Today, Clayton interviews Mike Abruscato and Allie Johnson from Brands Best Friend, an e-commerce agency specialising in helping pet brands navigate the complexities of online sales. They delve into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, emphasising the shift from macro to micro creators and the importance of authenticity in content. They explore the impact of social media and AI on consumer behaviour, highlighting the rise of platforms like TikTok Shop as a game-changer in e-commerce. KEY TAKEAWAYS The approach to influencer marketing has shifted from simply gifting products to a more strategic focus on micro-influencers, who often have higher engagement rates and create a sense of trust among their audiences. Brands should diversify their content across various platforms and formats to avoid audience fatigue. Engaging with multiple influencers and creating varied content can enhance brand visibility and consumer trust. AI is rapidly changing how consumers discover and purchase products. Brands need to optimise their online presence for AI algorithms to ensure their products are recommended in AI-driven searches. TikTok Shop is revolutionising e-commerce by combining entertainment with shopping, allowing for a seamless purchasing experience. Brands are encouraged to invest in this platform as it offers lower fees compared to traditional e-commerce giants like Amazon. The fast-paced evolution of digital marketing and consumer behaviour necessitates that brands remain flexible and ready to pivot their strategies. Complacency can lead to missed opportunities and a decline in market relevance. BEST MOMENTS "We help pet brands develop, implement, and manage their e-commerce strategies in the United States or North America." "Micro creators have a really similar effect on their audiences. They feel like your next door neighbor." "AI is going to dramatically shorten the pathway to purchase that the average consumer takes." "TikTok Shop is on its way to being the next Amazon, if not bigger than Amazon." "The longer you hang on to that traditional model of sales, the more you risk falling behind." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/