Influenster is a product testing platform that partners with brands to distribute free products to consumers in exchange for honest reviews and feedback. The program is free to join and offers full-size products, exclusive samples, and special offers across a wide range of categories, including beauty, electronics, pet supplies, and household goods. Participants are selected for campaigns based on their profile details and social media influence, and they are required to complete specific tasks, such as writing reviews or posting on social media, after receiving their items.
To begin receiving free products, users must download the Influenster app or visit the website and create a free account. The sign-up process requires users to be at least 18 years old. After registering, the next step is to complete a detailed profile. This profile allows marketeers to understand the user's demographics, lifestyle, and product preferences, which helps match them with appropriate campaigns. Profile questions cover topics such as hair and skin type, whether the user has pets or a garden, and interests like gaming or outdoor activities. Completing this profile is essential for maximizing the chances of being selected for a campaign.
Once the profile is complete, users enter a waiting period. Influenster uses the provided information to match users with marketing campaigns. Selection is based on whether the user fits the specific demographic requirements of a campaign. There is no guaranteed timeline for when a user might be matched with a product. After being matched, users receive a "Free product alert!" email and a notification within the app. Some campaigns may require users to fill out a short application or survey to confirm their interest and eligibility.
Connecting social media accounts is an optional but highly recommended step. Users can link profiles from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter through the "social impact" page. While not mandatory, doing so can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving more free products. Influenster calculates an "impact score" based on a user's social media presence. A higher impact score indicates a greater potential reach for brand reviews, making the user a more attractive candidate for campaigns. It may take a few hours for the impact score to be calculated after connecting accounts.
The types of freebies available through Influenster are varied. The platform runs several different kinds of campaigns:
- Straightforward Freebies: The product is shipped directly to the user's home at no cost.
- Voucher-Based Campaigns: Users receive a voucher for 100% off an item, which must be redeemed at a physical retail store.
- Discount Campaigns: Users may receive a discount on a high-value item, such as a television or refrigerator, but they are responsible for paying the remaining portion of the cost.
Most campaigns involve receiving full-size products, though some, particularly for items like perfumes, may involve samples. Users have the option to opt out of receiving samples if they prefer. Products offered can range from beauty and makeup items to food and drink, gadgets, electronics, and even household appliances and furniture.
Participation in Influenster requires more than just receiving the product; users must work for their freebies by completing assigned tasks. All campaigns involve some form of review. Often, this includes submitting a review on the Influenster platform as well as on another retail website, such as Tesco or Superdrug. Some campaigns may require social media posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, which could involve creating a video or taking a photo. Brands may also ask for a short survey at the end of the testing period.
These tasks come with deadlines, and failing to complete them on time can negatively impact a user's chances of being selected for future campaigns. Conversely, completing all required tasks promptly can improve the likelihood of being chosen for subsequent campaigns. Once a user has completed their first campaign, they may start to receive more frequent matches, sometimes several per month.
New users are advised to focus on creating a thorough profile and linking social media accounts initially. While writing a few reviews on the app before a first campaign can help marketeers understand preferences, it is not necessary to write hundreds of reviews. The selection process is primarily driven by matching demographic profiles to campaign needs. After the initial setup, the process largely involves waiting for a match. Users who complete their first campaign successfully often find their selection frequency increases over time. The platform is considered legitimate, and users never have to pay for the products they receive or provide payment information.
Conclusion
Influenster provides a structured, no-cost method for consumers to receive full-size products and samples from major brands. The core requirements for participation include being over 18, creating a free account, and completing a detailed profile to facilitate campaign matching. While connecting social media accounts is optional, it enhances the potential for receiving more products by increasing a user's visibility to brands. The program is not a passive activity; users must complete specific tasks, such as reviews and social media posts, within set deadlines to maintain good standing and improve their chances for future campaigns. Success on the platform depends on accurate profile information and consistent, timely task completion.