How to spot fake engagement before signing an influencer contract

Audience quality determines ROI. High follower counts often mask bot farms. Check the ratio of likes to comments across recent posts. A healthy account shows consistent engagement patterns rather than sudden spikes on sponsored content.

Examine comments for authenticity. Generic phrases or repetitive emojis are red flags. Real followers ask questions or mention details. If the engagement feels automated, conversion rates will suffer regardless of reach.

Audit the growth curve and previous ads. Organic growth is typically steady, while sharp jumps indicate purchased databases. If every second post is a promotion, the audience suffers from ad fatigue which lowers the trust levels for new campaigns.

Always request a full media kit with verified reach screenshots before discussing the rate card. Success relies on data over aesthetics.