Why Q1 Is the Best Time to Test Influencer Marketing (and How to Do It Smartly)
The first quarter of the year is more than just a reset it’s a strategic opportunity. For brands looking to test or refine their influencer marketing strategy, Q1 is the most cost-effective, data-rich, and low-risk time to experiment before budgets tighten and competition heats up later in the year.
Whether you’re a DTC brand, retail brand, or emerging startup, here’s why Q1 is the ideal time to test influencer marketing and how to do it smartly.
Why Q1 Is Prime Time for Influencer Marketing
1. Less Competition = Lower Influencer Costs
After the holiday rush, many brands pause campaigns in January and February. This creates a buyer’s market for influencer partnerships.
Benefits in Q1:
Lower influencer rates
Increased availability of creators
Higher likelihood of gifted collaborations being accepted
SEO keywords: influencer marketing cost, influencer pricing, gifted influencer campaigns
2. Influencers Are Hungry for Brand Deals
Creators typically see a slowdown in paid partnerships after Q4. That means influencers are more open to:
Testing new brands
Creating higher-quality content
Overdelivering to secure long-term relationships
This is the perfect time to identify high-performing micro-influencers who can grow with your brand throughout the year.
3. Q1 Sets the Foundation for the Entire Year
Testing in Q1 gives brands time to:
Identify top-performing creators
Understand what content converts
Optimize messaging before peak seasons
Instead of guessing in Q3 or Q4, you’ll already know what works and can scale confidently.
How to Test Influencer Marketing Smartly in Q1
1. Start with a Test Campaign (Not a Massive Budget)
Q1 is about learning, not scaling.
A smart test campaign includes:
10–15 influencers
A mix of Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Stories
A gifted or hybrid compensation model
This allows you to gather data without overspending.
2. Focus on Content Creation First
One of the biggest advantages of influencer marketing is reusable content.
In Q1, prioritize:
Authentic testimonials
“First impression” videos
Before-and-after content
Lifestyle product integrations
This content can later be repurposed for:
Paid social ads
Email marketing
Website product pages
3. Track the Right Metrics (Not Just Likes)
Success in Q1 isn’t about virality it’s about insights.
Key metrics to track:
Saves and shares
Website traffic
Story link clicks
Comments and sentiment
Sales or discount code usage
These metrics will tell you which creators and platforms are worth reinvesting in.
4. Test Multiple Creator Types
Q1 is the best time to experiment with:
Micro-influencers (5k–50k followers)
Niche creators (beauty, wellness, food, lifestyle)
TikTok-first vs Instagram-first creators
You may find that smaller creators outperform larger ones when it comes to trust and conversions.
5. Build Long-Term Relationships Early
Creators you work with in Q1 can become:
Brand ambassadors
Ongoing monthly partners
Product launch collaborators
Locking in relationships early helps avoid higher rates later in the year.
Why Brands That Test Influencer Marketing in Q1 Win All Year
Brands that test influencer marketing early:
Spend less per creator
Learn faster
Scale smarter
Enter Q4 with proven data
Instead of scrambling during peak seasons, they already have a playbook that works.
Ready to Test Influencer Marketing the Smart Way?
At In/Spree Brands, we help brands:
Launch low-risk Q1 influencer test campaigns
Partner with vetted micro and mid-tier influencers
Generate high-quality content, reviews, and data
Track performance with full reporting and insights
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to test influencer marketing this is it.
👉 Let’s build your Q1 influencer strategy.
