Mohsenitakalloo, Elahe (2025) Follower Count or Expertise? Cracking the Influencer Code for Startups. Masters thesis, Concordia University.
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Abstract
This study investigates the impact of influencer type in digital marketing, specifically examining how follower size and perceived expertise affect consumer outcomes, such as attitude, engagement, and purchase intention, in the context of a utilitarian product. It also explores how brand type (established vs. start-up) moderates these relationships and whether perceived trust in the influencer mediates them. While influencer marketing is widely used, most existing research focuses on hedonic products. Little is known about how influencer type interacts with brand type to shape consumer attitudes and behaviors toward utilitarian products. To address this gap, two experimental studies were conducted. Study 1 examined the interaction between influencer follower size (mega vs. micro) and brand type (established vs. start-up) on consumer responses. Study 2 explored the interaction between influencer expertise (expert vs. lifestyle) and brand type, while also testing the mediating role of perceived trust in the influencer. The findings reveal that influencer effectiveness varies depending on follower size, expertise, and brand type. Trust in the influencer significantly mediates the effects on consumer attitudes and intentions. Theoretically, this study extends influencer marketing research into utilitarian contexts. Practically, it provides guidance for marketers, particularly those in start-ups, on selecting appropriate influencer types based on brand and product characteristics.
| Divisions: | Concordia University > John Molson School of Business > Marketing |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
| Authors: | Mohsenitakalloo, Elahe |
| Institution: | Concordia University |
| Degree Name: | M. Sc. |
| Program: | Marketing |
| Date: | 21 July 2025 |
| Thesis Supervisor(s): | Sobol, Kamila |
| ID Code: | 995947 |
| Deposited By: | Elahe Mohsenitakalloo |
| Deposited On: | 04 Nov 2025 17:01 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Nov 2025 17:01 |
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