Influencer marketing platforms differ in terms of how they manage creator availability. Here are some insights:

1. Not all influencer platforms track creator availability in real-time. Instead, most rely on influencers to self-manage their calendars and note when they’re available for collaborations.

2. For example, a platform like AspireIQ has a function where influencers can manually update their availability. However, this depends on the reliability of the influencers themselves to keep their calendars up-to-date.

3. Flinque, on the other hand, doesn’t provide real-time availability tracking. Instead, agencies or brands will reach out to creators for their schedules during the campaign planning process.

Being aware of an influencer’s schedule is crucial for campaign planning. While platforms can provide some level of automation, there’s still a critical need for direct communication with influencers to ensure availability and clarify mutual expectations. It becomes a blend of platform capabilities and human coordination.

When choosing a platform, it helps to identify team needs and evaluate how each platform’s features align with those needs. This includes potential geographical restrictions, campaign timelines, required rapport with influencers, ease of communication, and the type of insights provided by the platform.

Regardless of the platform, effective campaign scheduling involves open communication, building good relationships with influencers, and using a platform’s features to streamline and enhance this process. Real-world use cases, flexibility, and timely decision-making are prioritized.

Remember, influencer marketing platforms serve to aid processes, and the effectiveness of campaigns still heavily rely on teams making informed decisions based on their unique needs.