement.

Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $219

Channels: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and more.

Downsides: Limited access to features in the free demo; higher costs for full access.

10. AspireIQ: Mastering Macro-Influencer Collaborations

Best for: Brands seeking to partner with macro-influencers and launch large-scale campaigns with a focus on impactful reach and brand awareness. AspireIQ offers advanced search filters, robust campaign management tools, and strong analytics for performance tracking.

Top Features:

• Macro-Influencer Discovery: Find the perfect macro-influencers by niche, audience size, and engagement metrics.
• Large-Scale Campaign Management: Plan, execute, and track your campaigns with tools designed to handle high-volume collaborations.
• Performance Analytics: Gain valuable insights into your campaign’s performance and measure your ROI across multiple platforms.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on features and needs; generally higher-end.

Channels: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more.

Downsides: Higher cost may not be feasible for smaller brands; some users find it complex.

What is an Influencer Marketing Platform?

You’re hearing a lot about influencer marketing.
You’re intrigued by its potential.
But you might be wondering: “What exactly is an influencer marketing platform?”

Think of it as a matchmaker.
It connects brands with influencers.
It simplifies the process of influencer marketing.

These platforms offer a range of features.
They help you:

• Find Influencers: Discover relevant influencers based on your niche, target audience, and campaign goals.
• Manage Campaigns: Plan, execute, and track your influencer campaigns with ease.
• Measure Results: Analyze campaign performance and calculate your return on investment (ROI).
• Build Relationships: Nurture your influencer relationships and foster long-term collaborations.

Influencer marketing platforms are essential tools.
They empower businesses to harness the power of influencer marketing.
They help you achieve your marketing goals.

How to Connect with Influencers for Brand Deals: Your Guide to Successful Outreach

You’ve found the perfect influencers.
Now it’s time to connect with them.
But how do you approach them?
How do you make a good impression?
How do you secure a brand deal?

Here are some tips to guide your outreach:

1. Craft a Personalized Message:

Don’t send generic DM’s to influencers.
They get tons of those.
Your message will get lost in the noise.

Instead, take the time to personalize your outreach.
Show the influencer that you’ve done your research.
Mention their specific content.
Explain why you think they’d be a great fit for your brand.

2. Highlight the Benefits of Collaboration:

What’s in it for the influencer?
Clearly outline the benefits of working with your brand.
Offer them:

• Compensation: A fair payment for their time and effort.
• Exposure: The opportunity to reach a wider audience.
• Free Products: Samples of your products to try and review.
• Exclusive Access: Early access to new products or behind-the-scenes content.

3. Be Professional and Respectful:

Influencers are busy people.
They receive countless requests.
Treat them with respect.
Be professional in your communication.
Follow up politely if you don’t hear back.

4. Build Relationships:

Don’t just view influencers as transactional partners.
Focus on building genuine relationships.
Engage with their content.
Support their work.
This will increase your chances of securing a successful collaboration.

Which Influencer Marketing Platform is Best for You?

You’ve explored a variety of influencer marketing platforms.
They all offer unique features.
They all have different pricing structures.
So how do you choose the right one for your brand?

It’s like choosing the perfect pair of shoes.
It depends on your needs.
It depends on your style.
It depends on your budget.

Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Look at the Goal You Want to Accomplish:

• Brand Awareness: Do you want to increase your brand’s visibility and reach?
• Engagement: Do you want to drive more likes, comments, and shares?
• Sales: Do you want to boost your sales and revenue?

2. Consider Your Industry:

• Niche: Are you looking for influencers in a specific niche (e.g., fashion, beauty, technology)?
• Audience: What are the demographics and interests of your target audience?

3. Determine the Type of Influencer You Want to Work With:

• Micro-Influencers: Do you want to partner with influencers who have smaller but highly engaged followings?
• Macro-Influencers: Are you looking for influencers with a large reach and widespread brand awareness?

4. Evaluate Your Budget:

• Pricing: What’s your budget for influencer marketing?
• Features: What features are essential for your campaign?

How Can An Influencer Marketing Platform Help a Business?

You’re a business owner.
You’re always looking for ways to grow.
You’re curious about influencer marketing.
But you might be wondering: “How can an influencer marketing platform actually help my business?”

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Amplify Your Reach:

Social media is a powerful tool.
But it can be hard to stand out.
Influencer marketing platforms connect you with influencers.
These influencers have a large following.
They can help you reach a wider audience.
They can introduce your brand to new potential customers.

2. Boost Brand Awareness:

Want to make your brand a household name?
Influencer marketing can help!
When influencers talk about your brand, people listen.
They trust their recommendations.
This builds brand awareness.
It increases brand recognition.

3. Drive Engagement:

Engagement is key on social media.
You want people to like, comment, and share your content.
Influencers can help you achieve this.
They create engaging content.
They interact with their followers.
This drives engagement for your brand.

4. Generate Leads and Sales:

Ultimately, you want your marketing efforts to drive results.
Influencer marketing platforms can help you generate leads.
They can help you boost sales.
Influencers can promote your products or services.
They can drive traffic to your website.
They can even offer exclusive discounts to their followers.

5. Build Trust and Credibility:

Consumers are savvy.
They don’t trust traditional advertising as much as they used to.
They trust recommendations from people they follow.
Influencer marketing leverages this trust.
It builds credibility for your brand.

Influencer marketing platforms are powerful tools.
They can help you achieve your marketing goals.
They can help you grow your business.

Ready to take the plunge?
Explore the platforms we’ve discussed.
Find the perfect match for your brand.
Start building those influencer partnerships!