How Anyone Can Be an Influencer

Each day there are billions of people who use the Internet, and most are being influenced by others in one way or another. Many even seek that influence, especially when it comes to making purchases. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 82% of U.S. adults say they have checked out online reviews and ratings before making a product purchase. Of those, 40% say they almost always check out online reviews before making a purchase. Online video reviews are the next big hit in marketing, and the good news is that now anyone can be the influencer, thanks to Indi.com.

“People crave video reviews from others because it helps them make an informed decision about making a purchase,” explains Neel Grover, the founder and chief executive officer of Indi. “If you think about it, we all have ‘influence’ with our family or friends, so we have made it possible for anyone to become a paid influencer by sharing their reviews with their circle of friends, and they can earn money as they do it.”

Online reviews appeal to a wide demographic, according to the Pew report, but those under 50 are especially more likely to incorporate online reviews into their shopping. Furthermore, they report that 55% of adults in the country have watched online video reviews to help them make a purchasing decision. Whether they want reviews on the latest fashion trends and items, or they are looking for the best beauty products on the market, among many other products, video reviews give people the info and visuals they need.

With Indi, the playing field of who is offering online video reviews is leveled. Rather than people relying only on famous people to give reviews, anyone can create online video reviews using Indi. Their technology provides the ability to become an influencer, by sharing their video product reviews in a brand friendly environment. The site allows anyone to create shoppable video that can be shared natively into your social media channels, leading to retailers’ websites for direct purchases which then provide a commission to the content creator. This is an area especially popular with those who promote fashion, beauty, entertainment, electronics, travel, gaming, and fitness.

Indi’s platform helps bridge the gap between consumers who want to give their authentic and honest reviews, brands that want to engage with their customers, and the public who wants to watch online video reviews. Individual users can create their own channel, upload their content, share with their friends, family, and on social media outlets, and monetize it with commissionable shopping links to sell merchandise. Some of the categories in the Indi platform include beauty, fashion, shoes, jewelry, travel, electronics, and home and kitchen, among others.

For retailers that want to drive additional brand awareness and sales, they can turn their employee and customers into authentic micro influencers by being on Indi. Companies can create their Brand Ambassador programs on Indi whereby their employees and customers create video reviews that are associated with a direct shoppable link back to their website. Once approved, the videos and links can be natively posted by the customers and employees throughout social media to drive sales.

“Monetizing video reviews are no longer just for the famous YouTubers. It’s for everyone,” added Grover. “With our platform, consumers have the ability to get a wider range of product reviews, and everyone has the ability to become an influencer where they can post product reviews and earn money in the process. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved.”

Indi has over 100 million shoppable products in its catalog, featuring major name brands such as Canon, Nike, Adidas, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, Zales, Walmart, The North Face, STS Blue and many more. Users on the site are able to create authentic content and share it into their social streams. Companies such as the Denver Broncos, “America’s Got Talent,” Domino’s and Starbucks have partnered with Indi and are using their platform to greatly increase their social media engagement and influence, all without using paid promotion.  Indi has made it possible for companies to turn employees and customers into brand ambassadors, allowing them to post video reviews of products and earn a commission when somebody clicks through their unique link and makes a purchase at the retailer’s website.

The Indi co-founders and much of the team have been together for years at Buy.com and Rakuten.com since they were one of the only ecommerce companies to have multiple consecutive years of profitability competing with Amazon. For more information on Indi and the options available to individual influencers, companies, and consumers, visit the site at: http://indi.com.

About Indi

Indi is a video engagement platform that is revolutionizing the online buying world. The platform gives people the ability to earn money from posting video product reviews, which help consumers make buying decisions and give brands the ability to turn their most loyal customers and employees into a trackable commissioned virtual sales force. The site is used by major brands and by people around the world. Based in Irvine, Calif., Indi brings together influencers, shoppers, and thousands of brands, all through the use of helpful videos and creative marketing “challenges” to drive word of mouth advertising and move people to buy. Start your Indi channel today at http://indi.com or get social @indichallenge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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