In today’s world of social media and Influencers, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid the constant barrage of product promotions and recommendations. Influencer marketing can be incredibly effective at convincing consumers to make purchases. I follow a handful of Influencers who’s recommendations I trust, and I am more than happy to support them by using their links to purchase an item I have need of, or would like to own. It’s a simple way to support them for the ongoing quality content they provide as they build their business on social media. But it’s important to be mindful of the influence these #ads have on your own shopping habits.

Here are some strategies to help you avoid being unnecessarily swayed by influencer marketing:

Be aware of sponsored content

Influencers often promote products as part of sponsored content, which means they are being paid to do so. Take this into consideration when you see a product being promoted and consider whether the Influencer truly believes in the product or if they are simply being paid to promote it. Some trustworthy Influencers only share items they own and love, but others who are more concerned with making a living than building a rapport with their audience have been “caught” sharing items they actually don’t use, promoting them, and then returning the items back to the seller. Don’t be influenced into making a regrettable purchase by savvy marketing techniques!

Do your own research

If you see a product being promoted by an Influencer, take the time to do your own research on the product before making a purchase. Look for reviews from people who have actually used the product and compare it to other similar products on the market. Amazon is great for this! Many of the best-selling product recommendations have incredible reviews from around the globe.

Consider your own needs

It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you. Consider your own needs and preferences when evaluating a product, rather than simply relying on the Influencer’s recommendation. Will it work with your lifestyle? If it’s clothing, will it contribute to creating the wardrobe you are building?

Unfollow or mute Influencers who don’t align with your values

If you find that an Influencer consistently promotes products that don’t align with your values or personal style, consider unfollowing or muting them. This will help you avoid seeing their content and being swayed by their recommendations. Additionally, consider following Influencers who DO align with your values and goals so you are at least seeing recommendations that will be beneficial and valuable to you.

Create a budget

Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This will help you avoid making impulse purchases based on Influencer recommendations and will force you to consider whether a product is truly worth the investment.

Take a break from social media

Sometimes the best way to avoid being swayed by Influencer marketing is to simply take a break from social media. This will give you some distance from the constant barrage of promotions and allow you to focus on your own needs and preferences.

While many of the product recommendations from Influencers can be useful, it’s important to be mindful of the influence that this marketing can have on your shopping habits. By being aware of sponsored content, doing your own research, considering your own needs, unfollowing or muting Influencers who don’t align with your values, creating a budget, and taking a break from social media, you can avoid being swayed by Influencer marketing and make informed purchasing decisions that align with your own values and preferences.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Please leave a comment to join the discussion.

xox,