NEW STUFF + Peddling Influence
Zlata Thoughts Vol. 17
HelloZ
It’s Wednesday and time for another round of WTF is going on around here! As I try to get my shit together, 1) Enjoy the show and 2) I’m going to be playing around with some new content. 🤗 Here are some new features you’ll be seeing around Zlata Thoughts.
TV TimeZ 📺: All the new showZ worth talking about, with fresh commentary when warranted. (If there’s anything Royalty related, I’ll be pulling in Aly Walansky for the commentary, natch.)
JobZ 💻: Looking for a job? A human? Good newZ, I know about both! If you are interested in amplifying your job post or yourself as a freelancer who needs work, I’m happy to help! Email z@zlatapr.com with the subject line "Job for Substack," and you’ll see it in the next newsletter.
ProductZ I’m Loving: Sometimes you just want to share the goodness, right? When I come across things I love, I’ll be plugging them here for you to love too.
Tech TalkZ 💾: This is where I’ll feature websites, appZ, software and other tech I think you should know about.
I won’t feature all these all the time because as the wise woman once said, ain’t nobody got time for that. But we’ll get a rotation going! This is, of course, in addition to funny tweets and my Affiliate ABZs, where I school you on everything you need to know (and then some) about affiliate biz. That’s all my housekeeping for this week! Let’s get to it.
ProductZ I’m Loving
Ithaca Hummus + Grillo Pickles
Zlata Thoughts: Obsessedddddd! I literally can’t stop eating it. It’s all the right stuff, perfect for summer, and just all around fucking amazing. 10/10!
From the brand: This first-of-its-kind pickle hummus blends Grillo’s Pickles’ clean and simple signature dill flavor with Ithaca’s distinctive cold-crafted hummus, for a new, bold summer go-to spread.
Buy it at Whole Foods now because I cannot find it anywhere else since it’s newly launched!
Clean & Pure Lip Balm
Zlata Thoughts: Idk about you but I feel naked without something on my lips. This is the softest balm ever, all natural, AND the flavors (er scents?) are spectacular. My fave is manuka because it has sun protection.
From the brand: Featuring Australian-sourced Beeswax and Extra Virgin Olive Oil in every balm, Clean & Pure lip balms have a range of eight exciting and delicious flavours.
Buy this sampler on Amazon now because they’re giving an extra 20% off!
Erin Condren Planners
Zlata Thoughts: Crossing off lists is a specific joy in this life and I’m loving these Erin Condren organizers. Designs are gorge but I also sooo appreciate having monthly and weekly layouts. With a range of sizes, designs, and elements be on the lookout for what’s best for you.
From the Brand: A lifestyle brand known for creating fun and functional organization essentials for the home, office, and everything in between.
Buy it from Amazon now because they have Prime One-Day Shipping and we love immediate gratification more than anything else.
LaughZ
Affiliate ABZs
Today we’re talking about one of the longest enduring tools in all of humanity: influence. By now, we’re all familiar (enough) with what influencer marketing is. If you’ve been reading yours truly (and you have! and I love you for it! 🫶 ), you’re also brushing up on your affiliate marketing. Today, worlds collide.
Applying Affiliate Marketing Strategies to Influencer Campaigns
Influential people have the power of persuasion. With today’s technology, they also have the power of savvy marketing and social reach. With influencer marketing, publicists/brands get to tap into this reach and influence.
Affiliate marketing, as we all know, is similar. Publicists/brands use a network of vetted partners to market the brand’s products and services.
In both scenarios, the influencer and affiliate will get paid for their efforts. However, until recently, the pay structures could vary pretty significantly. Why? Because historically, influencers were paid flat rates for top-of-funnel results. Exposure. Awareness. Affiliates, on the other hand, are paid a commission on conversion.
Influencer marketing is changing, though, for a few reasons.
It’s not just top-of-funnel anymore. Influencer marketing can be great for SALES. In fact, according to Rakuten, 87% of surveyed consumers said they’ve been inspired to purchase something after hearing about it from an influencer.
There is a whole content economy now. Influencers recognize their power and they want to keep it. And it’s not just the Kim K’s, friendZ. In fact, some of the best influencer campaigns come from “micro-influencers” – creators with loyal fanbases who trust the influencer and what s/he thinks. These highly cost-effective campaigns can be an absolute boon if you do it right.
As influencer marketing grows into a primary channel, here are some lessons you can apply from affiliate marketing directly to your influencer strategy. Subscribe to my paid content to keep reading!