Launching with Influencers: How to Leverage KOLs, DOLs and New Channels to Engage Healthcare Professionals Authentically During Your Product Launch
May 16, 2023
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Brian Kaiser and Thomas Engstrom discuss the differences between KOLs and DOLs in healthcare, how to work with influencers for a product launch, measuring success, the importance of strategy, and their go-to songs for inspiration.
Influencer marketing extends beyond social media and includes HCPs, and the authenticity of content is crucial.
Collaboration with digital opinion leaders (DOLs) through content creation helps brands connect and communicate effectively.
Deep dives
Influencer marketing is more than just social media
Influencer marketing extends beyond social media and is not limited to celebrities. It has expanded worldwide and is a long-lasting trend, rather than a passing fad. The concept of influencers dates back thousands of years and has evolved to include HCPs. Digital opinion leaders (DOLs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs) have overlapping roles, with DOLs providing authentic perspectives and expertise. The authenticity of content is crucial, and collaborations with influencers should be a collaborative effort rather than imposing scripted messages. Different channels and platforms, as well as live events, can be utilized to engage with audiences.
Building relationships with digital opinion leaders
Digital opinion leaders (DOLs) play an essential role in influencer marketing. They offer perspectives and insight into the community, complementing the medical education provided by key opinion leaders (KOLs). DOLs have an audience's trust, and their authenticity is a valuable asset. Pharma launch brands can cultivate partnerships with DOLs through content creation. The collaborative process involves understanding goals, aligning messages, and ensuring compliance. Leveraging DOLs' expertise on various platforms, including social media, websites, and traditional media, helps brands connect and communicate effectively.
Navigating the influencer marketing process
When integrating influencer marketing into a launch strategy, carefully consider goals and target audiences. Mapping out key opinion leaders (KOLs) and digital opinion leaders (DOLs) is crucial. Collaboration between brands and influencers involves briefing sessions to align goals, messages, and brand authenticity. Regulatory and compliance teams review content, ensuring compliance standards are met. Leveraging influencer content is important, sharing it on other channels, and considering modular content creation. Although live events can present challenges, creating content in the moment and timely reviews can overcome some limitations.
Measuring success in influencer marketing
Measuring the success of influencer marketing in the pharmaceutical industry involves multiple tiers. Leading indicators such as impressions and cost per engagement provide a directional understanding of success. Brand lift studies and collaborations with platform partners can yield deeper insights into content performance. Return on investment (ROI) can also be assessed through Mixed Marketing Modeling (MMM). The unique challenges of measuring business impact in pharmaceuticals require robust analytics and continuous evaluation of metrics.
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In this episode, Bozidar is joined by Brian Kaiser, Executive Vice President and Head of Strategy at Klick Health, as well as Thomas Engstrom, Global Group Director of Influencer Marketing at Klick Health.
Some of the things you’ll discover in this episode:
Digital Opinion Leaders and Key Opinion Leaders: Who are they, and is every DOL a KOL and vice-versa?
A step-by-step framework to work with KOLs and DOLs for the product launch.
How to work with KOLs and DOLs effectively, compliantly, and authentically.
How to measure the influence of KOLs and DOLs from medical and commercial perspectives
Why is connectivity between the community, KOLs and DOLs the key ingredient for success?
“Pharma Launch Secrets” is a podcast by Evermed and hosted by CEO Bozidar Jovicevic. We host direct, actionable conversations with world-leading pharma launch experts and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies to help you launch your product successfully.