Just how effective is influencer marketing? Even if you’re not familiar with the specifics of these types of programs, you’ve most likely been a consumer of influencer marketing campaigns. Ever liked an Instagram post from your favorite blogger or social media celeb with an #ad or #spon hashtag?

With all the talk of influencer marketing, you may be wondering, "what is influencer marketing automation? And how can this platform help my business grow?" You're not alone. Nearly two-thirds of marketers are planning to increase their spending on influencer marketing this year, so it's important to know what exactly you're spending your budget on.

When you're planning how to create a successful influencer marketing campaign, there are many factors that come into play. From what influencer marketing is in 2020 to what to include in an influencer marketing contract to whether you need an influencer marketing platform, it can be overwhelming to plan a strategy that is right for your brand.

The proliferation of influencers in the recent years has marketers across industries wondering, "what is influencer marketing in 2020?" With most marketers adding an influencer marketing platform to the top of their wish lists this year, you would think this marketing strategy is a well-known one. But many marketers are still figuring out this marketing strategy for their own brand.

Influencer marketing is gaining momentum. A growing number of B2B and eCommerce brands are leveraging an influencer marketing platform to reach and engage with their target audience. Ambassador defines influencer marketing as "a modern take on traditional affiliate marketing. Instead of a network of smaller affiliates driving traffic, influencer marketing targets specific people - influencers - who have large, captive audiences."

When most people think of a social media influencer platform, they assume it involves finding bloggers with massive followings and buying social endorsements from big celebrities. Research shows, however, that it’s more effective to build relationships with the right micro-influencers and invest in an influencer marketing platform that allows for end-to-end campaign management - not just parts and pieces.