Hi Reader,

Let’s clear something up real quick:

Influencer marketing still works.

And you don’t need to drop thousands to make it work for you.

In fact, if you’re a small business or running a D2C brand, the real magic right now is happening with micro- and nano-influencers, those creators with small but super engaged audiences on TikTok and Instagram.

Here’s how to do it without draining your budget:

Step-by-step, no fluff

1. Think small on purpose​
​Creators with under 50k (or even 10k) followers often get better results.
They’re affordable. Their audience trusts them. And their content feels real.

2. Gift, don’t pay (yet)​
Start with product gifting.

Send them something they’ll genuinely love—and ask if they’d like to post about it.

Many will say yes, especially if it fits their vibe.

3. Be where the attention is​
TikTok and Instagram Reels are gold right now.

Focus on short, fun, and visual content.

These platforms reward smaller accounts with reach.

4. Keep it trackable​
Set up a custom discount code or link for each creator.

That way, when someone buys, you know exactly who sent them your way.

Making the deal

• Be casual and real. “Hey! Love your content. Want to collaborate?” works better than a stiff pitch.
• No budget? Offer a product plus a unique code with affiliate commission.
• Ask for bundles: a Reel, a couple stories, maybe a pinned post.
• Send a simple brief to help them create—just don’t micromanage it.

How to know it’s working

• Track code redemptions.
• Watch your traffic on posting days.
• Keep an eye on follower growth.
• Save their content to reuse later (it’s free UGC).

A quick real-world win

One small fashion brand partnered with 57 micro-influencers.
No big contracts. No ad spend. Just free product.

They gifted around $1,800 worth of inventory.
In return, they reached 135,000+ people across Instagram and TikTok.

That campaign brought in 200+ new customers, generating over $6,000 in sales—a 3x return on just product costs.

But here’s the kicker:​
​
Over 60% of those new customers signed up to the brand’s email list.
Which means more repeat purchases, higher LTV, and long-term growth—not just a one-time spike.

That's how you turn small influencer moments into big business moves.

TL;DR:

• Yes, influencer marketing works in 2025.
• Micro and nano influencers are where the value is.
• Product gifting is your low-risk entry point.
• Always track results so you know what’s worth repeating.
• Be human, be clear, and build real relationships.

You don’t need a massive following or a massive budget.
You just need a good product, a simple plan, and the right people.

Give it a shot—your future customers are already watching.

Cheers,
Tristan
​marketrnotes​
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