Building a social media relationship with someone who influences your community just takes a little common sense. After all, influencers are people just like you and me. The same things that make us want to know someone better will win them over as well.

Ask Questions

Don’t just assume you know everything about the influencer because you read it on their blog. Try to start a conversation through asking questions that you are actually interested in knowing their opinion on. These questions don’t need to be fully professionally inclined, but could be finding out their favorite meals, movies or hobbies. Find out more about them as people.

Show Interest

If your influencer post a new blog post or tweets an interesting article, engage with them. Show that you are interested in what they are saying. What’s the secret to make sure this comes off as genuine versus empty flattery? Actually be interested! Honesty comes through when you speak to people, even virtually, so don’t try to be interested in something you’re not. Be transparent, share your mutual passion for topics and you’ll have much more in-depth conversations.

Treat them Like People

While everyone enjoys a little hero worship here and there, most of us feel most comfortable around those who we can talk to freely and openly. If instead of treating an influencer like someone who is important because of what they can do for you, but rather treat them as important because they are a person you can learn from, the connection you build will be stronger, more realistic and hopefully long-lasting.

Those are just three simply ways to get to know influencers (and the rest of your community) but there’s a million out there!

What ways would YOU like to be won over? How do you get to know people in the social space? What’s the first thing you look up about a person?

For more information on how to cultivate influencers, see chapter 3 of this month’s ebook.

Tags: Customer relationship management, influencers