Prose was recently featured in Marketer Magazine, Earned Media, and Media Relations.io, where Founder & CEO Justin Belmont shared insights on influencer discovery, earned media measurement, and building authentic journalist relationships. This article explores effective strategies for identifying authority influencers, tracking the impact of earned media, and fostering meaningful connections with journalists. Justin’s perspective highlights how data-backed influencer discovery, mixed media metrics, and genuine social interactions can strengthen brand visibility and credibility.
Here’s what Justin had to say:
Use data-driven influencer discovery tools for better alignment
Topic: Upfluence finds influencers aligned with your brand
Quote: “I'm all about Upfluence when it comes to finding niche influencers. It's like the ultimate stalking tool—but, you know, in a good way. What sets it apart is the ability to search through influencers' actual content and audience demographics, so you're not just guessing based on follower counts or surface-level vibes. Plus, it integrates with your CRM, which means you can manage influencer relationships like you would sales leads. It's not just about finding influencers; it's about finding the right ones who actually align with your brand's DNA. Total game-changer.”
You can read the full article here.
Combine quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure earned media impact
Topic: Using mixed metrics and qualitative analysis to measure the impact of brand awareness strategies
Quote: “To measure the impact of earned media on brand awareness and sentiment, I focus on a mix of quantitative metrics and qualitative analysis. Key tools include Google Analytics, social listening platforms like Brandwatch, and media monitoring tools like Cision or Meltwater.
Metrics I track include:
- Media reach: How many people potentially saw the coverage.
- Referral traffic: How much buzz the coverage generated on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn.
- Sentiment analysis: Tools like Brandwatch can gauge whether mentions are positive, neutral, or negative.
Top tip? Pair these metrics with pre- and post-campaign surveys to measure shifts in brand perception directly from your target audience. This combo gives you both the numbers and the nuance to assess impact.”
You can read the full article here.
Engage with journalists authentically before pitching
Topic: Learn how to engage authentically, support without expectation, and connect on a human level for meaningful interactionsQuote: “Keep it real and don't be a robot. Journalists get bombarded with pitches, so instead of jumping straight to the ask, engage with their work first. Like, comment, and share their articles with a thoughtful take. One solid move? Drop a quick, genuine DM when you find their piece insightful—no pitch, just appreciation. When you finally do reach out with a story idea, you're not some rando in their inbox—you’re a familiar name. Relationships first, pitches second.”
You can read the full article here.
Why influencer metrics and relationship building matter and how to implement them
In today’s influencer-driven marketing landscape, brands need more than surface-level partnerships. Using data-backed tools to find niche influencers and accurately measure earned media impact ensures you collaborate with the right voices. Meanwhile, genuine relationship-building with journalists enhances credibility and creates long-term media opportunities.
Key considerations for influencer metrics and relationship-building:
- Precision over popularity: Choosing influencers based on audience alignment and content relevance drives higher engagement than follower count alone.
- Mixed metrics matter: Blending reach, sentiment, and direct audience feedback offers a more accurate view of earned media effectiveness.
- Authenticity is key: Building real connections with journalists increases the chances of meaningful media coverage.
Bonus feature: Tips for maximizing influencer partnerships and earned media impact
At Prose, we believe in going beyond the basics to amplify your influencer and media strategies. Here are three actionable tips to optimize your efforts:
- Prioritize micro-influencers: Micro-influencers often have higher engagement rates and stronger community trust, making them valuable brand advocates.
- Leverage influencer-generated content (IGC): Repurpose influencer content across your own channels to maximize reach and extend campaign value.
- Offer exclusivity to journalists: When pitching journalists, offer exclusive access to data, interviews, or case studies to increase your chances of coverage.
By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your influencer partnerships, measure media effectiveness, and foster valuable journalist relationships that boost your brand’s credibility.
Ready to explore more?
Prose specializes in helping businesses build standout influencer strategies, measure media impact, and develop authentic relationships with key industry voices. Reach out to us today to see how we can elevate your marketing efforts. Contact us at prosemedia.com.
