A Guide To Micro-Influencer Agencies
Micro-influencers have become valuable partners for brands seeking to reach specific, engaged audiences. Unlike macro-influencers or celebrity influencers with millions of followers, micro-influencers have a smaller follower count (10,000 to 100,000) but they are highly dedicated. Their authenticity and connection with their audience make them ideal for brands, especially those aiming for more personal, localized engagement.
In this guide, we’ll explore when you should consider working with a micro-influencer marketing agency and when alternative options, like the Hummingbirds platform, may be a better choice.
An introduction to influencer marketing agencies
Influencer marketing agencies are companies that help brands identify and partner with the right influencers to promote their products and services. These agencies often provide a range of services such as influencer discovery, campaign strategy, content creation, analytics and tracking, and campaign management.
The best influencer agencies stand out by offering more personalized services. They build a strong network of social media influencers and have a deep understanding of the industry they specialize in. However, they can also be expensive and may not be the best fit for every brand, especially those with smaller budgets and specific goals.
5 top agencies for micro-influencer marketing campaigns
When it comes to micro-influencer marketing, some agencies have built a reputation for being the best in the business. Here are the top five agencies worth considering:
1. InBeat
inBeat is an influencer marketing agency that specializes in micro and nano-influencers. The agency is best suited for brands looking for cost-effective campaigns that deliver high engagement on a smaller scale. They work with brands such as 7-Eleven, got milk?, Square, Bumble, and Disney because they have a strong focus on quick execution and emphasis on social media influencers with highly engaged communities. They have a niche focus on trends that allows them to provide target campaigns for your audience.
Some of their services include:
Influencer sourcing
High-quality content creation
Campaign management
Analytics and tracking
Considering all of the services offered, their pros include their focus on micro and nano-influencers at an affordable price while their con is a limit on specific industries within their agency.
2. NeoReach
NeoReach is a full-service influencer marketing agency known for its expansive network and data-driven approach. This agency excels in crafting tailored campaigns that leverage deep insights into audience behavior, making it ideal for brands that require a comprehensive influencer marketing solution. NeoReach is best suited for larger brands, such as Amazon, Airbnb, and Walmart, or those looking to expand to more complex campaigns on multiple social platforms.
Some of their services include:
Influencer discovery
Campaign strategy
Content creation
Metrics on conversion rates
NeoReach’s extensive network of social media influencers, advanced analytics, and tailored campaign strategies make it one of the top-tier influencer marketing services.
3. Audiencly
Audiencly stands out as a top influencer marketing agency, specifically within the gaming and lifestyle industries. Known for its specialized focus, Audiencly connects brands with influencers who can create high-quality content that resonates with engaged audiences. So, whether you're a brand in the gaming sector or looking to tap into lifestyle niches, Audiencly offers full-service solutions to your campaigns. Some of the companies they currently work with are loot boy, Rogue Company, and Socialpoint.
Some of their services include:
Influencer marketing
Creator program
Creative and strategy
TikTok marketing
Exclusive talents management
Even though Audiencly is limited to specific industries, their specialization in gaming and lifestyle niches and full-service solution approach make them stand out from the rest.
4. InfluBase
InfluBase is a niche agency that specializes in the health and wellness space, making it a perfect choice for brands looking to partner with influencers who have a deep understanding of this industry. The agency provides personalized services and data-driven approaches, ensuring that campaigns are both effective and authentic. Their clients include Olive, Paysend, INEOS, and ATP.
Some of their services include:
Influencer identification
Campaign management
Content creation
Post-campaign engagement rate tracking
Although limited in specific industries, their niche focus on health and wellness give their clients a personalized service compared to other top agencies.
5. Insense
Insense is a tech-driven influencer marketing platform that merges the benefits of traditional agencies with innovative automation tools. It’s beneficial for brands that want to streamline their campaigns using technology while still accessing a diverse range of influencers. Incense allows brands to manage their campaigns more effectively, with real-time analytics and a simplified workflow. Their clients include DCBLab, Hollywood HairBar, and others.
Some of their services include:
Influencer discovery
Campaign automation
Content creation
Real-time performance tracking
Although Insense is not as personalized as the other agencies, they use data insights and innovative platform features to draw clients.
Influencer agencies vs. influencer platforms
While influencer marketing agencies offer valuable services, they aren’t the only option for brands looking to launch micro-influencer campaigns. Influencer platforms, like Hummingbirds, provide an alternative that can be more cost-effective.
Influencer platforms are digital tools that connect brands directly to influencers, often offering features like campaign management, content creation tools, and analytics. Unlike traditional agencies, platforms allow brands to handle much of the campaign themselves so the user-generated content (UGC) and influencers fit best within their influencer marketing strategies.
Here’s how influencer platforms compare to agencies:
Cost: Platforms generally offer lower costs than agencies, making them better for brands on a budget.
Control: Platforms give brands more control over the influencer selection process and campaign management, giving a more hands-on experience.
Support: While agencies provide comprehensive support, platforms like Hummingbirds offer resources and tools that empower brands to manage their campaigns with confidence.
When and why an influencer platform is better than an agency
When looking for the perfect fit for your brand, it is important to consider all parts of a campaign that your brand would fit best in. Ask yourselves the important questions around budget, size, and even expertise. There are several scenarios where an influencer platform might be a better fit than an agency, and your brand needs to learn which fits best into your marketing goals and will bring brand awareness.
You’re committed to partnering with small and niche influencers
Agencies often focus on larger influencers with broad appeal, which can limit your access to micro and hyperlocal influencers. Platforms like Hummingbirds, on the other hand, give you direct access to a wide range of influencers, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your digital marketing campaign.
Influencer agencies also may not focus on developing relationships with the influencers they are working with. Since they are appealing to a wider audience, your brand will not get as much control over which influencers you get for a campaign. If you want to find a niche micro-influencer that loves your brand and wants to share it, you need to optimize the right platform with a strong community.
You have in-house expertise that can drive the campaign
If you have a social media marketing team with the skills to plan and manage an influencer campaign, a platform can provide you with the tools you need without the added cost of an agency. Social media platforms streamline the process, making it easy to find influencers, manage campaigns, and track performance.
Platforms act as a one-stop-shop for social media management. They offer resources, tools, and additional support that can help the most inexperienced users run a successful campaign.
You’re planning a small campaign and need minimal support
For brands planning small or one-off campaigns, agencies may not be worth the investment. Platforms allow you to quickly organize and launch a campaign without the overhead and delays that come with agency influencer partnerships.
Agencies will slow things down in these scenarios. They will need time to learn your brand, get aligned on campaign goals, and find the influencers. Your time would be better spent organizing a campaign on your own that you love.
You’re planning for the long-term and want to keep costs low
Agencies can be expensive, especially for long-term campaigns. Platforms offer a more affordable alternative, allowing you to build sustainable partnerships without breaking the bank.
Launch and engaging campaign with Hummingbirds
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to run your micro-influencer campaigns, Hummingbirds is the perfect option. Our platform connects you with hyperlocal content creators who can create authentic content that resonates with your target audience. With Hummingbirds, you get the benefits of an influencer agency without the high costs and limited flexibility.
Ready to launch your next campaign? Book a call with Hummingbirds and discover how our platform can help you reach your UGC goals.