Brand tips

Campaign Not Converting? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Optimise in Real Time

Influencer campaign not performing? Diagnose issues, refine messaging, optimize platforms, and leverage paid boosts to quickly get back on track.

So the campaign is live. The content looks amazing. The creators did their thing. But… crickets.

We get it. Even the best-planned influencer campaigns can miss the mark. The key isn’t panic—it’s pivoting with purpose.

Here’s how to troubleshoot your campaign in real time and get things back on track—without blowing the budget or burning bridges.

🕵️‍♀️ 1. Diagnose the Problem: Where’s the Drop-Off?

Start with a simple question: Where’s the breakdown happening?

  • Are people not engaging with the content?
  • Are they clicking but not converting?
  • Is the content underperforming compared to past campaigns?

Check:

  • Engagement rate (low likes/comments = low relevance)
  • Click-through rate (high engagement but no clicks = unclear CTA)
  • Conversion rate (clicks but no sales = offer mismatch or landing page issue)

💡 TRF Tip: Use UTM links and unique creator codes to isolate performance across each stage.

🧠 2. Reassess the Content Angle

Sometimes it’s not the creator—it’s the message. Ask:

  • Is the content emotionally resonant or just product-focused?
  • Does it solve a problem or highlight a pain point?
  • Is it native to the platform’s style, or does it feel like an ad?

Consider asking the creator to:

  • Reframe with a stronger hook
  • Highlight a specific benefit
  • Shoot a quick follow-up reel or story to test a new direction

This isn’t about redoing—it’s about refining.

📲 3. Look at Platform Fit

If your creators are crushing it on TikTok but flopping on Instagram, it’s not them—it’s the algorithm.

Not every creator or piece of content will work across every channel.

  • Try shifting budget to the top-performing platforms
  • Test short-form vs. long-form variations
  • Repackage the content for other placements (email, ads, product pages)

🛠 4. Optimise Your Funnel, Not Just the Post

Often the issue isn’t with the creator content—it’s what happens after the click.

Check:

  • Is your landing page mobile-friendly?
  • Does it match the tone and style of the creator’s content?
  • Are you asking for too much (e.g. too many form fields, slow load time)?

💡 Small UX fixes can dramatically increase conversion rates without touching the content.

🔁 5. Layer in Paid Boosting

If the content’s solid but not getting traction, consider boosting it.

  • Creator whitelisting lets you run paid ads from the creator’s handle (hello, trust!)
  • Use small test budgets to A/B creative variations
  • Retarget engaged viewers with a clear offer

It’s a great way to extend reach and increase ROI—especially when organic performance plateaus.

Every campaign is a learning opportunity. What matters is how quickly you can pivot, optimise, and keep momentum.

With the right creators, clear data, and flexible strategy—you’re never starting from scratch.

Need help running, refining, or rebooting your next influencer campaign? We’re here to help you make the right call at every stage.