The programme of webinars running through last week’s Exclusively Digital week included practical advice for independent cookshops and housewares retailers who want to increase their sales by engaging with social media influencers.
Focusing on Instagram, Exclusively’s Richard Watts (who also runs PR agency Ever Forwards) outlined straight forward strategies, acknowledging how indies are reaping rewards from collaborations with passionate influencers. He advised retailers to use key word searches (reflecting their business) to find appropriate influencers, and to look for relevant local businesses with the potential for collaborative in-store events (such as barista-lead coffee workshops).
“Don’t miss trends or hot topics,” Richard highlighted (using an example of National Pie Week to show searches that could also tap into local businesses.) He outlined how ‘gifted collaborations’ can help to drive publicity and ultimately product sales, with minimal investment for cookshops.
“Nano influencers” (with 2,000 to 5,000 followers) “can have great results,” noted Richard, who also recommended that retailers host in-store events to show products to influencers, who then “create the buzz.”
* To view products from over 200 brands, the new Launchpad initiative, and to experience Exclusively Digital content, including On Trend videos and product selections from Scarlet Opus, visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk/
Top: Exclusively’s Richard Watts welcomed members of the press and influencers at the 2019 Exclusively Shows’ Brand Showcase.
