How Will This Website Traffic Strategy Benefit You?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve been implementing this strategy since the start of 2016 and it has consistently generated up to 10x our daily average website traffic. I don\u2019t want to be one of those marketers that “guarantees” results that sound too good to be true, but from our experience, this strategy works every time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In addition to the obvious website traffic increase, this strategy also opens up opportunities to:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2705\u00a0Build relationships with influential people in your industry<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2705\u00a0Increase your credibility by being mentioned by influential people online<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2705\u00a0Increase your own online influence<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2705\u00a0Learn from the most influential people in your industry<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The image below shows the spikes in website traffic we got when implementing this strategy recently with the following articles:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Digital Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Social Media Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-1-Website-Traffic-Spikes-Shen-KPS-Digital-Marketing-Implemented-This-Strategy.png\")
\r\nWebsite Traffic Spikes When KPS Digital Marketing Implemented This Strategy<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat Is the Strategy?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe strategy is focused around creating an article which lists the most influential people\/brands in a relevant niche, reaching out to the influential people\/brands to let them know they made the list, and then waiting for your traffic to skyrocket once they share your article to their large online audiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ultimately, the strategy works because it\u2019s human nature to want to share our achievements. In the current age of YouTubers and social media influencers, being “influential” online is perceived to be a pretty big achievement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Imagine how you\u2019d feel being listed in the “Top 100” list of influential people\/brands in your niche — in the world! You\u2019d find it hard not to share the article. We\u2019re all prone to a humblebrag every now and again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to Implement This Website Traffic Building Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #1: Identify a Relevant Influencer List Niche<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo gain the most value from this strategy, you need to create a list of influencers around a topic that is relevant to you\/your brand. If you run a tech company, it would be pretty odd to create a list of the most influential gardeners in the world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the easiest ways to identify an influencer list niche is to simply create a list around the industry you work in. It could be “The Top 100 Most Influential Manufacturers\/Bankers\/Farmers” etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The only trouble with this is that most people have created these broad lists before. This is why niching down even further can work really well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, if you work in the food industry, you could narrow the influencer list topic down to one of the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u24cb\u00a0Vegans<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Vegetarians<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
?\u200d? Chefs (could narrow further to the type of chef)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food Bloggers<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food brands<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u25b7\u00a0Food YouTube channels<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step #2: Identify Influencers Using Buzzsumo<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBuzzsumo has a handy Influencer Identification Tool<\/a> that allows you to type in keywords and identify the most influential Twitter accounts based on a variety of metrics that demonstrate an account\u2019s influence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-2-Screenshot-of-Buzzsumo\u2019s-Influencer-Identification-Tool.png\")
\r\nScreenshot of Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTry BuzzSumo for 7 days free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI won\u2019t get into the technicalities, but the ranking is based on the relevancy of Elasticsearch<\/a>. If you\u2019re a bit of a geek like me and want to understand a bit more about Elasticsearch, watch the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/sKnkQSec1U0<\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo identify influencers on your chosen topic, simply type in the keyword in the box provided and click “Search.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n![\"BuzzSumo_influencer-identification-for-website-traffic\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-3-Screenshot-of-Where-To-Type-Keyword-In-Buzzsumo\u2019s-Influencer-Identification-Tool.png\")
\r\nScreenshot of Where to Type Keyword in Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #3: Export the Data<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce the search results appear, an “Export” button pops up next to the “Search” button. Click “Export” and export the data as an Excel or CSV file.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-4-Screenshot-of-The-Button-Used-To-Export-Data-From-Buzzsumo\u2019s-Influencer-Identification-Tool.png\")
\r\nScreenshot of the Button Used to Export Data from Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #4: Create a Well-Formatted Table<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you open up the spreadsheet, it will look like The Matrix, but don\u2019t panic. What we need to do with all this data is decide which columns we would like to add in a nice table that we can paste into our article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Now, what you include in the table is up to you. Ask yourself two questions when deciding:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- What can I include that will make it more likely for the influencers to share the article?<\/li>\r\n
- What can I include that will help easily communicate what the table is?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is a screenshot of the data we include: Rank, Twitter, Name, Page Authority, Reply Ratio, Retweet Ratio, and URL Share Ratio.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-5-Influencer-List-Table-Headings-KPS-Digital-Marketing-Use.png\")
\r\nInfluencer List Table Headings KPS Digital Marketing Use<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve decided your headings, delete any unwanted data and format the table. We make the column headers bold and use capital letters, and also link the Twitter usernames to the listed influential account\u2019s Twitter page (this increases the likelihood of them sharing the article).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"website-traffic-Formatted-Influencer-List-Table\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-6-Formatted-Influencer-List-Table.png\")
\r\nFormatted Influencer List Table<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #5: Create the Influencer List Article to Build Website Traffic<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have created the influencer list table, you can put together the article on your website. It\u2019s important to include certain things in your article to boost the chances of the influential accounts sharing it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Firstly, take a look at the examples below for inspiration and then go through the list of items below to ensure you include them in your article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Example 1:\u00a0Digital Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 2:\u00a0Social Media Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 3:\u00a0Top 100 Most Influential UK & USA Mummy Bloggers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 4:\u00a0Top 10 Agriculture Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 5:\u00a0Top 100 Digital Marketers 2018<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #6: Explain the Methodology Behind the List<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI want to let you in on a little secret. A lot of “Top Influencer Lists” you see out there, even ones on the most credible websites, are nothing more than a list of people the contributor has chosen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I wrote about this in this article, “Fake Influencers: Are You a Fake Influencer?<\/a>” and it\u2019s still a big problem today. Most of these lists are not backed up by data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use an influencer identification tool like Buzzsumo and explain your methodology. It provides a level of credibility to the list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is an example of how we explain the methodology when we use Buzzsumo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-7-Example-Influencer-List-Methodology-Explanation.jpg\")
\r\nExample Influencer List Methodology Explanation<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #7: Include Images of the Listed Influential Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you include images of the influential people\/brands, they are more likely to share the article. It\u2019s kind of like when Starbucks’ baristas write your name on a cup. It makes you feel more special than if they just verbally said, \u201cThis is your coffee.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
We include these images in the header image, social share images, and thumbnails.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n![\"Website-Traffic-Example-Header-Image\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-8-Example-Header-Image.jpg\")
\r\nExample Header Image<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #8: Link Back to the Influential Account\u2019s Profile\/Website for More Traffic to Your Site<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou scratch my back, I\u2019ll scratch yours? Linking back to the listed accounts provides them value and ultimately makes it more likely that they\u2019ll share the article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Website-Traffic-Example-Of-How-To-Link-Back-To-Listed-Accounts-Profiles\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-9-Example-Of-How-To-Link-Back-To-Listed-Accounts-Profiles.png\")
\r\nExample of How to Link Back to Listed Accounts Profiles<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #9: Make It Easy to Share<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUtilizing a mobile responsive social share tool like Sumo<\/a> and adding Click to tweet<\/a> links throughout the article make sharing the article a walk in the park. Again, this makes it more likely to be shared by the influential accounts listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Website-Traffic-Example-Of-How-To-Make-You-Article-Easy-To-Share\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-10-Example-Of-How-To-Make-You-Article-Easy-To-Share.png\")
\r\nExample of How to Make Your Article Easy to Share<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #10: Contact Influential Accounts that Have Been Listed<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis step is the most important of them all. You need to personally reach out to every account that has been listed and congratulate them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Personally, I would not recommend asking them to share the article, people don\u2019t like being told what to do. We\u2019ve found sending a DM to the account on Twitter works the best, but you could email, message, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n“Content marketing is all about providing value, so focus on the same with influencers: give them something before you ask for shares in return<\/a><\/em>.” <\/a><\/p>\r\nSusan Moeller<\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBelow is an example message we\u2019ve sent in the past.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hey [first name]! We used [influencer identification tool] to identify the Top 100 [influencer list topic] in [year], you made it on the list! You can find the full list here: [insert link to list] Congrats! – [your name]<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"website-traffic-Example-Outreach-Message\"](\"https:\/\/buzzsumo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Image-11-Example-Outreach-Message.png\")
\r\nExample Outreach Message<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhat Is the Strategy?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe strategy is focused around creating an article which lists the most influential people\/brands in a relevant niche, reaching out to the influential people\/brands to let them know they made the list, and then waiting for your traffic to skyrocket once they share your article to their large online audiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ultimately, the strategy works because it\u2019s human nature to want to share our achievements. In the current age of YouTubers and social media influencers, being “influential” online is perceived to be a pretty big achievement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Imagine how you\u2019d feel being listed in the “Top 100” list of influential people\/brands in your niche — in the world! You\u2019d find it hard not to share the article. We\u2019re all prone to a humblebrag every now and again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to Implement This Website Traffic Building Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #1: Identify a Relevant Influencer List Niche<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo gain the most value from this strategy, you need to create a list of influencers around a topic that is relevant to you\/your brand. If you run a tech company, it would be pretty odd to create a list of the most influential gardeners in the world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the easiest ways to identify an influencer list niche is to simply create a list around the industry you work in. It could be “The Top 100 Most Influential Manufacturers\/Bankers\/Farmers” etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The only trouble with this is that most people have created these broad lists before. This is why niching down even further can work really well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, if you work in the food industry, you could narrow the influencer list topic down to one of the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u24cb\u00a0Vegans<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Vegetarians<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
?\u200d? Chefs (could narrow further to the type of chef)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food Bloggers<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food brands<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u25b7\u00a0Food YouTube channels<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step #2: Identify Influencers Using Buzzsumo<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBuzzsumo has a handy Influencer Identification Tool<\/a> that allows you to type in keywords and identify the most influential Twitter accounts based on a variety of metrics that demonstrate an account\u2019s influence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScreenshot of Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTry BuzzSumo for 7 days free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI won\u2019t get into the technicalities, but the ranking is based on the relevancy of Elasticsearch<\/a>. If you\u2019re a bit of a geek like me and want to understand a bit more about Elasticsearch, watch the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/sKnkQSec1U0<\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo identify influencers on your chosen topic, simply type in the keyword in the box provided and click “Search.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nScreenshot of Where to Type Keyword in Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #3: Export the Data<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce the search results appear, an “Export” button pops up next to the “Search” button. Click “Export” and export the data as an Excel or CSV file.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nScreenshot of the Button Used to Export Data from Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #4: Create a Well-Formatted Table<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you open up the spreadsheet, it will look like The Matrix, but don\u2019t panic. What we need to do with all this data is decide which columns we would like to add in a nice table that we can paste into our article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Now, what you include in the table is up to you. Ask yourself two questions when deciding:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- What can I include that will make it more likely for the influencers to share the article?<\/li>\r\n
- What can I include that will help easily communicate what the table is?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is a screenshot of the data we include: Rank, Twitter, Name, Page Authority, Reply Ratio, Retweet Ratio, and URL Share Ratio.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nInfluencer List Table Headings KPS Digital Marketing Use<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve decided your headings, delete any unwanted data and format the table. We make the column headers bold and use capital letters, and also link the Twitter usernames to the listed influential account\u2019s Twitter page (this increases the likelihood of them sharing the article).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFormatted Influencer List Table<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #5: Create the Influencer List Article to Build Website Traffic<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have created the influencer list table, you can put together the article on your website. It\u2019s important to include certain things in your article to boost the chances of the influential accounts sharing it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Firstly, take a look at the examples below for inspiration and then go through the list of items below to ensure you include them in your article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Example 1:\u00a0Digital Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 2:\u00a0Social Media Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 3:\u00a0Top 100 Most Influential UK & USA Mummy Bloggers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 4:\u00a0Top 10 Agriculture Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 5:\u00a0Top 100 Digital Marketers 2018<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #6: Explain the Methodology Behind the List<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI want to let you in on a little secret. A lot of “Top Influencer Lists” you see out there, even ones on the most credible websites, are nothing more than a list of people the contributor has chosen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I wrote about this in this article, “Fake Influencers: Are You a Fake Influencer?<\/a>” and it\u2019s still a big problem today. Most of these lists are not backed up by data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use an influencer identification tool like Buzzsumo and explain your methodology. It provides a level of credibility to the list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is an example of how we explain the methodology when we use Buzzsumo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nExample Influencer List Methodology Explanation<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #7: Include Images of the Listed Influential Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you include images of the influential people\/brands, they are more likely to share the article. It\u2019s kind of like when Starbucks’ baristas write your name on a cup. It makes you feel more special than if they just verbally said, \u201cThis is your coffee.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
We include these images in the header image, social share images, and thumbnails.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nExample Header Image<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #8: Link Back to the Influential Account\u2019s Profile\/Website for More Traffic to Your Site<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou scratch my back, I\u2019ll scratch yours? Linking back to the listed accounts provides them value and ultimately makes it more likely that they\u2019ll share the article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample of How to Link Back to Listed Accounts Profiles<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #9: Make It Easy to Share<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUtilizing a mobile responsive social share tool like Sumo<\/a> and adding Click to tweet<\/a> links throughout the article make sharing the article a walk in the park. Again, this makes it more likely to be shared by the influential accounts listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample of How to Make Your Article Easy to Share<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #10: Contact Influential Accounts that Have Been Listed<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis step is the most important of them all. You need to personally reach out to every account that has been listed and congratulate them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Personally, I would not recommend asking them to share the article, people don\u2019t like being told what to do. We\u2019ve found sending a DM to the account on Twitter works the best, but you could email, message, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n“Content marketing is all about providing value, so focus on the same with influencers: give them something before you ask for shares in return<\/a><\/em>.” <\/a><\/p>\r\nSusan Moeller<\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBelow is an example message we\u2019ve sent in the past.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hey [first name]! We used [influencer identification tool] to identify the Top 100 [influencer list topic] in [year], you made it on the list! You can find the full list here: [insert link to list] Congrats! – [your name]<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample Outreach Message<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step #1: Identify a Relevant Influencer List Niche<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo gain the most value from this strategy, you need to create a list of influencers around a topic that is relevant to you\/your brand. If you run a tech company, it would be pretty odd to create a list of the most influential gardeners in the world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the easiest ways to identify an influencer list niche is to simply create a list around the industry you work in. It could be “The Top 100 Most Influential Manufacturers\/Bankers\/Farmers” etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The only trouble with this is that most people have created these broad lists before. This is why niching down even further can work really well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, if you work in the food industry, you could narrow the influencer list topic down to one of the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u24cb\u00a0Vegans<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Vegetarians<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
?\u200d? Chefs (could narrow further to the type of chef)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food Bloggers<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
? Food brands<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u25b7\u00a0Food YouTube channels<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step #2: Identify Influencers Using Buzzsumo<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBuzzsumo has a handy Influencer Identification Tool<\/a> that allows you to type in keywords and identify the most influential Twitter accounts based on a variety of metrics that demonstrate an account\u2019s influence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScreenshot of Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTry BuzzSumo for 7 days free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI won\u2019t get into the technicalities, but the ranking is based on the relevancy of Elasticsearch<\/a>. If you\u2019re a bit of a geek like me and want to understand a bit more about Elasticsearch, watch the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/sKnkQSec1U0<\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo identify influencers on your chosen topic, simply type in the keyword in the box provided and click “Search.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nScreenshot of Where to Type Keyword in Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #3: Export the Data<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce the search results appear, an “Export” button pops up next to the “Search” button. Click “Export” and export the data as an Excel or CSV file.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nScreenshot of the Button Used to Export Data from Buzzsumo\u2019s Influencer Identification Tool<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #4: Create a Well-Formatted Table<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you open up the spreadsheet, it will look like The Matrix, but don\u2019t panic. What we need to do with all this data is decide which columns we would like to add in a nice table that we can paste into our article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Now, what you include in the table is up to you. Ask yourself two questions when deciding:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- What can I include that will make it more likely for the influencers to share the article?<\/li>\r\n
- What can I include that will help easily communicate what the table is?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is a screenshot of the data we include: Rank, Twitter, Name, Page Authority, Reply Ratio, Retweet Ratio, and URL Share Ratio.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nInfluencer List Table Headings KPS Digital Marketing Use<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve decided your headings, delete any unwanted data and format the table. We make the column headers bold and use capital letters, and also link the Twitter usernames to the listed influential account\u2019s Twitter page (this increases the likelihood of them sharing the article).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFormatted Influencer List Table<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #5: Create the Influencer List Article to Build Website Traffic<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have created the influencer list table, you can put together the article on your website. It\u2019s important to include certain things in your article to boost the chances of the influential accounts sharing it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Firstly, take a look at the examples below for inspiration and then go through the list of items below to ensure you include them in your article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Example 1:\u00a0Digital Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 2:\u00a0Social Media Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 3:\u00a0Top 100 Most Influential UK & USA Mummy Bloggers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 4:\u00a0Top 10 Agriculture Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample 5:\u00a0Top 100 Digital Marketers 2018<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #6: Explain the Methodology Behind the List<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI want to let you in on a little secret. A lot of “Top Influencer Lists” you see out there, even ones on the most credible websites, are nothing more than a list of people the contributor has chosen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I wrote about this in this article, “Fake Influencers: Are You a Fake Influencer?<\/a>” and it\u2019s still a big problem today. Most of these lists are not backed up by data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use an influencer identification tool like Buzzsumo and explain your methodology. It provides a level of credibility to the list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Below is an example of how we explain the methodology when we use Buzzsumo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nExample Influencer List Methodology Explanation<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #7: Include Images of the Listed Influential Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you include images of the influential people\/brands, they are more likely to share the article. It\u2019s kind of like when Starbucks’ baristas write your name on a cup. It makes you feel more special than if they just verbally said, \u201cThis is your coffee.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
We include these images in the header image, social share images, and thumbnails.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nExample Header Image<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #8: Link Back to the Influential Account\u2019s Profile\/Website for More Traffic to Your Site<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou scratch my back, I\u2019ll scratch yours? Linking back to the listed accounts provides them value and ultimately makes it more likely that they\u2019ll share the article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample of How to Link Back to Listed Accounts Profiles<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #9: Make It Easy to Share<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUtilizing a mobile responsive social share tool like Sumo<\/a> and adding Click to tweet<\/a> links throughout the article make sharing the article a walk in the park. Again, this makes it more likely to be shared by the influential accounts listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample of How to Make Your Article Easy to Share<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #10: Contact Influential Accounts that Have Been Listed<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis step is the most important of them all. You need to personally reach out to every account that has been listed and congratulate them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Personally, I would not recommend asking them to share the article, people don\u2019t like being told what to do. We\u2019ve found sending a DM to the account on Twitter works the best, but you could email, message, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n“Content marketing is all about providing value, so focus on the same with influencers: give them something before you ask for shares in return<\/a><\/em>.” <\/a><\/p>\r\nSusan Moeller<\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBelow is an example message we\u2019ve sent in the past.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hey [first name]! We used [influencer identification tool] to identify the Top 100 [influencer list topic] in [year], you made it on the list! You can find the full list here: [insert link to list] Congrats! – [your name]<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample Outreach Message<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Buzzsumo has a handy Influencer Identification Tool<\/a> that allows you to type in keywords and identify the most influential Twitter accounts based on a variety of metrics that demonstrate an account\u2019s influence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I won\u2019t get into the technicalities, but the ranking is based on the relevancy of Elasticsearch<\/a>. If you\u2019re a bit of a geek like me and want to understand a bit more about Elasticsearch, watch the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To identify influencers on your chosen topic, simply type in the keyword in the box provided and click “Search.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once the search results appear, an “Export” button pops up next to the “Search” button. Click “Export” and export the data as an Excel or CSV file.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once you open up the spreadsheet, it will look like The Matrix, but don\u2019t panic. What we need to do with all this data is decide which columns we would like to add in a nice table that we can paste into our article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now, what you include in the table is up to you. Ask yourself two questions when deciding:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Below is a screenshot of the data we include: Rank, Twitter, Name, Page Authority, Reply Ratio, Retweet Ratio, and URL Share Ratio.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once you\u2019ve decided your headings, delete any unwanted data and format the table. We make the column headers bold and use capital letters, and also link the Twitter usernames to the listed influential account\u2019s Twitter page (this increases the likelihood of them sharing the article).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once you have created the influencer list table, you can put together the article on your website. It\u2019s important to include certain things in your article to boost the chances of the influential accounts sharing it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Firstly, take a look at the examples below for inspiration and then go through the list of items below to ensure you include them in your article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Example 1:\u00a0Digital Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Example 2:\u00a0Social Media Marketing 2019: Top 100 Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Example 3:\u00a0Top 100 Most Influential UK & USA Mummy Bloggers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Example 4:\u00a0Top 10 Agriculture Influencers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Example 5:\u00a0Top 100 Digital Marketers 2018<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I want to let you in on a little secret. A lot of “Top Influencer Lists” you see out there, even ones on the most credible websites, are nothing more than a list of people the contributor has chosen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I wrote about this in this article, “Fake Influencers: Are You a Fake Influencer?<\/a>” and it\u2019s still a big problem today. Most of these lists are not backed up by data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use an influencer identification tool like Buzzsumo and explain your methodology. It provides a level of credibility to the list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Below is an example of how we explain the methodology when we use Buzzsumo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you include images of the influential people\/brands, they are more likely to share the article. It\u2019s kind of like when Starbucks’ baristas write your name on a cup. It makes you feel more special than if they just verbally said, \u201cThis is your coffee.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We include these images in the header image, social share images, and thumbnails.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You scratch my back, I\u2019ll scratch yours? Linking back to the listed accounts provides them value and ultimately makes it more likely that they\u2019ll share the article.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Utilizing a mobile responsive social share tool like Sumo<\/a> and adding Click to tweet<\/a> links throughout the article make sharing the article a walk in the park. Again, this makes it more likely to be shared by the influential accounts listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This step is the most important of them all. You need to personally reach out to every account that has been listed and congratulate them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Personally, I would not recommend asking them to share the article, people don\u2019t like being told what to do. We\u2019ve found sending a DM to the account on Twitter works the best, but you could email, message, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n “Content marketing is all about providing value, so focus on the same with influencers: give them something before you ask for shares in return<\/a><\/em>.” <\/a><\/p>\r\nSusan Moeller<\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Below is an example message we\u2019ve sent in the past.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Hey [first name]! We used [influencer identification tool] to identify the Top 100 [influencer list topic] in [year], you made it on the list! You can find the full list here: [insert link to list] Congrats! – [your name]<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep #3: Export the Data<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nStep #4: Create a Well-Formatted Table<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nStep #5: Create the Influencer List Article to Build Website Traffic<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step #6: Explain the Methodology Behind the List<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nStep #7: Include Images of the Listed Influential Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nStep #8: Link Back to the Influential Account\u2019s Profile\/Website for More Traffic to Your Site<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nStep #9: Make It Easy to Share<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nStep #10: Contact Influential Accounts that Have Been Listed<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\r\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n