YouTubers have become one of the most influential people on social media, with over two billion viewers worldwide.
Anyone who's done influencer marketing overseas knows that YouTube influencers used to have a business email displayed on their About page. But let’s be honest, it wasn’t very user-friendly. Each Google account has a daily view limit, and switching between multiple accounts is a real hassle.
Last week, a Reddit user discovered that Google has removed the email display feature from YouTube influencers' pages due to privacy concerns. This sudden change caused quite a stir in the marketing world.
So, what do we do now? Don’t panic!
First, understand that influencers need to make money from brand deals. They'll be even more eager to share their contact info now. Here are 6 solutions for you:
1. Check the Video Description Box
When looking to contact influencers, one effective method is to check the descriptions under their videos. Influencers often use this space to provide important information about themselves and their content. This is a section they control and update regularly, making it a reliable source for finding their most current contact details. You can frequently find their business email address, social media handles, and sometimes even links to their websites or other platforms. This approach ensures that you are using the preferred and most direct method to reach out to them for collaborations, inquiries, or other business-related matters.
2. Check the "About" Section
When trying to contact influencers, another effective strategy is to examine the text description in the influencer's About page. While the dedicated email display feature may no longer be available, many influencers still include their contact details within the general description area. This section is often overlooked but remains a public-facing part of their channel, making it a valuable resource for finding up-to-date contact information. Influencers commonly use this space to share their business email addresses, social media profiles, and other relevant contact information. By checking the About page, you can often discover the most reliable ways to reach out to influencers for collaborations, business inquiries, or other professional engagements.
3. Look into Other Social Media
Check their other platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Influencers often cross-promote and share their contact details on multiple platforms:
- Instagram: Look at their bio for a business email or a Linktree link.
- TikTok: Similar to Instagram, check their bio for contact info.
- Twitter: Influencers might list their email in their profile or pinned tweets. And you can DM them also.
- Facebook: Their About section or page details might have contact information.
They might have their email listed there, especially in their Linktree, which often has an envelope icon you can click to send an email. If not, you can DM them directly (just make sure to send all your info in one message to avoid getting blocked or marked as spam).
4. Don`t forget the Comments Section
Leaving a comment on an influencer’s videos and waiting for them to notice and respond can be another effective, albeit less direct, method of reaching out. If executed correctly, this approach can yield positive results. Here are some tips to enhance your chances of success:
- Engage Genuinely with Their Content:
Watch their videos attentively and leave thoughtful comments that reflect your genuine interest in their work. This shows that you appreciate their content and are not just looking to promote yourself.
2. Mention Your Interest in Collaboration Politely:
In your comment, express your interest in collaborating in a respectful and courteous manner. Avoid being overly promotional or aggressive; instead, highlight why you believe a collaboration would be mutually beneficial.
3. Follow Them First to Increase Your Visibility:
Make sure to follow the influencer on their platform. This not only shows your support but also increases the likelihood of your comment being noticed. Influencers often pay more attention to comments from their followers.
By following these steps, you can increase the chances of the influencer noticing your comment and considering a potential collaboration. While this method requires patience, it can be quite effective when done right.
5. Leverage Influencer Marketing Platforms
If these methods don’t work, use professional marketing platforms. These platforms gather a ton of YouTube influencer resources and contact info, offering efficient support. For example:
- SocialBook: Covers over 200 million influencers worldwide and offers various contact methods like email and IG DMs.
With our game-changing Influencer Database Search, you can choose from one of four different ways to search for influencers and add them to your lists:
- Name: If you're looking for someone specific, just use their social media URL or username in the search bar.
- Filtered: This allows you to search for influencers using specific demographics of your choice.
- Competition: Look up who your competitors are hiring and see what your competition is doing.
- SocialBook Checker: This extension allows you to add influencers on the fly.
6. Try to Build Your Own Campaign
Let influencers come to you! Platforms like SocialBook Product Launcher can help. Just post your product recruitment info, and influencers will reach out to you for collaboration. It's super convenient. The platform allows you to:
- Post detailed campaign briefs.
- Set clear requirements and expectations.
- Attract influencers who are genuinely interested in your brand.
Building Relationships with Influencers
Beyond immediate steps, focus on nurturing long-term relationships with influencers. This approach not only benefits your current campaign but also lays a strong foundation for future collaborations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to build these enduring connections:
Consistent Engagement
Regular engagement with influencers' content is crucial. Make it a habit to:
- Comment Thoughtfully: Leave insightful comments on their posts. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in their content and value their perspectives. Avoid generic responses; instead, engage in meaningful conversations that reflect your understanding of their work.
- Share Their Content: Actively share their posts on your own social media channels. This amplifies their reach and shows that you’re willing to support them. When sharing, add your own thoughts or questions to spark further discussion and engagement from your audience.
Personalized Outreach
When reaching out to influencers, make your communication personal and specific. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Research Thoroughly: Before reaching out, spend time understanding their content, audience, and style. This will help you tailor your message to resonate with them.
- Craft Personalized Messages: Address them by name and mention specific pieces of their work that you admire. Highlight any common interests or mutual connections to build rapport. Personalized messages demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and aren’t just sending a generic outreach email.
- Express Genuine Appreciation: Sincerely acknowledge their expertise and the value they bring to their audience. Authentic compliments go a long way in establishing a positive connection.
Offer Value First
Rather than immediately asking for something, start by offering value. This can take various forms:
- Exclusive Product Previews: Give influencers early access to your products or services. This makes them feel valued and gives them the opportunity to create content around something new and exciting before anyone else.
- Affiliate Opportunities: Offer them the chance to earn through affiliate programs. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship where they can generate income by promoting products they believe in.
- Co-Create Content: Propose collaborative projects that align with their interests and your brand goals. This could be anything from joint social media campaigns to guest blog posts or even live events. Co-creating content not only provides value to their audience but also strengthens your partnership.
By consistently engaging with influencers, reaching out with personalized and genuine messages, and offering value before asking for anything in return, you can build strong, lasting relationships that benefit both parties. These relationships can lead to more authentic endorsements, increased brand visibility, and successful long-term collaborations.
Although YouTube removing the email display feature has made it harder for brands to contact influencers, there are still plenty of ways to connect with your desired influencers. By being resourceful and proactive, you can navigate these changes and continue building valuable influencer partnerships.
