THE INDEPENDENT – Singles are turning to in-person events like “Date My Mate”, where friends present them using PowerPoint pitches to a live audience. The format feels more social and authentic, mixing humour with personal endorsement and reflecting a broader shift away from app‑based dating.
LTR – Mark Brooks shares key lessons from three years of influencer marketing for dating and social connection businesses, along with examples of integrations for brands like Christian Filipina, Filipina Visa, Positive Singles, and BiCupid. He explains why influencer marketing – especially YouTube – can outperform or complement paid ads by transferring trust, telling stories, normalizing app usage, building brands, and creating compounding evergreen value. Mark outlines a strategy focused on micro-influencers, long-term monthly partnerships (not one-offs), hybrid compensation models, and cross-posting to channels like Instagram and TikTok. He then introduces the Courtland Brooks Influencer System scorecard, detailing best practices such as short on-screen links, unique landing pages, clear calls to action and offers, QR codes, top-of-description links, story relevance, preserving creator personality, avoiding the word “sponsor” in favor of “partner,” and encouraging personal sharing.