{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"How Southwest Airlines Navigate the World of Influencer Relationships","description":" Building a successful influencer program isn\u2019t just about campaigns. It\u2019s about connections. On this episode of Social Pros, Kara Salazar, Senior Influencer Marketing Specialist at Southwest Airlines, takes us behind the scenes of their thriving influencer program. From truly understanding each influencer\u2019s unique style to bringing them together for face-to-face events like Creator Day, Kara reveals the secrets to creating campaigns that feel genuine, build trust, and deliver results. Full Episode Details  For Kara Salazar, success in influencer marketing starts with building genuine connections. Since joining Southwest Airlines in 2022, she has focused on creating a program that prioritizes trust and authenticity. Kara doesn\u2019t just work with influencers\u2014she makes an effort to know their names, handles, and what makes them unique. This personal touch has turned their influencers into loyal brand advocates who go above and beyond for Southwest. It\u2019s not just about connections; it\u2019s about communication. Kara explains that every influencer is different, works differently, and has unique needs. She creates space for honest, two-way conversations, often through feedback sessions designed to refine how they collaborate. These sessions allow influencers to share what works best for them\u2014whether it\u2019s receiving a detailed brief or a more visual guide\u2014and ensure that every campaign feels tailored to their strengths. By listening, adapting, and making these adjustments, Kara builds trust and creates partnerships that don\u2019t just work\u2014they thrive. Kara\u2019s vision for Creator Day has also been transformative. This annual event brings influencers and the Southwest team together in person to strengthen bonds and gives influencers a deeper understanding of the brand. These face-to-face moments have turned Southwest\u2019s influencer program into a true community, delivering campaigns that feel authentic and meaningful. In This Episode: 1:29 - Kara\u2019s role at Southwest Airlines and the origins of their influencer program 3:35 - Rebuilding the influencer program after COVID and proving its value to leadership 5:07 - How Kara measures the success of influencer campaigns 6:21 - Finding influencers who align with Southwest\u2019s brand and reflect their diverse audience 8:22 - Building genuine relationships with influencers by getting to know them personally 10:23 - The importance of feedback sessions and tailoring briefs to individual influencer styles 12:12 - Southwest\u2019s Big Flex campaign and integrating influencers into large-scale marketing efforts 13:32 - Bridging the gap between marketing teams to scale influencer campaigns 16:08 - Kara\u2019s advice for navigating different goals between internal teams and influencers 17:47 - Experimenting with short-term affiliate campaigns to track direct revenue from influencers 20:44 - The story behind Creator Day and how it strengthens bonds with Southwest\u2019s influencers 21:41 - How Southwest uses influencers to test new platforms like TikTok before launching as a brand 25:03 - Kara\u2019s advice for aspiring social pros Resources  Connect with Kara on LinkedIn Follow Southwest Airlines on TikTok Follow Southwest Airlines on Instagram Visit\u202fSocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers. ","author_name":"Social Pros Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.socialpros.com","html":"