In this exciting episode of Talk About Digital, host Mark A Preston sits down with professional dancer and content creator, Cleo Khan, to dive into the world of micro-influencers and how small businesses can tap into their power to grow their customer base. Cleo, who has built a loyal following of over 50,000 on TikTok and collaborated with top brands like L’Oréal and Drunk Elephant, shares valuable insights on how SMEs can leverage influencer marketing to drive sales and increase brand awareness.

Key Benefits of Listening for SMEs and Small Business Owners:

• The Power of Micro-Influencers: Cleo explains why micro-influencers, with their niche but engaged audiences, can be more effective and cost-efficient for small businesses than high-profile influencers. She provides examples of how small companies can see great results by targeting the right influencers for their brand.
• Real, Authentic Engagement: Discover why micro-influencers often have higher engagement rates than big names, and how their closer connection with their followers can lead to more genuine recommendations—ultimately translating into better customer trust and higher conversions for your business.
• Affordable Marketing with High Impact: Learn how businesses can collaborate with influencers through gifted product reviews or more formal, paid agreements, making it accessible even for businesses with modest marketing budgets. Cleo also touches on how to track the effectiveness of influencer campaigns through discount codes and commissions.
• Practical Steps for Building Partnerships: Cleo offers actionable advice on how small business owners can approach influencers, create a compelling pitch, and ensure smooth collaboration. She stresses the importance of clear communication and gives tips on what makes her want to work with a brand.
• UGC vs. Influencer Marketing: Cleo breaks down the difference between user-generated content (UGC) and influencer marketing, explaining how both strategies can complement each other depending on your marketing goals. You’ll learn when it’s best to ask for polished content versus organic, authentic engagement.

What Will You Gain?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to identify, approach, and collaborate with micro-influencers to boost your brand’s visibility and customer growth. Cleo shares real-life examples of successful brand partnerships, including how long-term collaborations can evolve and yield greater benefits over time. Whether you're just starting with influencer marketing or looking to refine your approach, Cleo’s insights will help you create a winning strategy.

This episode concludes with the signature "TAD Takeaway"—a golden nugget of actionable advice from Cleo that every small business owner can implement: thoroughly research potential influencers, ensuring their audience aligns with your brand and goals before you make the first move.

Tune in to this episode if you’re a small business owner eager to explore influencer marketing but unsure where to start. Cleo’s firsthand experience will inspire and guide you to harness the power of micro-influencers for your business success!