Niche websites have always been critical to a successful affiliate program but if you haven’t leveraged niche influencers in your affiliate strategy, now is the time. Niche influencer communities are typically 1,000-50,000 followers with hyper targeting on a very specific niche. For example, a niche influencer in the fitness space might focus entirely on people over the age of 60.
Here are some great reasons to start focusing on niche influencers in your affiliate program.
Build Trust and Engagement
Due to the small nature of their audience, niche influencers tend to have more trust and engagement from their followers. They’re known for having deep expertise in their specific niche and their followers trust that products and services being promoted are authentic and not for compensation only.
Hyper Target Your Content and Promos
Unlike large influencers and content creators, niche influencers are small enough that promotions can be customized specifically to the influencer’s audience. Here are some great promotions that can move the needle with a niche influencer’s audience:
- Exclusive offers and promotions – give unique coupon codes and freebies
- Tailor offers to the audience – if the niche is eco-friendly, offer unique green products
- Collaborate with influencers on promotions that fit naturally into their content. If they’re doing a video about Halloween, offer a product/content that fits into that theme
- Localized Promotions – if you have a retail store, find local influencers that can speak exclusively about your location in a meaningful way
Shared Values and Peer Advocates
Niche influencers have shared values, beliefs, and interests with their followers viewing them as peers. Introducing your products through these groups will have increased engagement as it’s perceived as something beneficial to the community instead of just for financial gain.
The peer to peer dynamic typically drives amplification of your brand and product line through word of mouth marketing. Rather than just an endorsement, the product and brand fits into daily discussions and they share experiences and give a voice that resonates with the entire community.
Specialized Content and Formats
In typical affiliate relationships, you’re limited to banners, product listings, brand shoutouts, or other impersonal content and ad formats. With niche influencers, you can get creative. Try one of these formats to build even more trust and engagement for your brand and products –
- Video tutorials
- Live Q&A sessions
- Long-form guides
- Podcast segments dedicated to a niche product
How to Use Affiliate Links with Niche Influencers
Your next question is – how can I use an affiliate link when networks block affiliates? Indeed, you do have to get creative as Meta and several other platforms block links, so it’s crucial to find alternative ways to promote your links. Here are some ideas to partner with niche influencers to drive click-based affiliate links –
- Use their personal blogs and websites. Yes, it’s obvious but make sure they mention the precise location to visit so your promotions are seen
- Custom discounts and landing pages. Be careful with these as commissioning off codes and landing pages can be gamed by posting them on websites that allow coupon sharing (and/or stolen)
- As part of your promotion package, get the niche influencer to email their list with affiliate links or direct links to their landing pages
- YouTube allows affiliate links in video descriptions – add them there
- QR codes are another option for an easy way to get the affiliate link involved
It’s easy to focus on mass promotions and advertising via large affiliates but don’t sleep on niche affiliates. With higher engagement rates and the ability to connect on a different level with potential customers, it presents a significant opportunity for your business.