It was because of this strategy that I was able to get an interview with makeup artist & influencer Vlada Haggerty (aka @vladamua).
You know?…
The makeup artist that is best known for the, now famous, ‘Lip Drip’ and SO MUCH MORE!
The tip that I’m about to share with you is for those of you that want to learn how to connect with online influencers to possibly collaborate with them down the line.
It could be for a makeup or video collab, perhaps they can introduce you to others in the industry, or a whole plethora of other opportunities - but first things first.
You need to get your foot in the door.
And at the end of this article, I’m going to arm you with a FREE guide with the step-by-step process to building a relationship with your industry’s influencers - whether they’re in your industry or ANY other industry.
It works across the board.
Have I piqued your interest?
Good. Let’s go.
Good Intentions
I missed my shot to coin this technique I’m about to show you in 2015-2016, when I was connecting with influencers inside ALL of my interests from yoga teachers/dancers to singer/musicians to activists/MUA superstars.
L: @cuchira M: @jamarrogersofficial R: @blackvogue_se
But let me put this caveat out there, first, before we go into the strategy.
During that time period that I was heavily on Instagram from 2015-2016, I followed these individuals and I had ZERO MOTIVES of getting ANYTHING from them.
I, honestly, just wanted to leave a nice comment on their posts.
Or to throw playful jokes at them.
Why?
To be social on social media.
I liked the topics they were talking about.
I liked the songs they were singing.
Or I thought the feats they were doing with their body were astounding.
I wanted to be that cheer them on and know that I appreciate what they’re doing.
To show that support and give a little love - which we all need from time to time.
And above all else, to have some fun and make jokes with cool people online.
And even though I’ve never met any of these people face to face:
I’ve asked questions and they’ve responded
We’ve talked back and forth on Facebook Messenger
They’ve come on my profile and left juicy comments WITHOUT me asking
And we’ve even chatted via a Skype call.
All of which, blew my mind!
It doesn’t seem like a big deal - but when you see that number over your paper airplane messenger or see a reply in your engagement feed - you geek out a bit.
So I’m going to break down this tactic, but DO NOT do it hoping that you can get something out of it.
Let me repeat this one more time. Because I need this to STICK.
DO NOT TRY TO BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THESE INFLUENCERS HOPING THAT YOU CAN GET SOMETHING OUT OF IT.
Do it because you like their personality.
Do it because you want to get to know them better.
Do it because you like the things they’re talking about or doing.
You know…
Like any of your other friends.
Because they’re influencers, there are a lot of people that are trying to swat at them, who have ulterior motives, and have their hands out wanting something.
You’re going to be different.
And this is how.
The TwoPlus Instagram Strategy
The TwoPlus Instagram Strategy is simple.
I want you to choose 5 influencers you like (and I suggest you don’t do more than 5 at a time) and leave a 2+ sentence comment on their post, at least 3X per week.
Simple, right?
Now, this is what you DO NOT do:
If this is what you do when you leave a comment on someone’s profile…
Weak.
Why?
Can you, without question, tell me that this is from a person?
Or is it from a bot?
Instead, try something like this:
This was a reaction I had from a video I saw on a “new” YouTube channel I discovered called Jubilee.
Or add to the already ongoing conversation.
See the difference?
Now let’s break this down.
Step 1: Create a Spreadsheet
On this spreadsheet you’re going to have:
Their Name
Their Instagram handle
Their website or blog (if they have one)
Their Facebook page or group (if they have one)
Their Twitter handle
Any notes on them (e.g., reoccurring subjects or topics they talk about)
Last comment (the last time that you commented on their platforms)
(Optional) When they last responded to your comment
These 5 individuals are going to be the people that you will focus on for the next 3 months (at least).
Step 2: Add to the Commentary
One of the greatest things that gets ANY creator excited, is a GOOD comment on their piece.
Whether it’s:
An article they wrote.
A presentation they gave and posted on YouTube.
A podcast.
A makeup look they posted on Instagram.
An interview they we’re a part of.
There is a moment of bliss when we see “you have a new comment” or “XXX has commented on your…”
We’ve talked about the difference between a good comment and a pitiful comment above.
One stands out from the crowd, and is more likely to get a response.
And the other is in your “blind spot” and it gets looked over, or a “pity heart”.
But when it’s a good comment - we’ll read it MORE THAN ONCE - because we’re appreciative that you took the time out of your schedule to send a little love our way.
It’s REALLY appreciated!
So, let’s get into some good graces and let’s go over how you accomplish this feat.
The Art of a Juicy Comment
If the influencer your following wrote an article, read the article, and leave your thoughts on it.
If they gave a presentation, watch the full presentation and leave a comment on the video.
Also, if you liked it - repost it on Twitter and tag them.
And leave another full comment, or thought about the presentation, on their Instagram.
If they were in, or hosted, a podcast or they did an interview listen to it and leave a comment.
If they posted a makeup look you love on Instagram, leave a comment where you ask them if they used the “tape method” or the “business card method” to get that CRISP cat eye.
Or leave a funny comment where you tell them how you tried to do their cat eye, and how it got so big you looked like the Lego version of Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy.
(L: image from Lego Marvel Superheroes Gameplay | R: image from Lilly Singh YouTube channel)
NOTE: Do not give your autobiography in their comments feed, but feel free to give them a little context.
Step 3: Sharing is Caring
Some common places where you can share their work on social, if you choose to do so, include:
Twitter
Pinterest
Facebook Groups
Reddit (see r/makeupaddiction, r/brownbeauty, r/unconventionalmakeup)
Instagram stories
Snapchat
You DO NOT have to share it on all of these platforms.
Pick 1 or 2 relevant ones, and that’s good.
After you’ve shared their work somewhere, feel free to tell them in your Instagram comment, saying something to the likes of:
“Hey. Just watched your interview with Chase Jarvis and it was eye opening! I especially liked the part about (fill in the blank). I just shared it on Twitter. Hope it helps bring in some traffic about (the topic) and that you’re getting positive feedback”.
Of course, this is just an example.
I don’t suggest you copy this verbatim.
Use it as a guide, and put your own flair on it.
Step 4: The Hardest Part About This WHOLE Strategy
Consistency.
It’s something everyone, including myself, struggle with.
How do you stay consistent for up to 3 months, at least?
You put a system in place that motivates you to follow through on your task.
And for this task, simply do this:
You figure out what time of day, that best fits your schedule, and you create an alarm on your phone, notifying you to post your comments on that influencers account.
It could be in the morning, during lunch, in the afternoon or evening.
Whatever it is, pick a schedule where you know you’ll have at least 30-60 minutes of free time to do the work.
And if you know you’re going to be reading and commenting on blog posts, or listening to podcasts, etc. - make time for that as well - and SCHEDULE IT.
You DO NOT want to rely on your willpower and memory.
Life gets hectic and you WILL forget.
You’re going to be smart about this and put a system in place so that it’s A LOT MORE LIKELY for you to follow through on these tasks.
The Recap
Let’s do a quick recap of what you’ll be doing to stay top-of-mind with these influencers you’re trying to build a relationship with.
STEP 1: Create a spreadsheet.
Put all their information (e.g., Instagram & Twitter handles, if they have a blog, things they support or like, etc). You can also use this spreadsheet as a reference to track your progress.
STEP 2: Know how to write a good, juicy comment.
2+ sentences. Don’t be afraid to lightly joke with the person. If you can relate a personal story to their experience, go for it. You can either add to the conversation or be the conversation starter.
STEP 3: Set up a system.
Set the alarm on your phone that reminds you to comment on that influencers page.
I also suggest putting their Instagram or Twitter handle in the alarm notes so you don’t have to try to remember who you’re commenting on at the time.
STEP 4: Consistency.
Some people will drop 1-2 comments for about a week before they get bored, or give up on this whole process. Weak. You’re going to stay in this for the long haul because you’re actually interested in these people and being social on social media.