Influencer Marketing vs. Influence Marketing with Jason Falls

On Brand with Nick Westergaard

"I've always considered public relations to be influencer marketing—you're trying to find a third party to borrow some trust from." When it comes to trust, there's no one I trust more on the subject of digital marketing strategy than Jason Falls. As an agency marketer, podcast host, and author of three books including his latest—Winfluence—I couldn't wait to talk with him on this week's episode of the On Brand podcast.

About Jason Falls

Jason Falls solves problems. Most of the time they have to do with digital marketing for Cornett, a full-service advertising agency based in Lexington, Ky., where he leads digital strategy and hosts two marketing podcasts (Digging Deeper and Winfluence). His work has touched a number of major brands and has been recognized with several national and many regional awards including a 2020 Shorty Award for his influencer marketing work. He has worked with a number of the world’s most iconic brands including Buffalo Trace, Weller, 1792, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbons, GE Appliances, AT&T, Valvoline, Humana, Rawlings, Tempur-Pedic, Fireball Whisky, General Motors, and more. His third book, Winfluence: Reframing Influencer Marketing to Ignite Your Brand, was published in February 2021 from Entrepreneur Press. He loves the kick-ass state of Kentucky, sports, and bourbon.

Episode Highlights

Bourbon content that fit the moment perfectly. As we began our conversation, I pointed to one of Jason's clients—1792 bourbon. Specifically, I mentioned their content strategy around the high-end drinking experience and style. To execute something like this, “You have to ask—what are our content pillars? What are the lifestyle touchpoints that go with this brand?”

Developing an effective content strategy. Jason walked us through a fictional process using Oreo as an example with 'fun' and 'delight' as content pillars.

Influencer marketing vs. influence marketing. As the title of his new book Winfluence suggests, Jason encourages us to drop the R off of 'influencer' marketing. When you do this, you broaden the approach.

How do you measure influence marketing? “It all starts with the goal,” Falls stressed for both beginning and measuring an influence marketing campaign. He also shared ideas for setting up helpful 'data traps' for providing regular insight.

What brand has made Jason smile recently? Jason looked no further than his Blue Yeti podcasting microphone, which we both use. Specifically, Jason pointed to their sound quality and that it makes him think of his radio days.

To learn more, go to jasonfalls.com and check out his Winfluence book site.

As We Wrap …

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On Brand is sponsored by my book Brand Now. Discover the seven dynamics to help your brand stand out in our crowded, distracted world. Order now and get special digital extras. Learn more.

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Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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