How to Become an Influencer
From YouTubers with millions of channel subscribers to members of Instagram who land plenty of sponsorships, thanks to their followers and interactions, influencers are those who make up this new career option. Between sponsors, paid placements and advertising or affiliate revenue, it’s entirely possible to make a living as a social media influencer.
The real question is: how do you become one?
Find Your Niche
Authenticity is the key to gaining a following and becoming a successful influencer. You don’t want to pretend to be someone you’re not or even act like you’re interested in things that you don’t really like, just because it’s something that others do. Your followers will see right through your act. Instead, pick your niche, making sure that it’s something you’re passionate about, and go from there.
Choose a Platform
When it comes to social media, you have your choice of many different platforms. Some people prefer Instagram, while others like YouTube or TikTok. There’s also Twitter and Facebook, although it seems as though more influencers have Instagram or YouTube accounts. It all comes down to which one you’re the most comfortable with.
Grow Your Following
After you’ve picked a platform, the next step involves growing your following. It won’t happen overnight, unless you manage to go viral for some reason. (And making videos with the intention of going viral often backfires. You’re better off doing so organically.)
Start by posting the content that you like and interacting with your followers. Then, follow other people, use your hashtags wisely, and before you know it, you’ll have a decent sized following of your own. Once you have enough of an influence on social media, you can start looking for sponsorship opportunities.
Make Sure to Post Consistently
People tend to flock to those who post a lot. You need to stay consistent in order to gain any kind of a following. While you don’t have to spend all day on the app or platform of your choice, as there are tools that allow you to schedule posts, make sure that you follow some sort of routine. If you post inconsistently, you won’t reel in the audience you’re looking for.
Find a Manager
Believe it or not, there are managers out there that specialize in helping influencers gain sponsorships and make ad revenue. They have the relationships on both sides and can make those connections in ways that a new influencer cannot. Plus, since they make money off a percentage of your earnings, it’s in their best interest to help you become successful.
A Communications Degree Can Help
The courses that make up a communications degree, including writing for the media, media ethics, and more, can teach the skills that you need to not only write captions and take clear photos, but also communicate effectively on video. In addition, getting a bachelor’s degree requires you to take some general education courses, such as marketing and business management, that will also come in handy as you build your influencer empire. Ready to take the first step? , today!