Mon Sep 04 2023
6 min read
In a span of a few years, influencer marketing has skyrocketed in India. As of 2022, the industry was valued at a staggering 12 billion Indian rupees, and predictions indicate that by 2026, this figure could more than double to reach 28 billion Indian rupees.
It revolves around endorsements and product mentions from influencers — individuals or organisations recognised for their expertise or significant social influence in a specific domain. As a branch of social media marketing, it hinges on these influencers championing a brand's offerings to their vast follower base.
In the modern digital age, the potency of an authentic influencer endorsement can be transformative for brands.
In this exploration, we've partnered with Wow Skin Science, a leading name in the D2C arena. Together, we delve into the transformative role of influencer marketing for their brand and offer insights for businesses looking to tap into this vast potential.
India has witnessed a remarkable surge in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands. In 2020, the country was home to an impressive 70,000-80,000 D2C companies, expected to climb to 200,000-250,000 by 2025.
By January 2023, India recorded a striking 467 million social media users, constituting roughly 32.8% of its entire population.
This growth in the D2C companies and more people marking their presence on social media channels represents a significant shift in retail norms, with D2C brands harnessing the power of online platforms, primarily social media, to connect directly with consumers and bypass traditional retail channels.
Influencers are distinctly influential game-changers in today's vast digital arena. Their unique blend of authenticity and direct audience engagement aligns perfectly with the ethos of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) companies.
“Online commerce doesn't have a mechanism to replicate traditional offline channels' touch, feel, and feedback mechanisms. Influencers provide this critical missing link between online brands and online consumers.”
- Vaibhav Arora, Vice President of E-commerce at WOW Skin Science
In essence, the agility and data-driven strategies of D2C brands, combined with their need for differentiation, make them exceptionally well-suited to capitalise on influencer partnerships.
The influencer marketing industry has witnessed widespread adoption across sectors, with the personal care vertical leading with a 25% market share in 2022.
Key sectors like food, fashion, jewellery, and mobile/electronics have also embraced influencers to strengthen brand messages and connect with their target audiences.
“Globally, influencer marketing plays a critical role across all consumer categories. We realised early on that India would catch up soon, given the ever-increasing smartphone penetration and inexpensive data/video.”
- Vaibhav Arora, Vice President of E-commerce at WOW Skin Science
The symbiotic relationship between influencers and D2C brands stems from their mutual objective of directly connecting with audiences. As the digital landscape continues to grow, more D2C sectors are likely to tap into the vast potential of influencer marketing.
“The influencer ecosystem in India has evolved over the years. It now requires the same level of analytical attention as the traditional tools for media modelling mix, especially around selecting the right influencer who talks to your target audience (TG), shares your brand values, and ensures that the brand communication lands through the videos.”
- Vaibhav Arora, Vice President of E-commerce at WOW Skin Science
Choosing the right influencer is crucial for a D2C brand as it can determine the effectiveness and authenticity of the campaign.
Here are the top three considerations when choosing:
1. Audience Alignment
2. Authenticity and Brand Resonance
For e.g., Puma, the global sports brand, is propelled to the forefront, making them the leading sports brand in India regarding sales. Their strategic association with prominent personalities from various fields significantly contributes to this achievement.
By collaborating with actors, singers, and sportspersons, Puma has garnered substantial attention and traction, resulting in increased brand loyalty and sales. Puma's latest partnership with Anushka Sharma, chosen for her immense youth appeal and dedication to fitness, aligns seamlessly with the brand's footwear, apparel, and accessories collection.
3. Content Quality and Consistency
“Here are some tips for brands that want to use influencer marketing effectively in India:
Do research. Before you start reaching out to influencers, take the time to research your target audience and identify the influencers who are most likely to resonate with them.
Be authentic. When working with influencers, it's essential to be authentic. Don't try to force a partnership that isn't a good fit.
Set clear expectations. Before you start working with an influencer, set clear expectations about what you're looking for in content, deliverables, and compensation.
Measure your results. It's essential to track the results of your influencer marketing campaigns so you can see what's working and what's not.”
- Vaibhav Arora, Vice President of E-commerce at WOW Skin Science
Step 1 – Identify Your Core Audience
Understand specific audience subgroups to align with relevant influencers, ensuring targeted outreach.
Step 2 – Establish Objectives & Metrics
Set clear goals (e.g., amplify brand recognition, spur sales) and break these down into measurable KPIs, focusing on indicators like interaction rates.
Step 3 – Shortlist Influencers
Compile a list of top health and wellness influencers, initiating conversations and ensuring they're genuinely passionate about your brand.
Step 4 – Draft a Campaign Outline
Detail mutual expectations, including goals, post formats, and essential tags or URLs.
Step 5 – Roll Out & Monitor
Launch the campaign and closely track influencer content, discerning top-performing messages and influencers.
Step 6 – Analyse & Refine
Post-campaign, assess the outcomes and tweak strategies. Involve standout influencers for invaluable feedback to refine future campaigns.
For D2C brands looking to harness the full potential of the digital realm, understanding and collaborating effectively with influencers isn't just beneficial; it's indispensable. Whether mega-stars or niche experts, influencers leveraging their organic reach, authenticity, and content creation skills are pivotal in bridging the communication gap between D2C brands and their target demographics.
As the industry continues its upward trajectory, brands that astutely integrate influencer marketing into their strategy will undoubtedly stand at the forefront of consumer engagement and loyalty.