Elevate Your Brand with Influencer Power
Creating real connections with audiences is harder than ever in a crowded market. Influencer marketing has emerged as an authentic way for brands to reach consumers. What started as simple blog reviews and YouTube mentions has grown into a sophisticated approach spanning Instagram, TikTok, Twitch and beyond.
The key to success lies in finding influencers who genuinely align with your brand values and can create meaningful content that resonates. When done right, influencer partnerships tap into established communities and trusted voices to build genuine relationships with potential customers. This approach works because it leverages fundamental human psychology – we naturally trust recommendations from people we admire and follow.
This article will share 10 proven strategies for running impactful influencer campaigns. Whether you're an experienced marketer, a startup founder, or running an e-commerce business looking to grow, you'll learn practical ways to:
- Find and partner with the right influencers
- Create authentic collaborative content
- Track and measure campaign success
- Build lasting brand-influencer relationships
- Connect with new audiences effectively
Let these insights guide you in developing influencer partnerships that deliver real business results and help your brand thrive.
1. Micro-Influencer Collaboration
Working with micro-influencers has become a key way for brands to connect authentically with specific audiences. These content creators typically have between 10,000 to 100,000 followers and focus on particular niches or topics. What makes them effective is their close connection with followers and high engagement rates, often outperforming larger influencers in terms of ROI.
The magic of micro-influencer partnerships lies in their engaged communities. Their followers actively interact with posts and trust their recommendations more than those from bigger names. For businesses, this means better results at lower costs compared to mega-influencers. Plus, their specialized audiences help ensure marketing messages reach the right people.
Pros of Micro-Influencer Collaboration:
- Better ROI Potential: Higher engagement rates and lower partnership costs lead to stronger returns
- More Genuine Recommendations: Real passion for their niche creates authentic endorsements
- Higher Trust Levels with Audience: Strong community bonds mean followers value their opinions
- More Cost-Effective: Lower fees than macro-influencers while delivering solid results
Cons of Micro-Influencer Collaboration:
- Limited Reach Compared to Larger Influencers: Smaller follower counts mean less overall exposure
- Requires Managing Multiple Partnerships: Need several creators to match macro-influencer reach
- May Need More Time to See Significant Results: Building momentum takes longer than big campaigns
Examples of Successful Micro-Influencer Campaigns:
- Daniel Wellington: Built massive brand awareness through strategic micro-influencer partnerships
- Glossier: Created a community-driven ambassador program that powers organic growth
- Frank Body: Leverages user content from micro-influencers to showcase real product results
Tips for Implementing Micro-Influencer Collaborations:
- Focus on Engagement Rates Over Follower Count: Choose partners based on audience interaction
- Ensure Brand Alignment Before Partnership: Partner with creators who match your values
- Create Long-Term Relationships Rather Than One-Off Posts: Build lasting partnerships for better results
- Give Creative Freedom While Maintaining Brand Guidelines: Allow authentic content within your standards
These success stories from brands like Glossier, Daniel Wellington, and Frank Body show how micro-influencer marketing can drive real business growth through authentic connections. For more insights, check out our guide on [different types of influencer marketing strategies]. You can explore additional resources in our sitemap: https://notifyio.net/post-sitemap.xml.
2. Long-term Brand Ambassador Programs
Collaborating with brand ambassadors over extended periods offers a more meaningful approach than one-off influencer campaigns. These partnerships focus on building authentic relationships, where ambassadors become genuine brand advocates through consistent messaging and content creation across multiple channels.
Why it matters: Consumers now seek real, genuine connections with brands. Long-term ambassador programs let influencers naturally integrate products into their content, creating more credible endorsements that resonate with their followers.
Key Features:
- Multi-month or yearly partnerships: Allows for sustained audience engagement and brand development
- In-depth brand knowledge: Ambassadors gain deep familiarity with brand values and products
- Unified storytelling: Brand message stays cohesive across all content
- Content variety: Ambassadors create social posts, videos, blogs, and participate in events
Advantages:
- Higher authenticity: Extended partnerships enable genuine product experiences and endorsements
- Message consistency: Regular engagement reinforces brand recognition
- Improved ROI: Long-term commitment often yields better results through customer loyalty
- Stronger audience bonds: Followers trust recommendations from ambassadors they follow regularly
Challenges:
- Larger upfront costs: More initial investment compared to short campaigns
- Potential controversy: Ambassador actions could impact brand image – thorough vetting needed
- Limited agility: Long commitments make quick strategy changes difficult
- Ongoing oversight: Requires continuous relationship management and performance tracking
Success Stories:
- Nike athlete partnerships: Pioneered long-term athlete endorsements with icons like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams
- American Express influencers: Cultivates creators who embody luxury and exclusivity
- FitBit community: Built network of fitness enthusiasts sharing authentic product experiences
Industry Evolution: Major brands demonstrated the power of sustained partnerships, while social media's rise highlighted authentic marketing's importance. Companies like Gymshark showed how to build engaged ambassador communities.
Implementation Tips:
- Clear agreements: Define expectations, deliverables and exclusivity requirements
- Strong onboarding: Provide ambassadors with brand knowledge and resources
- Regular check-ins: Monitor program success and give constructive feedback
- Creative freedom: Let ambassadors maintain their voice while representing your brand
Long-term brand ambassador programs build credibility, deepen audience connections, and drive sustainable marketing results through genuine relationships and consistent messaging.
3. User-Generated Content Campaigns
Getting your customers and followers to create and share content about your brand is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and engagement. This strategy, known as User-Generated Content (UGC), turns your community into content creators and brand advocates.
How UGC Works and Why It's Effective
Most UGC campaigns center around specific themes, contests, or branded hashtags. For example, a brand might ask users to share photos using their product with a special hashtag. This natural content creation provides several key benefits:
- Social Proof: Real customers showing how they use and enjoy your products creates more trust than traditional ads
- Community Building: When users see their content featured, they feel valued and develop stronger brand loyalty
- Budget-Friendly: You get fresh content without investing in professional photo or video shoots
- Genuine Authenticity: Content from real users feels more honest and relatable than polished brand messaging
Success Stories and Examples
Major brands have shown just how powerful UGC can be. GoPro sparked a movement with their #GoPro hashtag, which features amazing user footage from around the world. Apple's #ShotOniPhone campaign and Airbnb's user photos demonstrate how customer experiences can showcase what makes a brand special.
Some standout UGC campaigns include:
- GoPro's #GoPro: Users share their adventures captured on GoPro cameras, highlighting the product's capabilities
- Adobe's #Adobe_Perspective: Creatives showcase their work made with Adobe tools, inspiring others
- Starbucks' #RedCupContest: The annual holiday tradition of customers decorating their cups creates festive buzz
Tips for Running Your Own UGC Campaign
To run an effective UGC campaign:
- Create simple, clear guidelines for submissions
- Offer compelling rewards to encourage participation
- Share the best content across your marketing channels
- Make it easy for people to join in and share
Key Benefits and Challenges
Benefits:
- Real, authentic content
- Strong engagement
- Cost-effective
- Stronger community ties
Challenges:
- Variable content quality
- Needs active moderation
- May require incentives
UGC campaigns work because they tap into people's natural desire to share and connect. When you empower your audience to tell their stories about your brand, you create marketing that feels genuine and builds lasting relationships with customers.
4. Performance-Based Partnerships
Instead of fixed upfront fees, performance-based partnerships compensate influencers based on specific metrics like sales, conversions, or engagement. This approach lets businesses directly tie influencer marketing costs to actual results.
The core principle is simple – influencers earn money based on the real outcomes they deliver. This includes sales through affiliate links, conversions from custom discount codes, or hitting engagement targets. The model aligns influencer incentives with business goals.
Several major brands have shown this strategy works. Fashion Nova and Revolve were early adopters who proved performance-based campaigns could effectively drive both sales and brand visibility. The Amazon Associates program also demonstrated how affiliate partnerships could scale successfully.
Key platforms have made these partnerships easier to execute. The Amazon Associates program lets creators earn commissions promoting Amazon products. Other platforms like LTK (formerly RewardStyle) and ShareASale provide tools to track, manage and optimize performance-based campaigns.
Pros:
- Lower upfront costs: You only pay for results, minimizing risk and maximizing budget efficiency
- Better ROI tracking: Direct correlation between influencer activity and sales/conversions allows for accurate measurement
- Motivates influencer performance: Incentivizes influencers to create high-quality, engaging content
- Scalable results: Successful campaigns can be easily scaled by partnering with more influencers
Cons:
- May deter some influencers: Some creators prefer the security of upfront payment
- Requires robust tracking systems: Accurate tracking and attribution are crucial for fair compensation
- Can lead to aggressive promotion: Overly aggressive promotion tactics can negatively impact brand image
Tips for Implementation:
- Set clear performance metrics: Define the specific metrics that will determine influencer compensation
- Use reliable tracking tools: Implement accurate tracking to monitor performance and attribute conversions
- Create a fair compensation structure: Offer competitive commission rates to attract top influencers
- Regular performance reviews: Consistently review results and provide feedback to optimize campaigns
You might be interested in: understanding how sitemaps can contribute to your overall SEO strategy. Read also: Optimizing Your Sitemap.
Performance-based partnerships make influencer marketing more measurable and results-focused. This model works especially well for ecommerce businesses since it directly impacts sales. For marketers, business owners, and social media managers, it provides clear ROI tracking. For influencers, it opens up new revenue opportunities tied to their ability to drive real results.
5. Multi-Platform Content Strategy
Building influence takes presence across multiple social networks. A multi-platform approach combines campaigns across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to connect with diverse audiences and amplify brand messaging.
Core Benefits of Multi-Platform:
- Expanded reach: Target different audience segments where they naturally spend time
- Content versatility: Create engaging content tailored to each platform's strengths
- Brand awareness: Build recognition through consistent messaging across channels
- Multiple touchpoints: Reinforce campaign messages through repeated exposure
Here's what makes multi-platform campaigns effective:
- Your influencers need engaged followers across target platforms
- Content should match each platform's best practices and formats
- Core messaging stays consistent even as formats change
- Each piece of content is optimized for its specific platform
Key Challenges:
- More complex coordination between influencers and platforms
- Higher production effort for platform-specific content
- Increased costs for equipment, software and production
Real Brand Success Stories:
- Fenty Beauty masterfully combines stunning Instagram visuals, YouTube tutorials, and viral TikTok challenges
- Dunkin' coordinates TikTok dance challenges with polished Instagram product features
- Netflix blends Twitter commentary, Instagram behind-the-scenes content, and YouTube trailers
Tips for Success:
- Create unique content for each platform rather than just reposting
- Keep your core message clear and consistent everywhere
- Track platform-specific metrics to understand what resonates
- Plan posting schedules strategically across channels
Following these guidelines helps multi-platform campaigns effectively reach broader audiences while maintaining focused messaging and measurable results. The key is thoughtful coordination between platforms while respecting each one's unique strengths.
The extra effort of multi-platform pays off through expanded reach and deeper audience connections. When done right, it creates a unified brand presence that meets audiences on their preferred platforms.
6. Influencer-Led Product Development
When brands work directly with influencers to create products, it goes beyond simple endorsements to build something truly special. Instead of just asking influencers to promote existing items, companies partner with them to design and develop new products from the ground up. This creates authentic collaborations that tap into the influencer's deep knowledge of what their audience wants.
The magic happens when brands combine their manufacturing expertise with an influencer's intimate understanding of their followers' needs and preferences. Rather than relying only on traditional market research, companies get real insights from someone who talks to their target customers daily. The result? Products that genuinely resonate with buyers.
Key Elements of Influencer Product Partnerships:
- True Collaboration: Influencers actively participate in design, development, and key decisions
- Audience Insight: Their deep knowledge of follower preferences shapes the product
- Limited Editions: Often creates special collections unique to the partnership
- Built-in Following: Products launch to an engaged, interested audience
Benefits:
- Ready Market: Launch to followers already excited about the influencer's recommendations
- Real Endorsement: Goes beyond paid posts since influencer helped create it
- Niche Expertise: Tap into influencer's specialized knowledge
- Strong Marketing: Natural promotion plus paid campaigns drive awareness
Challenges:
- Upfront Costs: Product development plus influencer fees require significant investment
- Contract Details: Need clear agreements on ownership, payment, and responsibilities
- Reputation Risk: Influencer controversy can hurt product success
Real Success Stories:
- Morphe x James Charles: Their eyeshadow palette collaboration regularly sold out and helped both brands grow
- Nike x Travis Scott: Created highly popular sneaker designs that sneakerheads love
- ColourPop x Influencers: Regular makeup collaborations show how to scale this approach
Making It Work:
- Find the Right Match: Partner with influencers who understand your product category
- Set Clear Terms: Create detailed contracts covering all aspects upfront
- Full Partnership: Include influencer input from start to finish
- Strong Launch Plan: Combine organic content with strategic promotion
Industry Impact:
Beauty and fashion brands like Morphe and ColourPop showed how powerful these partnerships can be when done right. What started as simple product endorsements has evolved into true creative collaborations that benefit both brands and influencers.
When executed thoughtfully, influencer product development creates authentic items that really connect with customers. The combination of expert product knowledge and direct audience understanding helps brands build better products and stronger relationships with buyers.
7. Educational Content Partnerships
Educational content partnerships take influencer marketing to the next level by focusing on real value rather than just product placement. When brands team up with genuine experts to create in-depth educational content, they build trust and authority with their audience. People are hungry for authentic, useful information – and that's exactly what these partnerships deliver.
The key is tapping into the influencer's specialized knowledge to produce high-quality educational materials. This could be through online courses, detailed guides, expert-led webinars, or informative social content. The goal is sharing practical insights that viewers can actually use.
Key elements that make these partnerships work:
- Expert knowledge sharing: The influencer brings deep subject matter expertise
- In-depth content: Goes beyond surface-level posts to provide real substance
- Value-first approach: Focus on teaching and helping, not selling
- Credibility building: Association with respected experts enhances brand reputation
Benefits:
- Quality content: Creates truly useful resources that resonate
- Enhanced authority: Shows your brand is a knowledgeable industry leader
- Lasting impact: Educational content provides value long after publication
- Authentic trust: Partnerships with real experts build genuine credibility
Challenges:
- More development time: Quality educational content takes longer to create
- Higher costs: Professional production requires bigger investment
- Expert validation: Must carefully verify influencer credentials
Real Examples:
- HubSpot Academy: Partners with marketing experts for free certification courses
- MasterClass: Features celebrity experts teaching their crafts
- LinkedIn Learning: Offers expert-led professional development courses
Tips for Success:
- Prioritize practical value: Give viewers concrete takeaways they can implement
- Check credentials: Research the expert's background thoroughly
- Build content series: Create connected pieces for deeper learning
- Show, don't tell: Include examples and case studies to illustrate concepts
The success of platforms like HubSpot and MasterClass shows how much people want solid educational content. This approach helps brands build real authority while giving their audience genuine value. You might be interested in: learning more about optimizing your website structure, which you can explore further in our sitemap: https://notifyio.net/page-sitemap.xml. Read also: articles on developing a strong content strategy to complement your influencer partnerships and maximize your reach.
8. Live Shopping and Events
Live shopping puts a fresh spin on direct selling by combining social media, real-time interaction, and instant purchasing. This method brings together influencers and audiences through live streaming events where products are showcased, questions are answered on the spot, and viewers can buy items right away.
The concept builds on traditional TV shopping channels like QVC, but moves it into the social media era through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By pairing influencer marketing with interactive live streams, brands can create authentic shopping experiences that feel more like friendly conversations than sales pitches.
The key elements include real-time chat with viewers, built-in purchase links, instant audience feedback, and interactive features like polls to keep people engaged throughout the stream.
Live shopping stands out because it drives immediate sales while creating genuine connections. The real-time nature creates excitement and exclusivity that motivates purchases. For example, beauty influencers can demonstrate products, address questions about ingredients, and provide instant buy links. Tech influencers often host product launches with special deals for live viewers. Amazon Live has seen great results with brands using influencers to reach wider audiences.
Pros:
- High engagement: Live events naturally draw attention and build community
- Quick sales: Viewers can buy items instantly with integrated purchase links
- Direct interaction: Real conversations help build trust with customers
- FOMO factor: Limited-time offers encourage immediate action
Cons:
- Technical issues: Streaming problems can derail events
- Heavy prep work: Events need careful planning and coordination
- Global timing: Hard to schedule convenient times across time zones
- Live pressure: Hosts must stay engaging and handle unexpected moments
Tips for Success:
- Test everything: Do full technical run-throughs before going live
- Build buzz: Promote events across multiple channels beforehand
- Have backups: Create contingency plans for technical difficulties
- Keep it interactive: Mix in polls, Q&As and other engagement tools
When done right, live shopping helps brands connect authentically with customers through influencer partnerships while driving measurable sales results. The key is understanding the format's unique demands and implementing the right strategies.
9. Cause-Related Influencer Campaigns
When brands partner with influencers to support meaningful causes, they can create genuine connections while making a real difference. These campaigns combine social good with brand awareness in a way that resonates with today's conscious consumers.
Key Campaign Elements:
- Social Impact Focus: Campaigns center on specific social or environmental issues
- Purpose-Driven Content: Messaging emphasizes the cause and brand commitment
- Community Action: Audiences are encouraged to participate and support
- Brand Values: The cause must naturally match the brand's core mission
Main Benefits:
- Better brand perception as consumers favor socially responsible companies
- Deeper audience engagement through emotional storytelling
- Measurable positive impact on important causes
- Authentic narratives that build trust and loyalty
Leading Examples
Several major brands have shown how powerful cause-driven campaigns can be:
Patagonia works with environmental activists and content creators to highlight climate issues and conservation efforts. Their influencer partnerships focus on inspiring climate action through compelling stories.
TOMS pioneered the "One for One" model, donating shoes with each purchase. They amplify this message through partnerships with influencers who share their giving mission.
Dove challenged beauty standards with their "Real Beauty" campaign, partnering with influencers who champion body positivity and self-acceptance.
Implementation Tips
For effective cause-related campaigns:
- Choose causes that naturally connect to your brand values
- Partner with influencers who already advocate for the cause
- Set specific impact goals and metrics
- Share real results and progress transparently
- Focus on long-term commitment over quick wins
Key Considerations
Advantages:
- Builds genuine brand trust
- Creates meaningful engagement
- Makes positive social impact
- Enables authentic storytelling
Challenges:
- Requires careful handling of sensitive topics
- Risk of appearing inauthentic
- Complex impact measurement
- Need for long-term commitment
By thoughtfully connecting influencer partnerships with social causes, brands can build meaningful relationships while contributing to positive change. The key is maintaining authenticity and demonstrating real commitment to the cause beyond marketing goals.
10. AI-Enhanced Influencer Selection
Finding the right influencers for your brand has become much more sophisticated than basic keyword searches. AI-enhanced influencer selection is now an essential strategy that uses data and analytics to match brands with the perfect content creators for their campaigns.
These AI systems analyze countless data points including audience demographics, engagement metrics, content quality, and past performance to find ideal matches. The technology can spot fake followers, predict campaign results, and ensure influencers truly connect with your target audience.
How Modern Influencer Platforms Work
Leading platforms like Upfluence, CreatorIQ, and HypeAuditor use AI to process massive influencer datasets. For example, a sustainable beauty brand can quickly find eco-conscious beauty creators with engaged Gen Z followers. The platforms also forecast potential campaign performance based on past results.
The Rise of Data-Driven Selection
As the influencer space grows more complex, manual selection becomes inefficient and error-prone. AI offers a scalable way to analyze data, streamline matching, and improve campaign success rates. The technology helps brands make smarter decisions backed by real performance metrics.
Key Benefits and Limitations
Benefits:
- More precise brand-influencer matching through data analysis
- Fraud detection prevents partnerships with fake accounts
- Campaign performance predictions based on historical data
- Faster, more efficient selection process
Limitations:
- Higher costs for AI platform access
- Need for data analysis expertise
- May miss nuanced factors like brand voice fit
Tips for Success
- Blend AI insights with human judgment for best results
- Keep data fresh and updated
- Track key metrics to improve future campaigns
- Verify AI recommendations with additional research
Want to learn more about optimizing your content strategy? Check out our other helpful resources on our post sitemap. You can also read related articles about new marketing technologies.
The most effective influencer marketing combines AI's analytical power with human expertise. This balanced approach helps brands run targeted campaigns with less risk and better ROI, focusing resources on partnerships that drive real business results.
10-Point Influencer Marketing Strategy Comparison
| Strategy |  Complexity |
 Resource Requirements |
 Expected Outcomes |
 Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-Influencer Collaboration | Low to Moderate – Multiple smaller partnerships require coordination | Low to Medium – Affordable fees and manageable investments | High engagement, targeted impact, improved ROI | Authentic connections, cost-effective targeting |
| Long-Term Brand Ambassador Programs | High – Extended partnerships need ongoing management | High – Significant initial and continuous investment | Consistent messaging, stronger audience trust, long-term ROI | Deep brand integration, enhanced authenticity |
| User-Generated Content Campaigns | Moderate – Requires clear guidelines and community oversight | Low – Leverages organic, community-driven content | Elevated engagement, authentic content generation | Cost-efficient, promotes community involvement |
| Performance-Based Partnerships | Moderate – Relies on robust tracking and metric management | Low – Lower upfront costs with performance incentives | Scalable results, measurable ROI, incentive-driven growth | Results-driven, encourages high influencer performance |
| Multi-Platform Content Strategy | High – Complex coordination across various channels | High – Increased production and coordination expenses | Broader audience reach, integrated messaging across platforms | Diverse content formats, multiple touchpoints |
| Influencer-Led Product Development | High – Product co-creation and legal coordination required | High – Higher investment risk and resource commitment | Built-in audience, strong promotional potential | Authentically endorsed products, expert input |
| Educational Content Partnerships | Moderate – In-depth content creation and expert collaborations | Medium to High – Requires quality production and expert validation | High-value, authority-building content with lasting impact | Establishes brand authority, builds long-term trust |
| Live Shopping and Events | High – Technical challenges and time-sensitive coordination | High – Significant preparation and production investments | Immediate sales conversion, real-time audience engagement | Direct interaction, creates urgency |
| Cause-Related Influencer Campaigns | Moderate – Balancing sensitive topics with promotional messaging | Medium – Aligned resource allocation for social initiatives | Enhanced brand reputation, meaningful and impactful engagement | Authentic storytelling, positive social impact |
| AI-Enhanced Influencer Selection | High – Complex AI integration and data expertise required | High – Considerable technology costs and specialized resources | Accurate matching, improved ROI prediction, efficient process | Data-driven and risk-reducing selection methodology |
Ignite Your Influencer Marketing Success
Building effective influencer marketing campaigns requires careful planning and execution to connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Whether you work with micro-influencers for targeted reach or use data-driven tools for partner selection, success depends on following proven best practices.
The foundation of any influencer campaign rests on these essential elements:
- Genuine Partnerships: Choose influencers who truly align with your brand values and naturally connect with your target audience. Forced collaborations rarely deliver results.
- Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable objectives for each campaign – whether that's growing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales. Monitor key metrics to improve future campaigns.
- Smart Strategy: Take time to develop a thoughtful plan that matches your marketing goals and audience needs. Consider which platforms, content types, and influencer styles will resonate best.
- Full Disclosure: Follow FTC guidelines by clearly marking sponsored content. Being upfront about partnerships helps build audience trust.
Running successful campaigns requires flexibility and continuous optimization. Review performance data regularly, gather audience feedback, and adjust your approach based on what works. While new formats like live shopping and short videos continue emerging, focus on proven strategies that deliver consistent results for your brand.
Key Points to Remember:
- Focus on Fit: Partner with influencers who authentically match your brand identity
- Keep it Real: Prioritize genuine relationships and transparent disclosures
- Follow the Data: Track metrics closely and optimize based on results
- Stay Current: Test emerging formats while maintaining what works
Ready to strengthen your influencer marketing program? Notifyio.net offers expert insights on influencer partnerships, social proof tactics, and proven marketing strategies. Learn from industry leaders and discover techniques to expand your reach and grow your business. Visit us today to take your marketing to the next level.
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- About the Author
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Clark Carlson is the head of content at Notifyio.net, a digital media platform. His journalism and content creation experience are extensive. Carlson has been key to shaping the platform’s content strategy. He has also ensured the delivery of high-quality content. It is informative and engaging. It includes articles, videos, and multimedia. His keen eye for detail and ability to spot trends have helped Notifyio.net stay ahead of the curve.
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