Create, engage, repeat: The new era of audience connection

Create, engage, repeat: The new era of audience connection

The author of this article is Big Fm COO Sunil Kumaran.

Sunil Kumaran

Mumbai: In a world inundated with content, standing out requires more than just creativity; it demands genuine engagement. India has emerged as a global hub for content creation and consumption, boasting over 80 million creators, including influencers, bloggers, YouTubers and podcasters. This dynamic ecosystem is fueled by more than 500 million active social media users, driving an explosion of user-generated content across platforms. However, in a landscape where YouTube alone sees 400 hours of content uploaded every minute, the real challenge is ensuring meaningful engagement.

With the shift in the digital ecosystem, today the social media platforms have a thriving creator ecosystem tuned to enhance storytelling for maximum reach. The rise of hyperlocal micro-influencers has ushered in a new era of highly targeted brand marketing, allowing brands to connect with niche audiences like never before. To truly stand out and build an engaging narrative, creators must prioritize authenticity, craft impactful storytelling and explore new platforms and strategies.

Radio offers immense potential as a platform for influencer marketing. With its deep-rooted connection to listeners and its unique ability to create intimacy through storytelling, radio can seamlessly integrate influencers into its programming. When influencers share personal anecdotes, recommendations, or brand experiences in an authentic, conversational style, the result is campaigns that feel more genuine and relatable. Additionally, with the growing popularity of podcasts and online radio streaming, influencers have even more opportunities to engage with targeted audiences in a dynamic and interactive way.

Another strategic approach that sees rapid growth is cohort marketing, that allows brands to connect with segmented audience groups based on shared interests, behaviors, or demographics. This approach helps brands focus on their value proposition for each group, offering targeted tools and enablement to enhance audience engagement. For instance, beauty brands can target the listeners by focusing on topics like skincare and makeup, using influencers to deliver tailored content for each theme. This approach creates campaigns that deeply resonate with listeners, driving higher engagement and fostering long-term brand loyalty.

Creators are more than just content producers; they are key partners and revenue drivers. Cohort marketing empowers influencers with essential support, recognition and tools to amplify their influence, positioning them as vital contributors to a brand's success. This approach enhances their ability to effectively reach audiences and create a lasting impact. By investing in creators and recognizing their value, brands can strengthen relationships with both their audiences and the creators. Utilising cohort marketing allows brands to discover new ways to reach their target market, delivering personalized content that fosters deeper engagement, builds loyalty and drives success in today’s competitive media landscape.

At Big Fm, we’ve amplified the potential of radio by integrating micro, macro and nano influencers into our campaigns, effectively bridging traditional broadcasting with digital interaction. By leveraging social media and digital platforms, we connect with diverse audiences across all age groups, merging the authenticity of radio with the reach and relatability of influencer marketing. This synergy enables us to craft campaigns that resonate on a personal level while making a lasting impact, reaffirming radio's relevance as a dynamic and influential medium.