What Influencers Want (and What They Don’t): A PR Agency Perspective

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, influencer marketing isn’t about one-off posts or chasing follower counts. It’s about relationships, storytelling and authenticity. At LUYA, we’ve seen firsthand what makes influencer partnerships flourish and what can make them fall flat.

Influencers aren’t just content creators. They’re storytellers, tastemakers and curators of trust. Understanding what influencers want and what they absolutely don’t is the key to campaigns that connect, resonate and stick.

Influencers Want Stories, Not Scripts

  • Creative freedom – They know their audience best. Overly prescriptive briefs kill authenticity and make content feel forced.
  • Value alignment – Authenticity isn’t optional. Influencers want to work with brands that reflect their own values.
  • Professional respect – Clear communication and mutual respect make partnerships feel seamless.
  • Long-term collaboration – One-off campaigns are transactional; lasting relationships are transformative.
  • To be treated as a billboard – Influencers are voices, not ad spaces.
  • Cookie-cutter campaigns – Personalisation matters. Every influencer has a unique audience and story.
  • Lack of authenticity – Influencers and their communities can spot campaigns that don’t feel genuine and forced partnerships fall flat quickly.

Why PR Agencies Are Built for Influencer Marketing

How to Make Influencer Campaigns Work

  • Think like a journalist – Understand the influencer’s voice, audience and motivations. Pitch ideas collaboratively rather than broadcasting instructions.
  • Go beyond the grid – Instagram posts are just the beginning. Events, video content, Reels, TikToks, launches and behind-the-scenes storytelling all extend the brand narrative.
  • Prioritise credibility over clout – A micro-influencer with engaged followers will often outperform a disengaged mega account. Depth beats digits.
  • Humanise your brand – Influencers bring empathy, personality and relatability. Let their voice add dimension and connection.

From Paid Placements to Powerful Partnerships

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