Would You Choose Experience Over a Large Following?

[ryanchristophermason]

I’ve noticed that having a large audience doesn’t always mean someone knows how to promote a product effectively. I’ve come across creators with thousands of followers whose recommendations feel less convincing than those of smaller creators who clearly understand what they’re promoting. If you were running an affiliate program, would you prioritize proven experience or audience size when choosing someone to work with?

 

[christopherwalker10]

I'd check their online presence first to see how they present their work and interact with their audience. Having a lot of followers is a plus, but it doesn't mean much if they don't really know the products they're promoting. Take artists, for example. When someone has a distinct style and sticks to their craft, brands related to their work are more likely to approach them. I think that's where experience and a large following can work well together, especially when the audience already trusts what the creator does.

 

[DanielMorgan_]

A big following can be a good thing, but some creators may be more focused on hitting sales goals than getting a product that’s right for their audience. For me, if I’m buying online, I’m pickier about products that are going on my body – I don’t want to have to experiment. I would rather hear from an affiliate who has actually used the product and can give specific advice from their experience. That sort of endorsement seems to have more value than just a popular creator endorsing it.

 

[Jake]

I'd choose experience if the goal is to get actual work done and produce results. A large following can help with visibility, but it doesn't necessarily translate into useful skills or reliable performance. I'd still consider audience relevance if the role involves promotion, because the right audience can matter just as much as its size.