44 - Social media influencers & free services

Navigating Influencer Collaborations: Legal Insights for Australian Businesses In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush delves into the complex legal landscape of influencers requesting free products or services from small businesses in exchange for exposure. Using a fictional case study, Melissa explains how such arrangements are considered commercial advertising under Australian law, highlighting the guidelines set by the ACCC, AANA, and AIMCO. She discusses key issues such as disclosure responsibilities, potential legal risks, and the importance of written agreements. This episode provides actionable advice for businesses to manage influencer collaborations ethically and legally, ensuring transparency and compliance. 00:00 Introduction to Influencers and Free Services 00:37 Understanding the Legal Implications 01:24 Welcome to Business Know How 02:19 A Common Scenario: Influencer Requests 03:33 Legal Framework and Industry Standards 08:21 Case Study: Harbor and Bloom Weddings 10:18 Risks and Considerations 11:57 Best Practices for Influencer Collaborations 14:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://aana.com.au/self-regulation/codes-guidelines/code-of-ethics/ https://aimco.org.au/best-practice https://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising-and-promotions/social-media-promotions