Moderna nyanser av klassiska allianser : En kvalitativ studie kring digitala influencer-samarbeten

Sammanfattning: Problemformulering och  syfte: The  growth of new channels has increased the amount of sales messages vying for consumers' attention, changing the conditions for marketing communications. Marketing in social media channels has become a way to keep up with the consumers. However, recent indications points towards a weariness regarding advertising in these channels as well. This has led to new marketing methods emerging, influencer marketing being on these. Previous studies have  often examined certain parts of the phenomenon, such  as product placement in social media, brand alliances, celebrity endorsers or the message process between opinion leader and  receiver. This study intends to build upon this type of research, from a communicative perspective, to get a better understanding of this type of marketing. The main purpose of this study is to, from a communicative transmitter’s perspective, increase the understanding of digital influencer-collaborations, by examining six companies within the Swedish apparel and accessory retail market. Metod och  material: This study has a qualitative approach, since we wanted to acquire a deeper understanding of the phenomenon by examining how companies view  and  make use of influencer marketing, as a way of communicating with the market. We gained information through eight interviews, in person and  over the  phone. The  interviews are conducted with six Swedish companies within the apparel and  accessory market as well as two additional interviews with an influencer-marketing bureau and  a lawyer with knowledge of the marketing laws in Sweden. Huvudresultat: The  main conclusions we’ve drawn from this study is that influencer-collaborations are hard to define, in the sense that the underlying purpose and  the way it’s looked upon seem to differ at this point. This seem to effect the way  companies handles influencer-collaborations, some having a greater focus on product promotion while others use the influencers as a way  of strengthen the  brand. However, regarding the reasons this  kind of marketing method is being used  on Instagram, the companies appear unanimous, meaning it’s a great way  to reach a wider or more specific target audience. We’ve also found that the companies seem to share similar thoughts on what factors are most vital to a successful influencer-collaboration, the credibility being one  of those. Moreover, the juridical aspect is of great interest, as it appears to be somewhat of a gap between what the law states and  how the companies handles it, possible due  to the  different opinions on how evident these collaborations should appear.