Written by: Vickie Sullivan | June 13, 2024
How Virtual Influencers Could Impact B2B Marketing
Well, we all should’ve seen this coming. The rising popularity of influencer marketing has born a trend that’s only going to get bigger: virtual influencers.
“A virtual influencer is a digital character that was created using computer graphics software,” according to an article on Influencer Marketing Hub. “This character is then given a personality and will at all times act on social media platforms as if he/she is the influencer.”
Yep, digital versions of humans are the darling of big luxury houses such as Prada, Coach, and Dior. A list of the top 12 shows who is using who.
Think this won’t be popular in the B2B world? Check out #12: Bermuda. Bermuda inspires young entrepreneurs to pursue their business dreams. (And, of course, it advocates more women entering robotics.)
2 Ways Virtual Influencers Could Impact the B2B Market
Looking at my crystal ball, here are some ways virtual influencers could impact the B2B market:
• Thought leaders will clone themselves. Content marketing will get the virtual thought leader treatment first, as those who are camera-shy (guilty as charged, but I won’t go to this extent) will succumb to the popularity of video.
• Brand ambassador partnerships will have new competition. If virtual influencers have similar online reputations as popular thought leaders, why wouldn’t bigger shops use them to spread the word? If the price is right and younger buyers are used to following virtual influencers in their personal lives, they will.
Older buyers aren’t jumping on the bandwagon just yet. But as buyers and attendees of industry events skew younger, these virtual beings will creep in. Put this on your radar for what to watch. And be prepared to act.
Listen: The Business Case for Using Virtual Influencers
Now Read This:
- How to Give Your Thought Leadership a Boost
- Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road