How To Find Influencers To Promote Your Shopify Store

So, you’ve decided to start or ramp up your Shopify store’s affiliate marketing program. It’s a great way to build valuable partnerships and a passive income stream for your business. But for your program to thrive, you need the right influencers to partner with. 

Getting started can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little strategy and the right incentives, the right influencer partnerships will come to you. 

5 Ways to find influencers to promote your Shopify store

1. Check your go-to social media platforms

Social media platforms are one of the most popular places to find influencers. If you’re not sure where to start, the search and filter functionalities are your best friend. 

The biggest social apps, like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, all support search and filter functions. Use keywords based on your brand’s offering and audience; you’ll see results for the most popular and relevant influencers. For example, if your Shopify store sells candles, try “candle review,” “home decor,” or “candle haul.” 

You can also search via those keywords in hashtags. Influencers use hashtags specifically as a way for people to discover their profiles, so the right hashtag keyword search will streamline the process for you. From there, reach out via direct message or email. Keep your message brief, personalized, and friendly. 

2. Turn toward your current customer base

The easiest way to get a quick win with your affiliate marketing program is to look to your current customer base. There are two easy ways to sift through your audience and find influencers  

Identify your top buyers: Those who consistently buy your products or use your services will likely agree to partner, especially if it gets them a discount or a payout. If they are big buyers but aren’t necessarily “influencers,” you could simply incentivize them to continue to be repeat customers or refer friends in exchange for a product discount. 

Run an email campaign: Send a simple email sequence to your current customers and make a callout for influencers. Again, because they already know your brand, they’re more likely to be open to a partnership. 

3. Conduct competitor research

Another way to simplify your influencer search is to look at who your competitors are using for their affiliate marketing. Because of conflicting contracts, it’s not likely that the exact same people will sign up to partner with you, but you can use this information as a jumping-off point for further research. 

Influencers are typically well-connected to a network of other influencers. More often than not, influencer niches also intersect. One type of lifestyle influencer, for example, is likely well-connected to others. Look at who your competitor influencers post with, highlight, and talk to in their comments. You may find the perfect partner for your product through this handy grapevine. 

4. Use a callout on social media with hashtags

You already know how to use hashtags when you search and filter, but you could also use them on your own posts so influencers come to you. Try posting with these hashtags on all your socials, and be consistent. Consider these 3 types of hashtags to get started: 

• Local hashtags: If you’re looking for influencers with a presence in a specific region, try hashtags like #NYCguide or #ChicagoLifestyle so the right influencers or audience can find you.
• Niche hashtags: Some hashtags are specific to certain types of content, and it’s important to use those particular tags for the most relevant reach. For example, instead of using #books on TikTok to promote your online bookstore, try #booktok, which the right audience and influencers will likely use.
• Campaign or challenge hashtags: Influencers often run their own giveaways, campaigns, or challenges and use specific hashtags to find entries or contest winners. If you use the same hashtags, an influencer will likely find you. From there, they might be open to partnering.

5. Join an affiliate network

Finally, try joining an affiliate network to source the best influencers and affiliates. These networks are often free and act as a helpful intermediary connecting Shopify stores with a pool of influencers who have been vetted and are ready to partner. 

These networks often facilitate easy discovery by listing the right influencers for your specific brand category. From there, outreach might look like a networking event, virtual meetup, pitch session, or webinar. Since the introduction is already warm, kicking off your partnership should be both efficient and successful.

The bottom line

Don’t let the stress of influencer research stop you from kicking off your affiliate marketing program. Try a social media search, do competitor research, or join a network. Before you know it, you’ll have a list of potential partners and a way to get your affiliate program off to a strong start. 

For more information on how to set up and manage your affiliate marketing program, including tracking and paying influencers, book a demo with us.