Influenster is an online platform that connects users with brands seeking honest reviews and social media feedback in exchange for free products. The service operates as a community where members can receive full-sized items, samples, and digital promotions to test and review. This article outlines how the programme works, the steps to participate, and key considerations for UK-based consumers interested in joining.
Influenster functions as a product discovery and review platform, bringing together a community of over one million members. Participants sign up to receive free products, which can include items from categories such as food, cosmetics, and household cleaning products. The core exchange is straightforward: members receive products at no cost in return for providing honest feedback. This feedback is typically shared through reviews posted on the Influenster website, although the platform also facilitates other forms of content creation, including social media posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The platform states that its purpose is to help users discover new products, share opinions, and connect with like-minded individuals.
The process of obtaining free products from Influenster involves several distinct steps. First, users must create an account and establish a detailed profile. This profile is crucial as it helps the platform match members with appropriate campaigns. Users are advised to connect their social media accounts, although this is not a mandatory requirement. Adjusting account settings to receive email notifications is also recommended, as Influenster sends regular emails with campaign invitations and updates. A clear and professional profile picture is suggested to make a good first impression and potentially increase the chances of being selected for campaigns.
Once an account is set up, the next step is to participate in the platform's product discovery tools. Influenster offers quizzes that users can complete to determine their product preferences. The answers to these quizzes generate personalised product recommendations, making it easier for the platform to target relevant campaigns to the user. Beyond quizzes, users can also write reviews, ask questions, and engage in community discussions, which contributes to their activity level on the site.
A key metric on the platform is the "Impact Score." This score reflects a user's level of influence within the Influenster community. While the specific algorithm for calculating the Impact Score is not detailed in the provided sources, it is described as a crucial element that can affect a user's eligibility for campaigns. The sources indicate that the more active a user is on Influenster, the better their chances of being chosen for future opportunities. Activities that can increase this score include writing reviews, participating in community discussions, and completing required post-survey tasks for received products.
To join a specific campaign, users must first be eligible. Eligibility is determined by a combination of factors, including the user's profile, Impact Score, and previous activity on the platform. When a user is deemed a suitable match for a campaign, they will receive an invitation via email. This invitation requires the completion of a pre-qualifying survey to confirm that the user is the right fit for the product. If selected, the user receives further instructions on how to participate, which typically involves reviewing the product and completing specific tasks. These tasks are designed to increase the user's chances of being selected for future campaigns.
Upon receiving a product, members are generally expected to complete a post-survey. Completing these required activities is important for maintaining a good standing on the platform and for increasing the likelihood of receiving future product boxes, often referred to as "VoxBoxes." The sources also mention the existence of "Virtual VoxBoxes," which are digital campaigns that do not involve a physical product but still offer rewards and promotional opportunities.
Influenster has integrated with another sampling programme, TryIt Sampling. According to information from December 2022, TryIt Sampling is joining forces with Influenster to consolidate the sampling experience. The campaigns previously managed by TryIt are being moved to the Influenster platform, with the intention of eventually retiring the TryIt programme. All future campaigns are expected to be run exclusively through Influenster. For existing TryIt members, their history will not be directly visible in their new Influenster account but will be used to identify them as valued members for campaign targeting. While members are not required to use the same email address for both accounts, it is recommended to ensure continuity.
The number of offers a user receives can vary. This variation depends on several factors, including product availability and the targeting criteria for specific campaigns. It is not guaranteed that every active member will receive the same number of product offers. The platform emphasises that participation is based on a range of factors, and being active increases opportunities but does not guarantee a specific quantity of free products.
It is important to note that the information presented here is derived exclusively from the provided source materials. These sources include a general guide from a website called "guide2free.com" and a blog post from "supliful.com." While these sources describe the Influenster platform and its processes, they are not official Influenster documentation. For the most accurate and current terms, conditions, and privacy policies, users should always refer to the official Influenster website. The sources do not specify geographic restrictions, such as whether the programme is available to UK residents, nor do they provide details on shipping times, product categories beyond the general examples given, or specific brand partners. Users should verify the availability of the service in their region directly on the official platform.
In summary, Influenster offers a structured pathway for consumers to receive free products in exchange for reviews and other content. The process involves account creation, profile completion, participation in product discovery tools, and active engagement to build an Impact Score. Campaign eligibility is determined by the platform, and selected members receive products to test and review, with the expectation of completing post-campaign tasks. The recent merger with TryIt Sampling centralises sampling opportunities within the Influenster ecosystem. As with any free product programme, participation is subject to the platform's rules and product availability.