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"Influencer Grudge Match: Lady Gaga vs. Bono" is, of course, more about marketing than it is about the two singers. The survey—released on Sept. 29 by Lanham, Md.-based on-demand public relations software provider Vocus and social media marketing author and speaker Brian Solis—asks 739 marketing and communications professionals, "What makes an online influencer?"
"Someone like me ... [is the] new influencer," the paper quotes of Richard Edelman, CEO of Chicago and New York-based public relations agency Edelman. That means a new influencer could be anyone, according to the survey.
To begin narrowing down the definition, the survey asks, "Is there a big difference between popularity and influence?" Ninety percent of respondents say there is, with one survey-taker making the memorable comment, "Lady Gaga is popular, Bono is influential." (This comment was recorded before Lady Gaga donned a meat dress and became politically active.)
At the same time, 84 percent of those surveyed say that influence is tied to reach—but it's about more than popularity. About 60 percent of respondents say the "quality or focus of the network" is important, with 55 percent saying quality content tied to measurable outcomes contributes to influence. And 40 percent care about the depth of the relationship an influencer has with followers.
Search engine optimization professionals topped the list—at 83 percent of respondents in this category—of the respondents willing to pay influencers to help them "drive actions or outcomes." Overall, 57 percent of those surveyed were willing to do the same. (While not mentioned in this study, it's important to note that the Federal Trade Commission requires paid endorsers to disclose that fact under the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.)
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Marketing Manifesto
Managing the New Customer Relationship: Strategies to Engage the Social Customer and Build Lasting Value
