Influenster is an online community and product discovery platform that connects consumers with brands to provide honest reviews in exchange for free products. The platform operates on a model where members receive complimentary items, including full-sized products, in return for sharing their opinions. This approach benefits both consumers, who can trial new products without cost, and brands, which gain valuable feedback. The service covers a range of categories, including food, cosmetics, and household cleaning products. Members are encouraged to write reviews on the Influenster website, and for doing so, they are entered into a monthly sweepstakes to win further products.
The platform functions as a two-way street. While participants receive free items, they are expected to provide genuine feedback. Influenster has a community of over one million members who are committed to reviewing new products and sharing recommendations. To receive free products, individuals must sign up and complete their profiles. The platform uses user profiles, an Impact Score, and previous activity to determine eligibility for campaigns. The more active a user is on the platform, the greater their chances of being selected for future product campaigns.
Influenster campaigns are tailored to a user's interests and preferences. There are two main types of campaigns: VoxBoxes and Virtual VoxBoxes. VoxBoxes are themed packages of products that are mailed directly to qualified members' homes. These boxes contain a variety of products from top beauty, health, grooming, snack, beverage, and lifestyle brands. Virtual VoxBoxes, on the other hand, are digital campaigns that do not require a physical product but still offer rewards and product promotions. Eligibility for these campaigns depends on the user's profile, Impact Score, and activity on the platform.
The process for joining a campaign involves several steps. Users must first sign up and create an account. They should then complete the "badges" or "snaps" by answering questions to increase their eligibility. Users can also connect their social media accounts for more chances. To be considered for campaigns, it is important to have the latest version of the Influenster app downloaded and to ensure that the profile is complete and up to date. This can be done by tapping the "Profile" icon in the lower right corner of the app and answering the questions in the "My info" section.
Once a user is active and their profile is complete, they should keep an eye on their email and the Influenster website or app for announcements about available campaigns. If a user is eligible for a campaign, they will receive an invitation via email. This invitation requires the completion of a pre-qualifying survey to ensure they are the right fit for the product. If selected for a campaign, the user will receive further instructions on how to participate, review the product, and complete any required tasks. It is important to note that not everyone will be selected for every campaign, but increased activity on the platform improves the chances of being chosen for future opportunities.
Upon receiving a VoxBox, participants are expected to complete campaign tasks and requirements. This typically involves reviewing the products and engaging in specific activities. The feedback provided by users can influence a brand's decisions and product improvements. In addition to receiving free products, users may also encounter exclusive deals and discounts on products they love.
A significant development for users in the United Kingdom and elsewhere is the integration of Try it Sampling with Influenster. According to an email sent on 14 December 2022, TryIt Sampling was joining forces with Influenster to make the sampling experience easier and better. This transition means that campaigns previously run through TryIt will now be managed exclusively through Influenster, and the TryIt programme will eventually be retired. For now, users may see campaigns running on both platforms. They are advised to continue completing reviews for TryIt products in their TryIt account while also monitoring the Influenster app for new opportunities. All future campaigns are expected to be delivered exclusively through Influenster.
For users interested in joining, the sign-up process involves creating an account and completing the necessary questions in the "snaps" section. Connecting social accounts can provide additional opportunities. The platform is available as a mobile application for iPad and other devices. The app may collect data to track users across other apps and websites, including contact information and usage data. Data linked to a user's identity may include financial information, contact details, user content, search history, identifiers, usage data, sensitive information, and diagnostics. Location data may also be collected but is not linked to the user's identity.
In summary, Influenster provides a structured way for consumers to receive free products, including full-sized items, in exchange for honest reviews. The platform uses a member's profile and activity level to determine eligibility for themed VoxBoxes and digital campaigns. With the ongoing integration of Try it Sampling, all sampling campaigns are moving to the Influenster platform, making it the central hub for product trials and reviews. Users in the United Kingdom can participate by signing up, completing their profiles, and staying active on the platform to increase their chances of receiving free samples from a variety of categories.
Conclusion
Influenster operates as a product discovery and review platform where members can receive free products, including full-sized items, by providing honest feedback. The system is based on user activity, profile completion, and an Impact Score to qualify for themed VoxBoxes or digital campaigns. A key development for UK consumers is the transition from the Try it Sampling service, with all future campaigns moving exclusively to the Influenster platform. Participation requires signing up, completing profile questions, and actively engaging with the platform to increase eligibility for sampling opportunities.