Building relationships with influencers transformed my online business.
When I started in 2013, I had zero connections and no credibility.
Fast forward to today, my influencer partnerships have generated millions of dollars over the years.
What made the difference? I learned how to add value before asking for anything.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to build relationships with influencers in your industry.
These 37 proven strategies work even if you have no connections right now.
Let’s dive in.
Table of contents
What are influencer relationships?
Influencer relationships are genuine connections with creators, experts, thought leaders, and authorities in your industry.
These aren’t one-time paid posts. They’re real partnerships built on mutual value.
Real relationships start with you helping them first, without expecting anything in return.
Over time, these connections turn into partnerships where both sides win. They might promote your course, invite you to their event, or collaborate on content.
The best part? These relationships compound.
One good partnership leads to introductions to other influencers.
Once Stu McLaren, Ryan Levesque, and Mark Joyner agreed to speak at my AI for Creators Summit, other top AI experts started reaching out wanting to participate.
When an influencer genuinely recommends your product, their audience listens because they trust that person.
That’s why influencer relationships outperform traditional advertising.
7 Elements for creating sustainable influencer relationships
Building relationships with influencers that last requires more than just adding value and hoping for the best.
After years of partnering with top influencers, I’ve identified 5 key elements that separate lasting partnerships from one-time collaborations.
1. Build your own platform first 🏗️
You can’t build relationships with influencers if you have nothing to offer in return.
Influencers want to work with other creators who have audiences, platforms, or expertise.
You need:
- A content platform (blog, podcast, YouTube, social media)
- An email list (even 100 engaged subscribers)
- Clear value proposition
- Some credibility (featured on 5-10 smaller platforms first – bonus)
Don’t reach out to mega-influencers until you have these basics covered.
Start small using my proven ladder strategy, then work your way up.
2. Do your homework 🔍
Don’t be the person who emails an influencer without knowing anything about them.
Research their content, audience, and current projects before reaching out.
Here’s what to look for:
- Read their last 5 blog posts or watch their recent videos
- Join their email list and read their newsletters
- Follow them on their main social platform
- Check what they’re currently promoting or launching
- Look for their pain points or challenges they’ve mentioned
- Find mutual connections on LinkedIn or Facebook
I always consume at least 5 pieces of their content before making contact.
This helps me find genuine connection points and understand their style.
When you finally reach out, reference something specific they shared. This shows you actually pay attention to their work.
3. Be authentic 🤝
Don’t fake who you are or pretend to love their content if you don’t.
Influencers can spot fake enthusiasm from a mile away. They get hundreds of generic messages from people who clearly haven’t done their homework.
Be genuinely interested in their work and honest about why you want to connect.
I only reach out to influencers whose content I actually find valuable and whose approach resonates with me.
If you’re not genuinely excited about their work, find someone else to connect with.
Authenticity beats fake enthusiasm every time.
4. Add value first 💎
Help them before asking for anything.
Most people immediately pitch their services or ask for a favor. Don’t be that person.
When I first started building relationships with influencers, I became case studies for their products and promoted their content without being asked. I did this without expecting anything in return.
This approach works because you’re starting the relationship by giving, not taking.
The more value you add upfront, the more likely they’ll want to help you later.
5. Communicate clearly 📞
Be upfront about your intentions and expectations.
Influencers are busy. They don’t have time to decode vague messages or guess what you want.
If you want to work together, explain exactly what you’re proposing and what’s in it for them. Don’t be vague or try to be clever.
Direct, honest communication saves everyone time.
When I reach out to potential speakers and partners for my summits, I’m clear about the time commitment, what I need from them, and what they’ll get in return.
No surprises, no hidden agendas.
6. Make it mutual 🔄
Both sides need to benefit from the relationship.
Don’t just think about what they can do for you. Consider what you can offer them in return.
When someone speaks at my virtual events, they get exposure to my audience, professional video content they can use, and connections to other speakers.
I’m giving them value, not just taking their time.
The best partnerships feel like friendships where both people genuinely want to help each other succeed.
7. Stay consistent 📅
Don’t disappear after one partnership.
Keep in touch regularly, even when you don’t need anything. Share their wins, comment on their posts, and look for new ways to work together.
I maintain relationships with influencers for years, not just single partnerships.
Some of my best relationships started as one summit interview and turned into multiple collaborations, affiliate relationships, and genuine friendships.
Consistency separates real relationships from one-time transactions.
10 Benefits of building relationships with influencers
When you build genuine relationships with influencers, the benefits go far beyond a single promotion or collaboration.
These partnerships can transform your business in ways you never expected.
Here are the 10 biggest benefits I’ve experienced from building authentic influencer relationships:
- 🚀 Expanded reach and visibility: Access to audiences you could never reach on your own.
- ⭐ Instant credibility and trust: Borrowing their reputation to build your own authority.
- 📈 Rapid audience growth: Add thousands of engaged subscribers in weeks, not years.
- 💰 Higher conversion rates: People trust recommendations from influencers they follow.
- 🤝 Long-term partnerships: Relationships that generate value for years, not just one campaign.
- 🌐 Growing your network: Introductions to other influencers and industry connections.
- 🎨 Content opportunities: Create content together that helps both your audiences.
- 🧠 Audience insights: Learn what their audience wants and needs.
- 💡 Cost-effective marketing: Better ROI than traditional advertising methods.
- 📚 Learning from the best: Get advice and insights from successful entrepreneurs.
Navid Moazzez
@thenavidm
The fastest and most effective way to build your authority is to associate yourself with influencers in your niche.
Navid Moazzez
@thenavidm
An engaged subscriber who comes to you from someone they trust is most valuable.
33 Ways to build relationships with influencers
You’ve seen why building relationships with influencers matters and what benefits they bring to your business.
Now let’s get into the practical strategies that actually work.
These 37 methods come from my real experience building partnerships with top influencers. They’ve helped me grow my online business and create lasting relationships.
Some will work better for your situation than others. Pick the ones that feel most natural and start there.
1. Engage on social media / blogs 📱
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2. Implement their advice ✅
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3. Share their content 📣
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4. Thank them publicly 📢
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5. Reply to their newsletters 📬
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6. Break down their process 📊
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7. Invest in their products 💎
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8. Be a star client / student ⭐
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9. Provide testimonials 🎬
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10. Feature them in your content ⭐
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11. Interview them 🎙️
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
12. Make valuable introductions 🌐
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
13. Refer clients to them 👥
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
14. Write book reviews 📖
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
15. Leave reviews on their podcasts 🎧
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
16. Be active in their community 🌟
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
17. Invite them to your summit 🎯
Inviting influencers to speak at your virtual summit is one of the fastest ways to build relationships and get them to promote your work.
The key is creating a win-win-win situation – value for you, your speakers, and the audience.
When speakers really enjoy the experience and see the value you’re providing, some will choose to promote it.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just invite influencers and expect them to promote your event. You need to make it worth their time and easy for them to share. Give them great questions and an engaged audience that asks thoughtful follow-up questions.
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Pro tip: Use the ladder strategy – start with influencers you already know, then mention their names when inviting bigger speakers. Influencers want to be part of events with other respected experts.
Action steps:
- Choose speakers whose audiences match your ideal customers
- Provide professional graphics and promotional materials
- Ask engaging questions that make them look smart
- Follow up after the summit to maintain the relationship
- Invite them to future events or collaborations
- Use their participation to attract bigger names for your next summit
Host JV virtual workshops
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Pro tip: Use the ladder strategy – start with influencers you already know, then mention their names when inviting bigger speakers. Influencers want to be part of events with other respected experts.
18. Network at events 🎫
Meeting influencers face-to-face accelerates relationship building faster than any online method.
One conversation at an event can lead to partnerships that would take months to develop through email or social media.
When I first started out in Sweden, there weren’t many relevant events to attend.
But once I began traveling the world as a digital nomad, I started attending events for networking to meet influencers in person.
The key is being strategic about which events you attend. Look for conferences where your target influencers speak or attend regularly.
I’ve networked at masterminds and conferences around the world – from Puerto Rico to Medellin to San Diego to London to NYC.
Here’s what I learned: don’t walk into events looking for favors. Influencers can tell when you’re just there to take something from them.
Instead, ask about what they’re working on and really try to get to know them. Look for ways to help – that’s how relationships start.
The influencers I met at these events became some of my biggest supporters. They invited me to speak and promoted my summits and digital products to their audiences.
A single mastermind or conference can generate more partnerships than months of cold emails.
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Pro tip: Research the speaker list before attending. Know who you want to meet and what they’re working on. This makes conversations much more valuable.
Action steps:
- Research attendee and speaker lists before events
- Prepare thoughtful questions about their recent work
- Focus on how you can help them, not what they can do for you
- Follow up within 48 hours with something valuable
- Connect them with people in your network when relevant
- Stay in touch regularly after the initial meeting
19. Speak at their events 🎤
Speaking at an influencer’s event puts you directly in front of their audience and positions you as an expert they trust.
When they invite you to speak, you’re getting their endorsement. Their audience sees you as someone worth listening to.
You usually need some relationship or credibility before they’ll put you on stage. It’s similar to getting on podcasts – you have to prove you can deliver value first.
I’ve spoken at events around the world in cities like San Diego, Austin, Las Vegas, New York, London, Barcelona, and Medellin.
I’ve spoken at events for influencers like Ramit Sethi, Selena Soo, Ron Reich, Ryan Levesque, and many others over the years.
The key is delivering real value to their audience. When you help their people get results, they invite you back and recommend you to other event organizers.
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Pro tip: After you speak, ask the influencer to introduce you to other people in their network who host events. One good presentation usually leads to more speaking opportunities.
Action steps:
- Build a relationship with the influencer first before asking to speak
- Offer to speak on topics that help their audience
- Deliver massive value when you speak to make them look good
- Use the opportunity to connect with the influencer and other speakers
- Help promote their event to your audience before and during
- Follow up after to strengthen the relationship and discuss future opportunities
20. Promote their products as an affiliate 💰
Being an affiliate for influencers you believe in is one of the best ways to build relationships while making money.
When you promote their products, you help them make sales and they pay you commissions. It’s a true win-win.
I promote courses, software, books, and other products from influencers I actually use and recommend to my audience. I do this mainly through my email list, but I’ve also created video reviews, blog posts, and social media content.
You can promote any type of product they launch. Some influencers like Alex Hormozi do massive book promotions that create great affiliate opportunities.
Sharing Ramit Sethi’s programs with my audience as an affiliate, I made over $81,000 in commissions just from the payments shown here. But the money was just the beginning.
When you perform well as an affiliate partner, influencers notice. Ramit sent me a personal congratulations for winning his sales contest and earning a $7,500 bonus prize.
After becoming Ramit’s #1 affiliate, he invited me to lunch in LA together with some other successful entrepreneurs (people I really looked up to when I started out in my tiny apartment in Stockholm, Sweden).
I’ve been a top affiliate for Ryan Levesque as well, appearing on his launch leaderboards.
When you appear on these leaderboards, other influencers see your name next to established players. This visibility opens doors to new partnership opportunities.
I’ve been a top affiliate partner for Stu McLaren, Selena Soo, Marisa Murgatroyd, and many others over the years.
ThriveCart and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) have been successful software partnerships as well.
Building a relationship with Kit founder Nathan Barry has led to some great opportunities.
They’ve promoted one of my virtual summits to their audience of 100,000+ creators and given me exclusive deals to share with my customers.
The key is only promoting stuff you actually use and believe in. When you promote products that genuinely helped you, it comes through in everything you write and say.
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Pro tip: Focus on building long-term affiliate relationships rather than jumping from launch to launch. Consistent promotion over time builds deeper trust and better commissions.
Action steps:
- Only promote products you’ve used and gotten results from
- Sign up for affiliate programs of influencers you follow
- Promote consistently, not just during big launch periods
- Share honest reviews and personal experiences with their products
- Track your results and focus on partnerships that deliver the best overall value
- Use your affiliate success as social proof for other partnerships
21. Be a guest on their podcast 🎙️
Being a podcast guest is one of the best ways to deepen relationships with influencers.
You get quality one-on-one time with them, they get valuable content for their audience, and their listeners get to know you.
This usually isn’t your first move though. You need to build some relationship first.
I had been part of John Lee Dumas’s Fire Nation Elite mastermind community and shared his content regularly.
So when I reached out to be on Entrepreneurs on Fire, he already knew who I was.
The interview went amazing… listeners said it was one of the best episodes out of over 1,000 at the time.
That kind of response makes the host look good and strengthens your relationship with them.
I’ve been featured on shows like So Money with Farnoosh Torabi, Side Hustle Nation with Nick Loper, Chris Winfield’s podcast, and Joe Fier’s Hustle & Flowchart.
Even smaller shows matter for building relationships. Ian Garlic was a student in my Virtual Summit Mastery program and later had me on his Garlic Marketing Show.
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Pro tip: Always deliver massive value during the interview. The better their audience responds, the more likely they are to have you back and recommend you to other hosts.
Action steps:
- Build some relationship or credibility before reaching out to be a guest
- Research their show format and recent episodes before appearing
- Prepare valuable insights and stories that serve their audience
- Promote the episode heavily to your audience when it goes live
- Send a thank you note after the interview with feedback you received
- Use the episode as social proof to get on other podcasts
22. Send useful resources 🔗
When you find something that could help an influencer, send it to them.
This could be tools, books, courses, articles, or videos that solve problems they’re facing.
I do this after interviewing speakers for my virtual summits. If something comes up that I think could help them, I’ll send over a useful resource.
You can direct them to helpful articles, buy them books on Amazon that relate to their work, or share websites for finding help when they need support.
The key is making it relevant to what they actually need.
This saves them time and shows you’re listening to what matters to them.
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Pro tip: Send resources immediately when you think of them. Don’t wait weeks or you’ll forget, and the moment will pass when they actually needed the help.
Action steps:
- Listen carefully when influencers mention problems or challenges
- Think about tools, books, or courses that solved similar issues for you
- Send the resource with a personal note explaining why you think it helps
- Keep your message brief – just explain what it is and why it’s relevant
- Don’t expect anything back – this is purely about adding value
- Follow up later to see if the resource was helpful
23. Volunteer at their events 🙋
This is one of the best ways to get face time with influencers when you’re starting out.
Most influencers host live events and need help with logistics, registration, setup, or other tasks.
Volunteering gets you in the room without paying full price. You get the education, networking, and direct access to the influencer.
Chandler Bolt used this strategy when he first started out. He volunteered at events to get in the room with high-level influencers he couldn’t afford to meet otherwise.
Influencers love people who show up and help make their events successful. You become part of their team instead of just another attendee.
You get meaningful face time with them during breaks, meals, and behind-the-scenes moments that regular attendees never see.
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Pro tip: Reach out early when they announce events. Volunteer spots fill up fast, and early volunteers often get better roles with more influencer access.
Action steps:
- Follow influencers you want to meet and watch for event announcements
- Email their team immediately when events are announced
- Offer specific skills (tech help, social media, registration, etc.)
- Show up early and stay late to maximize your time with them
- Be genuinely helpful without expecting anything in return
- Follow up after the event to maintain the connection you built
24. Create detailed product reviews 🎓
Create in-depth reviews that actually show people how the product works and what results they can expect.
You can write detailed blog post reviews or record comprehensive video reviews. I’ve done both and made multiple 6-figures in affiliate commissions as a result.
I wrote an in-depth review for Ali Abdaal’s awesome Voicepal AI ghostwriting app after using it and getting great results. I noticed it needed more detailed reviews to show people what it could actually do.
That review now ranks as one of the top results on Google for his product.
I’ve done the same for Ryan Levesque, Stu McLaren, and other influencers because I got real results and value from their products.
You’re usually an affiliate when you do this, which creates a win-win. You make money from commissions and they make money from sales. But even if you’re not an affiliate, it’s still a great way to add value.
The key is being honest and thorough. Show the good and the bad. People trust reviews that feel real.
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Pro tip: Focus on reviewing products you actually use and get results from. Your real experience will drive more sales than trying to hype something you don’t believe in.
Action steps:
- Look for products from influencers that lack detailed reviews
- Use the product yourself before reviewing it
- Write or record a comprehensive breakdown of features and benefits
- Include real examples and results from your experience
- Share honest pros and cons to build trust
- Promote your review to your audience and tag the creator
25. Invite them to your events 📅
One of the best ways to build relationships is bringing people together.
Start small with a dinner. Invite a few influencers and other interesting people.
I’ve hosted masterminds and dinners in Cancun, Barcelona, Las Vegas, Austin, New York, and other places around the world.
Influencers like Stu McLaren have attended along with other experts, friends and students like Jon Schumacher, Jenna Soard, Jesse Krieger and Primoz Bozic.
When you bring people together, you become the connector. Everyone remembers who made the introduction happen.
You can start with simple dinners and work your way up to masterminds, conferences, or retreats.
The key is creating value for everyone who attends. Make it about them, not you.
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Pro tip: Mix different types of people at your events. Don’t just invite top-tier influencers – include up-and-coming creators, students, and other interesting people. The variety makes conversations better.
Action steps:
- Start with a simple dinner for 6-8 people in your city
- Pick a theme or topic that brings people together
- Invite 1-2 influencers along with other interesting attendees
- Handle all logistics so guests just show up and enjoy
- Follow up with everyone after the event
- Scale up to bigger events like masterminds or conferences over time
26. Offer skills or advice 🛠️
Successful people often have business figured out but struggle everywhere else.
They might be crushing it with their online course but struggling with their health. Or they create amazing content but suck at relationships.
If you have expertise in areas where they’re struggling, offer to help.
But don’t just give advice without asking. Ask for permission first.
Always offer advice respectfully and from a place of kindness and support.
And only help with stuff you actually know. Don’t pretend to be an expert in areas where you’re not.
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Pro tip: Ask for permission before giving advice. Nobody likes unsolicited tips, even good ones. Frame it as “Would it be helpful if I shared…” instead of giving advice on them.
Action steps:
- Listen for areas where they mention struggling or needing help
- Offer specific solutions, not vague “I can help with that” messages
- Share resources or tools that solved similar problems for you
- Keep it brief – don’t write a novel explaining everything
- Follow up only if they ask for more details
- Never pitch your services while offering free advice
27. Support their causes ❤️
Supporting an influencer’s charitable cause creates bonds that business networking never can. When you donate to something they care about, you’re connecting over shared values.
Every influencer has causes close to their heart. Finding ones that align with your values and supporting them shows you care about more than just business.
I’ve donated to Village Impact, Stu McLaren and his wife Amy’s charity that builds schools in Kenya. I met them at Jeff Walker’s PLF Live event and supported Stu’s launches for The Membership Experience as an affiliate partner.
I’ve also donated to other education-focused charities in developing countries because education for kids is something I genuinely care about.
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Pro tip: Only support causes you genuinely believe in. Supporting random charities just to get attention backfires.
Action steps:
- Research what charities or causes they actively promote on social media
- Look for causes that match your personal values and interests
- Make donations directly to the organization, not through the influencer
- Let them know you supported their cause without expecting anything back
- Attend fundraising events where they’ll be present if possible
- Share their cause with your audience if it aligns with your brand
28. Send personal notes 💌
A personal note sharing how an influencer’s work impacted your life is one of the most powerful ways to shift from being just another admirer to building a real relationship.
Influencers receive countless generic messages saying “I love your work.” But they rarely get specific stories about real impact.
When you share exactly what changed for you after consuming their content, you validate that their efforts actually matter.
This moves you from their audience to their network because personal stories create connections that generic compliments never can.
Be specific about the impact. Instead of “your course changed my life,” explain what you implemented and what happened.
Maybe their productivity system helped you reclaim 2 hours daily. Or their marketing advice landed you 3 new clients.
The key is authenticity. Share real changes, not exaggerated outcomes.
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Pro tip: Include your contact information in the note. Many influencers will take time to respond thoughtfully to genuine personal stories.
Action steps:
- Share specific ways their work transformed your thinking or life
- Explain how their content helped you overcome a challenge
- Tell them what their teachings mean to you personally
- Keep it genuine – don’t exaggerate or make up stories
- Include your contact details for them to respond
- Send via email, DM, or physical mail
29. Send cards or gifts 🎁
Physical cards and gifts help you stand out from the crowd online. While many people send emails, a handwritten note or unexpected package gets more attention.
The key isn’t spending a lot of money. It’s showing you pay attention to their interests and appreciate their impact on your life.
Send gifts after major milestones, successful launches, or when they’ve helped you significantly. But unexpected moments work even better.
Someone posts about a rough week? Send flowers. They mention working late? Send Starbucks cards. Their assistant handles a crisis? Include them too.
Gift ideas that work well:
- Books related to their expertise
- Gourmet chocolates or specialty coffee
- Gift cards to their favorite restaurants
- Charity donations in their name
- Handwritten thank you cards
- Local specialties from your area
I’ve sent everything from handwritten cards to industry books. The response is typically much stronger than sending just a simple thank you email.
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Pro tip: Research their preferences first. Check if they have allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong dislikes. A thoughtful $20 gift beats a generic $200 one.
Action steps:
- Send handwritten cards for appreciation
- Send gifts after major milestones or help received
- Choose items personal to their interests
- Include their team when appropriate
- Verify mailing address and availability
- Give without expecting anything back
30. Ask for introductions properly 📧
Connecting with the right influencer can change everything for your business. But asking wrong damages relationships instead of building them.
Here’s what happens when people mess this up. They reach out cold or put connectors in awkward positions.
The double opt-in system fixes this. Both people agree to the introduction before it happens.
This protects your connector’s reputation. When they introduce you, they’re vouching for you. If you screw up, it reflects on them.
It also respects the influencer’s time. Nobody likes surprise requests from strangers.
Connectors love this approach because it makes them look thoughtful.
You can also ask publicly on social media if anyone in your network knows the person you want to meet. This works when you have a strong network willing to help.
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Pro tip: Make it easy for the connector by explaining exactly why you want to meet the person and what value you can offer them. Don’t make them guess.
Action steps:
- Research the influencer and know their work
- Identify who in your network knows them
- Reach out to your mutual connection privately for a direct introduction
- Explain the specific value both parties get from connecting
- Wait for permission from both sides
- Follow through professionally after the introduction
31. Point out website errors 🔧
Finding and reporting website errors is a simple way to add immediate value to any influencer.
Everyone has broken links, typos, or outdated information on their site. When visitors notice errors, they rarely say anything.
Taking 30 seconds to point out an error does them a real favor.
I’ve had people in my audience catch mistakes on my site and even record quick videos showing me what to improve. I always appreciate these gestures because they save me a lot of time and from looking unprofessional.
Few people bother to help with this stuff. That’s why it gets you noticed.
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Pro tip: Send a quick screen recording showing the error instead of just describing it. Visual proof makes it easier for them to fix and shows you actually care.
Action steps:
- Browse their website looking for broken links, typos, or outdated content
- Take a screenshot or record a short video showing the problem
- Send a brief, friendly message pointing out the specific issue
- Suggest a solution if it’s obvious
- Don’t point out multiple errors at once – space them out over time
32. Help their inner circle 🤝
Supporting the people closest to an influencer is one of the most overlooked relationship-building strategies.
You’re not just making one connection. You’re creating multiple paths back to the influencer.
An influencer’s assistant mentions struggling to find good freelancers for their team. You connect them with a reliable designer from your network.
The assistant tells the influencer about your help. Now you’re on their radar as someone who actually delivers value.
Many skip the assistants, team members, and family.
But these are the people who talk to the influencer daily. They shape opinions and influence decisions.
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Pro tip: When you send a gift to an influencer, include something small for their assistant. A $10 Starbucks card shows you notice the whole team.
Action steps:
- Find their key team members through social media or their website
- Offer help to assistants with projects or connections they mention needing
- Include team members when sending gifts or invitations
- Connect their family or friends with relevant opportunities
- Treat their inner circle with the same respect you show the influencer
33. Be there during critical moments 🆘
When an influencer faces a challenge, loss, or major transition, showing up with genuine support creates unbreakable bonds.
Here’s an example:
An influencer posts about their course launch generating only 10 sales instead of the 100 they expected. Their post mentions feeling embarrassed and questioning their expertise.
Instead of just hitting “like” or commenting “hang in there,” you send a private message.
You offer to introduce them to someone who turned around a similar situation.
Or you share a specific strategy that worked for a failed launch you witnessed.
They’ll remember who showed up when things got tough.
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Pro tip: Respond within 24 hours when you see someone going through a tough time. Don’t wait for them to ask for help… speed matters more than perfect words.
Action steps:
- Watch for major life events, business setbacks, or personal struggles they share publicly
- Reach out immediately with specific offers of help, not vague support
- Connect them with people in your network who can actually assist their situation
- Offer your skills or resources that directly address their problem
- Follow up consistently without being asked
✨ More influencer marketing resources
- What is influencer marketing?
- The best influencer marketing tools
- 21 influencer marketing mistakes to avoid
- How to identify influencers
- How to reach out to influencers
- Influencer marketing benefits & disadvantages
- What are influencer partnerships?
- Types of social media influencers
- The best influencer marketing courses
- The best influencer marketing books
- The best influencer marketing podcasts
- The best influencer marketing blogs
- How to collaborate with influencers
- Best influencer marketing quotes
- The best ai tools for influencer marketing
- What are brand collaborations?
- What is a micro-influencer?
- What are brand partnerships?
- Best influencer marketing examples
- What is an influencer? And how to become one in 2025
- What are influencer campaigns?
- What is an influencer endorsement?
- Influencer marketing glossary
- Influencer outreach email templates
- Influencer marketing case studies
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- What is a target audience?
FAQs
Below are answers to a few questions people ask about building authentic relationships with influencers.
What are influencers?
Influencers are people who have built audiences that trust their recommendations. When they share something, their followers pay attention and take action.
Why should I build relationships with influencers?
Building relationships with influencers is the fastest way to grow your business. When I started partnering with influencers, my email list exploded and my revenue increased dramatically. You get instant credibility and access to engaged audiences.
How do I identify the right influencers for my brand?
You should look for people with an audience that matches your ideal customers. Check if they actually engage with their followers, not just their follower count. I focus on engagement rates over vanity metrics.
What is the first step in reaching out to an influencer?
You should add value first. I always comment on their posts, share their content, or find ways to help them before asking for anything. You need to build the relationship before making any requests.
Should I offer payment to influencers for collaboration?
This depends on the influencer and your budget. Many micro-influencers will work for value exchange or products. Bigger influencers usually expect payment. I prefer creating win-win partnerships where both sides benefit.
How can I create value for influencers?
You can promote their content, become a case study for their products, introduce them to other influencers, or help them solve problems. I became Ryan Levesque’s case study for his ASK Method Masterclass and Quiz Funnel Masterclass programs before he ever promoted me.
What types of collaborations can I propose to influencers?
You need to stay in touch regularly. Share their content, congratulate them on wins, and look for new ways to collaborate. I maintain relationships with influencers for years, not just for one-off projects.
How do I maintain a relationship with an influencer after the initial collaboration?
Keep in touch by regularly engaging with their content, updating them on new products or initiatives, and expressing appreciation for their support.
What should I avoid when working with influencers?
You should not be pushy or demanding. Give them creative freedom and respect their audience relationship. Never try to control exactly what they say about your product.
How can I measure the success of my influencer collaborations?
You can track email signups, sales, and long-term relationship value. Some of my best influencer partnerships didn’t show immediate ROI but led to multiple 6-figures in revenue over time.
Final thoughts
There you have it: 37 ways to build relationship with influencers that actually work in 2025.
I’ve used these strategies to build partnerships with some of the biggest names in my industry.
Each relationship started with me adding value first, without expecting anything in return.
The most common mistake people make is rushing the process. They send one email and expect instant results.
Building real relationships takes time and consistency. But the payoff is massive.
These influencer partnerships have transformed my business and opened doors I never thought possible.
Start with one strategy from this list. Pick an influencer you genuinely admire and find a way to help them.
Be patient, be consistent, and watch what happens.
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