You may have heard the term before Key Opinion Leader or KOL, and that they are a major source of exposure in the digital arena. So when trying to develop an overall digital marketing strategy, especially one focused on user engagement, it’s a good idea to consider working eventually with a KOL to be able to approach the target markets they’ve developed.
WHAT IS KOL?
The KOL meaning is specifically what a modern-day influencer is. They work both offline and online. They will use social media channels, ranging from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, but will also have a presence on mainstream channels and outlets. Their whole mission is to work on nurturing and growing a specific community based on their interests and themes. These KOLs are always producing some type of content or engagement to keep their user base interested and motivated.
When looking at what a KOL meaning is, it’s truly being present for users to always look out for and see relevant and new content in their preferred theme.
WHY DO I NEED A KOL?
Another way to look at KOL’s meaning is authenticity. There’s a lot of marketing noise and advertisement out there, and these social media platforms have allowed KOLs to develop in an environment with no external commercial pressures.
This has led to giving them a voice of authenticity and helps users resonate with these influencers in many ways. There’s no hiding behind a corporate marketing team or a hidden agenda either. Because of this, you want to focus on using a KOL to get access to a highly engaged targeted audience. When a KOL discusses your brand or product, there’s a captive audience ready to listen and potentially buy the products as well.
HOW TO BECOME A KOL
To become a Key Opinion Leader requires efforts that may not be for everyone. Here are a few steps to get you on the path to becoming a KOL:
Step 1
Find your niche. Anytime you want to become a subject matter expert and a key opinion leader, you need to have a focused approach to it. Don’t just do ‘wellness’ but focus on either a healthy gym routine or a mix of yoga with meditation. You want to be able to master your activities so that people look to you as a leader in the field.
Step 2
Expand online. Choose your digital arena and completely focus on it as well. If you’re going for wellness, then you may want to consider YouTube as a way to showcase recipes or yoga. If you’re a travel blogger, then entertain Instagram as a choice to broadcast high-quality images.
Step 3
Collaborate. Build your digital village by working with others who are doing the same. This helps to grow your following in a faster way, with already vested and like-minded users.
Step 4
Produce consistently. This is the marathon portion of being a KOL. You need to produce content in constant intervals. This means having fresh and up-to-date information in your specific niche. You will also be busy with your offline events and activities to get the right mix offline and online.
Step 5
Review the data and adapt. Here you’re looking at the results of your online and offline activities and see what events worked, what your users responded to the most or least, and changing your strategy accordingly. Again, have a data-driven mentality to ensure you’re always on the right path.
WRAP UP
KOLs are the best way to get the highest quality users when trying to launch a product or brand. This is because of their authentic approach and the fact that their users are willing to believe in what their KOLs are telling them. As a result, they’re one of the best types of recommendations you could ask for.
