When I started this blog, I had in mind to create something of a place where I could share a bit of my buzz. My "buzz", as I so lovingly call it, refers to my reviews, thoughts, and whimsical musings on various products I've received free of charge, or for a steep discount, from the many tester and word of mouth marketing groups I am fortunate enough to be a part of. One of my favorites of all of these groups is none other than Influenster, and as you'll see if you change your line of vision just to the right there, I am proud to be part of the Influenster blogging network.
This post will be a bit different, and rather than reviewing a particular product, group of products, or experience I've had, I want to buzz about what it is, and what it means, to be an Influenster.
First and foremost, Influenster is a bit different than many somewhat similar groups, as pretty much everything is accessible, and communication is encouraged. Rather than limiting campaigns, information, and "buzz" to single groups fortunate to be in on a particular campaign, Influenster really embraces the sharing is caring rule. If you're not on any type of campaign, or you're not eagerly anticipating the arrival of your next VoxBox, you can still use the site to peruse through thousands of testimonials, reviews, and relevant information from brands ranging between Apple to those who make organic tea. Didn't get in on a campaign you wanted, or saw something great in a VoxBox you would have loved to try? Simply look up the brand, read what those who tried it had to say, find out what it costs and where to buy, and ask all the questions your little heart desires to experience products through the experts who've purchased on their own or used them during Influenster testing campaigns. Best part? It's free; every last little bit of it.
It wouldn't be unheard of to compare Influenster to something more of a social media site for testers, buyers, and those with influence in the realm of retail products and opinion. The communication ability is what sets Influenster apart, in my opinion, from any other testing group or program.
Next on the list is the ever coveted VoxBox. Ah yes, that thing that every Influenster wants to get their hands on. VoxBoxes come in all shapes, colors, sizes, themes, uses, and audience demographics, and, in many instances, you're not trying out a particular product with a VoxBox, but an experience instead. The seasonal beauty VoxBoxes are probably the most sought after, and inside there will be any range of different products ideal for use during the current season. Oh, and yes, you did read that correctly: productS, not product. While some VoxBoxes showcase one particular product, these delightful little seasonal beauty campaign VoxBoxes could include lip products, eye products, health and wellness products, facial masques, shaving goodies, fragrances, or just about any other combination of treats you can think into a theme and a few walls of cardboard.
With VoxBoxes, you don't just try the products and be done with it, you're also given the opportunity to win badges, gift cards, and additional goodies as you go about doing your VoxBox tasks. Now, these tasks aren't jumping through hoops of fire or circumnavigating the globe, they're as simple as writing blogs, tweeting, reviewing, picture or video taking, Facebook sharing, or any other myriad of simple things done creatively to inform the public about what you're trying now. When it comes to the prizes, each brand with products making up the VoxBox will have their own set out tasks, and each set of tasks will have their own particular prize or prizes. To put into perspective, the blog I wrote about the Schwarzkopf Osis + Rough Rubber Paste was part of the Schwarzkopf Osis brand badge set of tasks, and I was one of the lucky winners to receive a package of hair products from the brand retailing at over $120. Not only was I thrilled to win, but it gave me another opportunity to try out some new things. The Schwarzkopf Osis+ Grip Volume Mousse and I are in love after a blissful 1.5 year relationship beginning the day I received that glorious Schwarzkopf box; I'm expecting the can to pop the question any day now.
For single brand VoxBox campaigns, you're also given the opportunity to win great stuff and earn brand badges, but just what is up for grabs will differ with each passing, single or multiple product,campaign!
Alright, so just how do you score a VoxBox for yourself? Well, you'll first need to work on your reach, your impact score, and your badges. Impact score is figured out by linking your social media and blogging profiles, but you don't have to worry about the spammy stuff. Influenster won't post for you unless you tell them to, and they won't clutter your pages up with junk. What the information is used for is determining how much interaction you enjoy on each respective platform, and factoring this into just how far your reach will go. The higher your followers, friend lists, and blog activity, the better your reach, and the better the reach, the more likely you are to be picked for a box. The badges I'm referring to are your expert or interest badges, and you'll earn these by answering questions, interacting with others, or leaving reviews on a vast array of different topics. Love beauty products and want the beauty badge? Interact with other beauty connoisseurs and earn that badge! Big in the techie realm? Leave some reviews about that phone or tablet you just got, and answer some questions others may have about their next tech purchase! Because the interaction is kept fun and simple, it's quite easy to start racking up these badges quickly.
Lastly, don't forget your snaps. Rather than bogging you down with super long (and dare I say super boring?) super-surveys, you'll get to enjoy snaps instead. Snaps are like little mini survey questions that you can complete and return to as your schedule allows, and the information you provide gives Influenster a way to figure out what you're in to, what you like, and what campaigns may be a perfect fit.
All in all, I love Influenster, and I'm proud to be a member. When it comes to product testing opportunities, the brand is second to none, and engagement keeps things from ever getting stale. You don't feel like you're working, you feel like you're sharing, and the more you share will give you a better experience. If you're Influenster-ing on the go, they also have an app for that, so you can keep up with your stuff without being bogged down by a physical computer.
So, what does it mean to be an Influenster? Well, it means using your own level of influence to have fun, engage with other consumer savvy individuals, and take the opportunity to try the hottest up and coming products just because you got that influential swag.
If Influenster was an iceberg, this novel-esque post is an ice cube chipped from the tip, and the best way to learn more about what it means to be an Influenster is to visit the site itself at www.influenster.com
#Influenster #InfluensterBlogger #InfluensterApp #WhatItMeansToBeAnInfluenster
