Spencer Lanoue
Reaching out to an influencer can feel like a leap into the unknown. Whether you're hoping to collaborate, seeking advice, or just trying to make a connection, crafting the perfect email can make all the difference. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to write an email to an influencer that stands out and gets a response.
Why Email an Influencer?
Before drafting your email, it's helpful to understand the purpose behind reaching out to influencers. Influencers have built communities of followers who trust their opinions and recommendations. This makes them powerful allies if you're trying to spread the word about a product, service, or idea. Whether you're a brand looking to partner or an individual seeking mentorship, emailing an influencer can open doors.
But why email? While social media platforms are great for quick interactions, emails allow for more detailed, personalized communication. It gives you the space to present your ideas clearly and professionally. Plus, it shows that you've taken the time and effort to engage with them on a more formal level.
Research Before You Write
Writing an effective email starts long before you hit the keyboard. Research is a crucial first step that can often be overlooked. Think about it. Would you want to receive a generic message that clearly wasn't meant for you? Probably not. Influencers feel the same way. They appreciate it when someone has taken the time to understand who they are, what they do, and how your proposal or request aligns with their interests.
- Know their content: Spend time exploring the influencer's content across platforms. What kind of posts do they share? What are their core values and messages?
- Understand their audience: What type of audience do they engage with? Is it similar to your target audience?
- Identify mutual connections: If you have mutual acquaintances or have worked with similar brands, mention this in your email to establish credibility and common ground.
This groundwork will enable you to tailor your email to their specific interests and needs, making it much more likely that they'll respond positively.
Crafting a Subject Line That Gets Opened
The subject line is your email's first impression. It's what determines whether your email gets opened or sent straight to the trash. So, how do you craft a subject line that grabs attention without being clickbait?
- Keep it concise: Aim for a subject line that's clear and to the point. Around 6-8 words is a good length.
- Add a personal touch: Reference something specific to the influencer, such as a recent project or post.
- Include a hint of interest: Words like "collaboration," "opportunity," or "idea" can pique curiosity.
For example, if you're reaching out to an influencer known for sustainable fashion, a subject line like "Excited to Collaborate on Sustainable Fashion" might catch their eye.
Personalize Your Greeting
Starting your email with a generic "Hi there" sets a detached tone right from the start. Instead, use the influencer’s name. It shows that you've put in the effort to personalize your message. If you can, include a reference to their work or achievements. Something that acknowledges their influence and value.
Here's a quick example:
Hi [Influencer's Name],
I recently watched your video on sustainable fashion trends, and I was really inspired by your insights on eco-friendly materials.
This approach not only makes your email feel personal but also establishes a connection based on mutual interests.
Get to the Point Quickly
Influencers are busy people. They receive countless emails and messages daily. To keep their attention, you need to get to the point swiftly. After your greeting, introduce yourself and explain why you're reaching out in a couple of sentences.
For instance:
My name is [Your Name], and I’m with [Your Company]. We’re launching a new line of eco-friendly clothing, and we’d love to collaborate with you to showcase it to your audience.
Being concise here not only respects their time but also makes your email easier to digest.
Explain the Benefit
While it's important to explain who you are and what you want, it's equally crucial to highlight the benefit for the influencer. This is where many emails fall short. Remember, you're asking them to invest their time and resources, so make it worth their while.
- Be specific: Detail what you're offering, whether it's financial compensation, free products, or a feature on your platform.
- Emphasize mutual benefit: How will this collaboration benefit not just you, but them and their audience?
Here’s how you might phrase it:
We believe that your audience values sustainability as much as ours does, and we’d love to feature your unique style in our upcoming campaign. In return, we’re offering [compensation, free products, etc.], and we’re excited to share your content across our channels.
Include a Clear Call to Action
Every email should end with a clear call to action (CTA). This guides the influencer on what to do next, making it easier for them to respond. Whether it's to schedule a call, visit a link, or reply with thoughts, be straightforward about what you’re asking.
A simple CTA could be:
If you’re interested, I’d love to schedule a brief call to discuss how we can work together. Let me know your availability, and we’ll make it happen!
A good CTA encourages engagement and provides a clear next step, making it easy for the recipient to move forward.
Maintain a Professional Tone
While it’s important to personalize your email, maintaining a professional tone is equally crucial. This doesn’t mean you have to be overly formal; rather, aim for a balance between friendliness and professionalism.
- Avoid slang and overly casual language: This can come off as unprofessional and may not resonate with the influencer’s brand.
- Be polite and respectful: Use please and thank you, and always show appreciation for their time and consideration.
For instance, instead of saying "Hey, wanna collab?", opt for something like:
We believe your insights into sustainable fashion would greatly enhance our campaign, and we’d be thrilled to have the opportunity to work together.
Proofread Before Hitting Send
Nothing detracts from your credibility faster than typos and grammatical errors. Before sending your email, take a few moments to proofread it. This is where tools like Spell can be incredibly helpful. It not only helps catch mistakes but also ensures your message is clear and polished.
- Read it aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or errors you might overlook when reading silently.
- Use spelling and grammar checkers: These tools can catch errors you might miss.
Even a quick read-through can make a big difference in the quality and professionalism of your email.
Follow Up, But Don’t Overdo It
After sending your email, it's perfectly fine to follow up if you haven't heard back within a week or so. Influencers are busy, and emails can slip through the cracks. However, be mindful not to come across as pushy or impatient.
Your follow-up could look something like this:
Hi [Influencer's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the email I sent last week regarding a potential collaboration with [Your Company]. I’d love to discuss this further at your convenience.
One follow-up is usually sufficient. If you still don’t hear back, it may be best to move on and respect their decision.
Final Thoughts
Writing an email to an influencer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps and taking the time to personalize your message, you can create an email that resonates and opens the door to exciting opportunities. And remember, Spell can help you draft and polish your emails quickly, ensuring they’re both professional and engaging.
