Differences between a key opinion leader and an influencer
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2024 9:21 am
We will now clarify this point.
Knowing the differences and particularities of each concept is essential when establishing a marketing strategy. Below we will detail each of them to avoid confusion, since although they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
The main difference is:
Influencer: is a reference in social networks, so it can be said that he is a native of them.
KOL: They represent a kind of opinion leader, since they manufacturing email list have experience and knowledge , as well as a profession that has allowed them to gain credibility and status.
A KOL can use the same channels that an influencer uses, such as social media, YouTube channels and blogs; however, these are not their usual means of communication, as they do not use them constantly.
Because of this, the trust of KOLs' audience will be based on their experience and knowledge, and that of influencers on personal identification and preference.
Most common:
KOL: It is not usual for KOLs to prescribe anything related to their profession, although they do do so for other companies in exchange for financial compensation.
Influencers: most often they participate in campaigns for different brands to achieve an interesting goal, although it could also happen that they make prescriptions without receiving anything in return. They do this through their social networks, offering their followers valuable information without being intrusive.
The reason that drives their audience to follow them:
Influencers: They depend largely on the number of followers they have, which is directly related to the originality and quality of the content they manage to develop, and through which they will gain the credibility and trust of their audience. Their success depends on this.
KOL: they do not use this strategy, since networks are not their usual means of action, but rather a complement. However, they should also be taken into account as a means that allows them to maintain their prestige, but without this being their main concern.
How can a thought leader boost your digital marketing strategy?
While the advantages of using influencers as a digital marketing strategy are undeniable , the decisive presence of KOLs can generate benefits that go much further. Find out below how an opinion leader can boost your strategy.
Knowing the differences and particularities of each concept is essential when establishing a marketing strategy. Below we will detail each of them to avoid confusion, since although they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
The main difference is:
Influencer: is a reference in social networks, so it can be said that he is a native of them.
KOL: They represent a kind of opinion leader, since they manufacturing email list have experience and knowledge , as well as a profession that has allowed them to gain credibility and status.
A KOL can use the same channels that an influencer uses, such as social media, YouTube channels and blogs; however, these are not their usual means of communication, as they do not use them constantly.
Because of this, the trust of KOLs' audience will be based on their experience and knowledge, and that of influencers on personal identification and preference.
Most common:
KOL: It is not usual for KOLs to prescribe anything related to their profession, although they do do so for other companies in exchange for financial compensation.
Influencers: most often they participate in campaigns for different brands to achieve an interesting goal, although it could also happen that they make prescriptions without receiving anything in return. They do this through their social networks, offering their followers valuable information without being intrusive.
The reason that drives their audience to follow them:
Influencers: They depend largely on the number of followers they have, which is directly related to the originality and quality of the content they manage to develop, and through which they will gain the credibility and trust of their audience. Their success depends on this.
KOL: they do not use this strategy, since networks are not their usual means of action, but rather a complement. However, they should also be taken into account as a means that allows them to maintain their prestige, but without this being their main concern.
How can a thought leader boost your digital marketing strategy?
While the advantages of using influencers as a digital marketing strategy are undeniable , the decisive presence of KOLs can generate benefits that go much further. Find out below how an opinion leader can boost your strategy.