The world of social media is a funny one. It’s brand new, in the scheme of business, yet has taken over the world. We don’t really head to magazines anymore for the latest fashion trends or beauty looks, we tend to look online for people similar to us who we can get inspiration from. We have millions of people at our fingertips who all seem to be living their best life. But being an influencer is an interesting job. Some people do it part-time, some people full time and some people don’t even know they’re doing it! The term influencer just came about one day for people on social media who talk about things they love and it just kind of stuck!
You might think all influencers make millions of pounds. Some do make a decent living don’t get me wrong, but it’s much harder than people think. Some people assume influencers are only in it for the freebies. But actually, that’s just one of those influencer marketing myths that fly around. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being an influencer. You get hundreds of messages from people wanting help or advice. I’m a micro-influencer, which means I’m a small fish. But I’ve had messages from my followers about everything from miscarriage to losing their home. It’s mentally a job that doesn’t stop. You are accessible 24/7 and that can be pretty difficult to manage.
So if after all that, you still want to be an influencer, here are my 5 top tips on how to be one.
Pillars
What are the 3-5 things you’re going to focus on when it comes to your social media? It could be as bizarre as fashion, fishing and funfairs. But it has to be something that’s true to you, what you enjoy and what you want to share. Those are called your pillars.
Compliment don’t copy
Find who you are by looking at others. Follow people who inspire you, look at accounts you want to work with and find content that you love. Then replicate it in your own way. On your own terms and in your own style. Influencer marketing is a bit deal right now but there are so many people doing it! So find your own lane.
Don’t Buy Followers
People think followers equals money and gifting. While this may be true to a degree, most brands will spot you a mile off and on top of that, your engagement will be rubbish compared to your following. Try and be authentic. You can do things such as run giveaways, a collab with friends to share content and all that kind of thing, but do not buy followers. It will bite you on the bum.
What’s your story
In order to actually influence, people have to buy into you. It doesn’t mean creating a fake life, it just means working out what Is unique about you that people can relate to and use this as one of your pillars. If you focus on fitness and then suddenly change to talking about…. Trains (for example) you could lose a good percentage of your following.
Enjoy it
Being a content creator is great fun and you can get so much from it. IT is stressful, hard work and non-stop so make sure you remember why you started and take a few minutes to enjoy the journey that you’re on.
If you fancy starting your influencer journey, give me a follow over at Hollie Plus!
