Companies assess influencer credibility before engagement in several key ways:

1. Past Performance: Brands often look at the past campaigns that an influencer has been involved in. They examine the campaign outcomes and the responses from the influencer’s audience.

2. Engagement Rates: A key metric of credibility is an influencer’s engagement rate, which is measured by the number of likes, comments, shares, and views their content receives.

3. Content Quality: The quality of an influencer’s content reflects their credibility. Brands look at the aesthetics, production value, originality, and relevancy of the content.

4. Audience Analysis: Brands also conduct audience analysis using social analytics tools or influencer marketing platforms, such as Flinque. The audience’s demographic information, interests, and behavior patterns provide insights into the influencer’s credibility.

5. Authenticity in Brand Alignment: Brands also assess whether the influencer’s values, persona, content, and audience align with their brand. Authentic alignment boosts an influencer’s credibility.

6. Feedback and Reviews: Brands check reviews and feedback from other brands that the influencer has worked with before. This helps to understand the influencer’s professionalism and reliability.

7. Social Proof: Lastly, social proof, such as testimonials, awards, recognition from established entities, strengthens influencer’s credibility.

These strategies help brands ensure they engage trustworthy influencers who can deliver value and maintain the brand’s reputation. This practical, data-driven approach helps companies optimize their influencer marketing efforts and measure ROI more effectively.