Why micro-influencers are the smart choice for tech brands in 2025

Guest Column: Puravansh Maitreya, Head of Marketing at Lava International Limited, says creator creativity and cost must align with business goals in today’s evolving marketing landscape

e4m by Puravansh Maitreya
Published: Jul 4, 2025 12:34 PM  | 4 min read
Puravansh Maitreya, Lava International Limited
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Scroll through your feed today and you will notice something interesting. The most successful campaigns are not necessarily the most expensive. The task for marketers today is to identify relevance that connects with audiences, strikes a personal chord and establishes genuine trust through credible creators. Effective communication is key, wherein micro-influencers play a significant role through language comfort, demographic relativism and access to communities who are discerning.

In today’s marketing landscape - creator creativity and cost should align with the business requirements, wherein for a brand catering to the sub-INR 30,000 segment of users, a more personal, connected approach works. Adoption of smartphones has boomed with the 5G revolution and as we now see many new smartphone users, it is imperative to connect with them with a personal touch and through credible voices from their region.

Influence is not determined by who shouts the loudest. It is about who connects the deepest.

Micro-Influencers – Growth Trajectory

In Indian sub-continent, micro-influencers have witnessed tremendous growth. Over the past five years, the segment has expanded at 20-25 percent annually, significantly faster than other markets like the US at 15-20 percent or China at 10-15 percent. This uptick is driven by India’s diverse regional cultures and rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, where audiences across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities respond more readily to localised and vernacular content.

For a smartphone brand that caters to a wide audience base it is ardent that content is relayed with personal touch, through trusted voices and tailored to their needs and requirements. Given the diversity across India, marketers increasingly recognise the need to go hyperlocal by engaging creators who reflect their audiences’ aspirations.

Authenticity and Trust that Translate into Action

Micro-influencers stand out for their authenticity and relevance. They put tech features into everyday context, whether that is explaining the camera of a new phone in a relatable hands-on demo or showcasing battery life in a vlog filmed during a typical day.

That authenticity drives trust and trust drives action. Micro-influencers often make followers feel they are hearing from a knowledgeable peer rather than a distant figure. For smartphone brands looking to reach practical and price-sensitive audiences, this level of credibility can mean the difference between awareness and purchase.

Successful campaigns across the industry have proven this. All prominent brands have identified the potency in micro -influencers and have leveraged their expertise and reach through thoughtful campaigns like our #MyBharatwithLava campaign that celebrated India’s cultural diversity and incredible heritage through its flagship AGNI 3.

Engagement and Conversion that Drive Real Business Impact

Another significant benefit of micro-influencers is their exceptionally high engagement rates. On average they clock 4-7 percent engagement rates on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Even more importantly, they can drive up to 20 percent conversion rates for tech products in regional markets, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where consumers appreciate hearing from someone they relate to.

Micro-influencers’ authentic reviews and hands-on unboxing content drive real-world action, directing foot traffic to retail outlets. Campaigns such as Lava’s #ProudlyIndian have led to a 15–25 percent rise in in-store inquiries and sales in key target regions.

Balancing Micro and Macro Influence

Micro-influencers will continue to play a prominent role, accounting for 50–60 percent of influencer budgets. Category A creators will also maintain strong relevance, commanding around 30–40 percent of budgets based on campaign goals and business priorities.

For new brands looking to establish their footprint and drive market penetration, this balanced and targeted approach will be a crucial first step. Scalable impact will come from the right mix of micro and macro-influencers tailored to each campaign’s unique requirements.

Micro-Influencers Will Continue to Lead Tech Marketing

As the smartphone industry in India becomes more competitive and consumers look for authenticity and personal connection, micro-influencers will continue to grow in prominence. Their power lies not in the size of their following but in the depth of their connection with audiences, making them especially valuable for brands that need to demonstrate credibility at scale.

Many markets today believe that authentic, relatable voices resonate far more effectively than traditional mass outreach. It is worth remembering: the future of influence isn’t in fame, it’s in familiarity.

The only question is, are you tapping into it yet?

Published On: Jul 4, 2025 12:34 PM