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Tag: Aktivate

  • Experts urge brands to give influencers creative freedom

    Experts urge brands to give influencers creative freedom

    • By Afolabi Idowu

    A dynamic panel discussion at Lagos Startup Week, hosted by Aktivate, an influencer marketing platform, delved into the effectiveness of influencer marketing and content creation in driving conversions. Titled ‘Create to Convert: Does Influencer Marketing and Content Creation Convert?’

    The session was moderated by Seun Longe, Growth Lead at Markova Digital, and featured Vincent Anani, Senior Strategist at Ogilvy Africa; Israel Oladipupo Ogunseye, Payments Expansion Manager at PawaTech; and Ayoola Ogunyomi, co-founder of Umbrella. The event drew a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators eager to explore strategies for impactful digital campaigns.

    The 60-minute discussion tackled the core question of whether influencer marketing delivers measurable results. Longe opened the session by emphasising the challenge of cutting through the digital noise to achieve conversions, setting the stage for a conversation that blended strategic insights with practical advice.

    The panellists began by exploring what constitutes a conversion, agreeing it encompasses sales, signups, and shifts in brand sentiment. Israel Ogunseye, known for his marketing expertise in fintech and tech sectors, stressed the power of authentic storytelling. “Content works when it feels genuine,” he said, citing campaigns where creators’ unique voices drove engagement and trust. His experience as a creator on X, where he engages a loyal audience, underscored the value of relatability.

    Vincent Anani, drawing from his work at Ogilvy Africa, introduced the concept of the “Butterfly Effect,” where small, strategic decisions like selecting niche influencers can yield outsized results. “It’s not always about big budgets; it’s about precision,” he noted.

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    Ayoola Ogunyomi, whose career spans campaigns for Heineken and Dangote, emphasised universal principles of compelling content. “Clarity and emotional resonance are non-negotiable, whether you’re marketing cement or crypto,” he said.

    The discussion shifted to practical strategies, with the panellists sharing insights on metrics and budget allocation. Engagement rates and click-throughs were highlighted as key indicators of campaign success, over less meaningful metrics like follower counts. When asked about allocating a ₦5 million budget, Ogunseye advocated for niche influencers. “Five targeted creators with dedicated audiences often outperform one celebrity,” he explained, referencing successful fintech campaigns.

    The panel identified TikTok and Instagram as leading platforms for ROI in Nigeria, with short-form video content driving the most impact. Anani cautioned brands against overly controlling content on trend-driven platforms like TikTok, while Ogunyomi noted LinkedIn’s growing relevance for B2B influencer campaigns, particularly for startups.

    Authenticity emerged as a cornerstone of effective influencer marketing. Ogunseye, reflecting on his dual role as a strategist and creator, urged brands to avoid micromanaging influencers. “Trust creators to tell your story their way, that’s what builds connection,” he said. The panel also explored future trends, including AI-generated content and nano-influencers. Anani was optimistic about AI’s role in campaign optimisation but warned against eroding human trust. Ogunyomi highlighted nano-influencers’ ability to engage local audiences, while Ogunseye predicted Africa’s influencer market would expand rapidly, driven by mobile growth and platforms like Aktivate.

  • Aktivate Celebrates Female Creators on International Women’s Day

    Aktivate Celebrates Female Creators on International Women’s Day

    In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), Aktivate, Africa’s growing influencer marketing platform, went beyond words to appreciate women in the creator community. As part of its commitment to empowering female influencers, Aktivate hosted a special spa and relaxation experience for four deserving women who won the brand’s IWD giveaway.

    The giveaway, designed to reward and uplift female creators, saw numerous influencers sharing their stories about the challenges of balancing work, personal life, and content creation. At the end of the campaign, Sharon, Elizabeth, Busayo, and Halimah were treated to a day of luxury, self-care, and tranquility at a premium spa, giving them a well-deserved break from their daily hustle.

    A Well-Deserved Treat for Women in the Creator Economy

    The winning creators had the chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy a rare moment of peace, courtesy of Aktivate. After their experience, they shared their excitement and gratitude:

    • Sharon, a content creator and mother, expressed how much the experience meant to her:

    “I had a very amazing time. Do you know what it means to have a toddler at home? Ugh! The experience was really refreshing.”

    • Elizabeth, who had been longing for a moment to herself, described the session as exactly what she needed:

    “The experience was relaxing. I really needed this, and I’m glad I enjoyed myself.”

    • Halimah, who had been dealing with a particularly stressful few weeks, found peace in the calming atmosphere of the spa:

    “It was a series of calming moments that personally relaxed me because these past few weeks have been particularly stressful for me.”

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    Aktivate’s Commitment to Women in the Influencer Space

    Aktivate recognizes the unique challenges that women, especially creators, face in balancing multiple responsibilities while building their personal brands. The IWD campaign was a way to show appreciation and offer a meaningful reward beyond financial compensation—one that encouraged wellness and self-care.

    Women are a vital part of the creator economy, and it’s important for them to know that their hard work and creativity don’t go unnoticed. This campaign was just a small way to remind female creators that they deserve moments of rest and self-care.

    More Initiatives to Come

    This campaign is just one of the many ways Aktivate aims to support and uplift influencers. As a brand that bridges the gap between creators and brands, Aktivate remains committed to empowering influencers, fostering meaningful collaborations, and ensuring that creators feel valued.

    For more updates on upcoming initiatives and campaigns, follow Aktivate on social media or sign up for the platform today.

    About Aktivate

    Aktivate is an all-in-one platform that helps brands discover, collaborate with, and pay African influencers. With features like influencer discovery, campaign management, and performance tracking, Aktivate is revolutionizing the influencer marketing space in Africa.

    For brands, Aktivate offers features such as:

    ✅ Influencer discovery – Find the right influencers based on audience demographics, engagement, and content niche.

    ✅ Campaign management – Run and track influencer campaigns efficiently from start to finish.

    ✅ Performance tracking – Get real-time insights and analytics to measure campaign success.

    As influencer marketing continues to shape the digital economy, Aktivate remains committed to bridging the gap between brands and influencers, ensuring seamless collaborations that drive impact. Book a demo session with Aktivate today to discover how our platform simplifies your influencer marketing campaigns and achieve marketing goals. 

    For more updates on upcoming initiatives and campaigns, sign up on Aktivate today and be part of a thriving creator community.