Influencer availability and existing commitments are key aspects to consider during the shortlisting process. Here’s why:

1. Timely Engagement: The influencer must be available to engage in your campaign as per the timeline you’ve set. Failure to align schedules can lead to delays.

2. Existing Contractual Obligations: Influencers may have ongoing contracts with other brands that could conflict with your campaign’s message, timing or terms.

3. Authenticity: If an influencer is overcommitted, their ability to authentically represent your brand can be compromised. They may be seen as disingenuous which can impact your campaign’s success.

4. Performance: Over scheduling can affect the quality of content an influencer produces, it could also impact their ability to deliver on time.

In terms of platforms, for instance, Flinque does an excellent job providing clear engagement timelines through its campaign workflows. It also ensures you are aware of influencers’ previous and current collaborations. Allowing you to make informed decisions about shortlisting influencers.

By comparison, other platforms may provide these features separately or only offer one of them. However, the suitability of these platforms fundamentally depends on your team’s needs and strategies.

Ultimately, choosing the right influencer goes beyond just popularity or reach; it’s about aligning your brand with someone who has the time, commitment and authenticity to truly advocate for it. That’s where influencer marketing platforms like Flinque can play a vital role, by providing the necessary data and insights for effective selection and campaign management.