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Think your budget’s too small to get celebrities and big influencers talking about your stuff? The good news is you don’t have to pay for expensive endorsements or go through celebrity agents. To start conversations and reach the people who love and follow these talkers, sometimes you just need to get creative. Here’s how to do it:
1. Be a news junkie
2. Give them a burrito
3. Make them feel important
1. Be a news junkie
You never know when a current event or breaking news story might have significance to your cause or company. Stay up to date and find ways to participate in the stuff people are already talking about. For example, when Lindsay Lohan famously owed tons of money to the IRS and her attorneys last year, Cash for Purses, a fundraising company, saw an opportunity. The company told tabloids they could help with Lindsay’s bills by buying her old designer purses. And although she didn’t take Cash for Purses up on the offer, the news spread, and they earned great new leads.
2. Give them a burrito
Sometimes getting big endorsements from big talkers can be as easy as showing these people some goodwill. Chipotle earned word of mouth from famous athletes just by mailing them a personalized card for burritos for life. Many of the celebrities Chipotle honored tweeted their gratitude — in fact, one soccer star said it was the “happiest day ever.” That’s some great advocacy for pretty cheap. (Plus, now these celebrities are even more likely to be spotted with a giant Chipotle burrito.)
3. Make them feel important
Everyone loves to feel appreciated and special — and big talkers are no exception. One way to do it: American Airlines gives people with great Klout scores something to talk about by offering them exclusive perks like access to their VIP lounge. And they’re not the only ones — Nike, Disney, and Microsoft are just a few companies also offering cool stuff to Klout stars. And though Klout has plenty of critics too, it’s one option you could consider using to help find your influencers. However you identify your big talkers, know that earning their recommendation can help you get a lot of people talking.
