By Kendall Fisher, executive producer at Grow Wire

Social. Media. Influencer.

Perhaps one of the buzziest phrases in marketing, these three words have changed the way we think about brand awareness. The idea of utilizing a social media influencer can be intimidating, confusing and, more than anything, expensive.

But is it worth it to help grow brand awareness around your business or product? Even more than being worth it, is it necessary?

On this episode of “The Grow Wire Podcast,” we help answer all your burning questions about social media and social media influencers with our guest—a social media influencer himself—Jeff Barrett.

You might recognize the name as Barrett has contributed to Grow Wire in the past (check out his articles here and here). He’s also the CEO of the award-winning digital PR agency Status Creative and a well-known contributor for brands like Inc. and Adobe.

In conversation with host Fritz Nelson, Barrett defines the label “social media influencer” and dives into his own journey to becoming one. He also lays out why companies can benefit in big ways from using an influencer, admitting some of those influencers are internal evangelists a company can find within its own network.

Barrett also delivers advice for small businesses that are just starting off on social media platforms and ways in which those companies can increase brand awareness and grow their audience. He even explains why some platforms are better than others, and reveals what metrics matter when it comes to social media.

For all of this and more, listen to the full podcast episode on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud and YouTube, and as always, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe.

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