We’re making $400k/y with an Al agentic platform but now we are having a hard time growing it more

Title: Scaling an AI-Driven Influencer Marketing Platform: Challenges and Future Directions

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of influencer marketing, innovative technology can provide a significant competitive edge. Our company has developed a sophisticated platform that leverages artificial intelligence to connect brands and influencer marketing agencies with content creators based on visual aesthetics, content type, mood, and specific niches. While early success has been promising, we now face the challenge of scaling our platform beyond our initial customer base. This article explores our journey, the hurdles encountered, and potential strategies for sustainable growth.

Our Platform and Value Proposition

Our platform utilizes cutting-edge visual AI agents that scan and analyze content across multiple social media platforms, such as Instagram. These agents gather in-depth information about content creators — details that are often only apparent upon manual profile review. By enriching data, our system enables users to search a vast pool of creators through intuitive natural language queries, facilitating highly targeted and efficient influencer partnerships.

Early Success and Foundation

We secured several design partners early on, generating approximately $400,000 annually in revenue. Our team’s strong credentials, including a seasoned founder, an AI PhD, and an ex-Microsoft software engineer, were instrumental in establishing credibility with initial clients. These relationships were further strengthened through existing networks, enabling us to demonstrate the platform’s potential effectively.

Current Challenges in Growth

Despite these achievements, expanding our user base has proven difficult beyond our initial customers. We’ve actively engaged with numerous influencer agencies and gradually began reaching out to brands directly. While interest is acknowledged, sustained engagement and conversion remain elusive, with many leads fizzling out after initial contact. This stagnation highlights the difficulties in achieving scalable growth in a competitive landscape.

Exploring Opportunities and Future Directions

Recognizing these challenges, we are contemplating strategic pivots to unlock new avenues for expansion. Our platform’s core technology is adaptable and can serve diverse use cases beyond influencer marketing—such as content discovery, visual data analysis, and real-time information consumption. By broadening our application scope, we aim to attract different client segments and create additional revenue streams.

Seeking Input and Insights

As we navigate this growth phase, we seek advice from industry peers, partners, and potential users. What strategies have proven effective in scaling AI-powered platforms within the marketing technology space? How can we improve client engagement and retention? Are there specific product features or service models that could accelerate adoption?

Conclusion

Building an innovative AI-driven influencer marketing platform has validated our technological capabilities and initial market fit.