To make this list, I used AI to research about 20 influencers, and then I reviewed the list to choose the best 5.

Jenna Shirkey (@jennaliveswell, IG) Cheryl (@cherylshealthylife, IG)195 K Sam—Weekday Munchies (@weekdaymunchies, IG) Gerald Fermin (@geraldfermin, IG) Emily (@cooking_emily, IG)

First, I'll clarify our ideal creator persona by translating Flings’ brand DNA into clear search filters. We'll focus on niches like healthy snacking and family-friendly food, looking for an upbeat, authentic tone that resonates with Gen Z and millennial parents. From there, I'll discover prospects with a mix of tools, using native searches on Instagram and TikTok, alongside creator marketplaces and SaaS tools like HypeAuditor for data-driven vetting. In addition, I plan to use AI tools to research as many influencers as possible, and then narrow down options to spend time pursuing. Once we have prospects, I'll vet them for brand fit and ROI, logging details like follower quality, engagement rates, and past food-brand collaborations. This helps us prioritize high-trust micro-influencers who consistently convert. Then comes personalized outreach and relationship building. I'll craft DMs or emails that reference a creator's recent post, explaining why Flings is a perfect fit for their audience. We'll offer product gifting with a low-friction brief and track everything in an Airtable CRM. Finally, I'll measure, refine, and repeat, continuously analyzing UTM links and discount-code redemptions to identify the creators driving the best results, ensuring every gift box translates into measurable buzz.

While I don't have direct experience in influencer marketing yet, my background in social media management and event promotion has equipped me with strong foundational skills that would make me effective in this role. As a Social Media Manager for Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, I've successfully planned and executed engaging content strategies, increasing follower count by over 1,500 and boosting average views by 30%. This role required continuous learning and adaptation to trends, much like influencer marketing does. Additionally, as Project Manager for the Wisconsin Singers, I've developed targeted marketing strategies to promote performances and maximize ticket sales across diverse demographics. This involved identifying and understanding our key audience segments, creating appealing content, and strategically deploying promotional materials. These experiences have strengthened my ability to quickly grasp new marketing techniques and effectively connect with audiences. I look forward to leveraging my previous experiences in influencer marketing at Flings.