How To Become An Influencer in 2024
How to become
an influencer in
2024 ( GUIDING
YOU TO MAKE
INFLUENCER
MONEY!)
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Hello, welcome to the influencer lifestyle. Do you dream of becoming a social media influencer?
An influencer has something to share with the world that helps people form wonderful communities online and receives FREE products to try out. (OMG so many PR packages on my porch doorstep) and the most exciting part is that you are getting PAID for their influence.
Look no more, this guide is all about helping you become an influencer for free in these Internet streets
First, let’s talk about what exactly an influencer is….
What is a social media influencer?
An influencer has specialized expertise, authority, or vision of a specific field and can persuade the buying process of their audience.
Basically, influencers have built a community on social media through their relationship with their audience, and influence (i.e., influencers).
We all have the potential to be influencers and influence specific behavior within a community. You’re probably influencing people right now, such as when you recommend a product to your friends, and they buy it or you brag about a TV show you've seen recently, and a friend tries it out based on your advice.
That’s affecting the buying process of a person… UH Hello and influencing them.
There are different types of influencers; mega, macro, micro, nano, "ok" "ok" " I'll just break it down for you."
What is a mega-influencer?
A mega influencer is basically someone with a very large, highly engaged following typically in the millions. They’re at the top of the list when it comes to influencers and have a massive audience with celebrity prestige.
What is a macro-influencer?
Macro influencers have somewhere between 100,000 and 999,999 followers. They tend to focus on a specific category such as lifestyle beauty, fitness gaming, business, or fashion.
What is a micro-influencer? (most common)
A micro-influencer is someone who has anywhere between 1,000 to 100,000 followers. They focus on a specific niche or area and are generally viewed as an industry expert or specialist on a specific topic.
What is a nano-influencer?
A nano-influencer is anyone with a following between 400-1,000.
Their following is small but intimate and tight knit. Nano-influencers are usually hyper-niched and tend to have a local audience.
Which type of influencer makes money?
All-in-dem (All of them)
You don’t need a million followers to be an influencer or earn income. You can earn money and be an influencer no matter your audience size.
I strongly believe you only need 1000 followers to get paid sponsorships. However, some individuals secured paid sponsorships with less than that!
Important to remember!!
✅There are perks to each type of influence, and a good brand knows this! While mega influencers have large audiences and massive visibility, a micro and nano influencer are generally better at pushing sales because their engagement rate is higher.
✅Having personal connections with a smaller audience enables you to build an engaged and intimate community that drives sales for whatever events, sales, or digital products. This is what you should be aiming for.
Being influential > Being an influencer.
FUN FACT: How much you make and how well your impact as an influencer is NOT tied solely to your audience size.
What are the benefits of becoming an influencer!
Influencers are trendsetters and have a direct impact on their community’s buying decisions.
Some benefits of being an influencer include:
- Helping people while impacting the world around you is a gift in itself.
- Becoming a well-known public figure within your niche
- Incentives such as free products and commission (technically, not free since you do have to pay taxes for gifts exceeding a specific price and sometimes shipping cost)
- Possible increase in sales for products and services since more people will buy from someone influential, especially on social media.As an upcoming influencer, you can leverage your influence to increase your income in multiple ways. 👄
How do influencers make money?
Influencer marketing is a billion-dollar industry, and there are plenty of influencers who make a living from their influence. There are millionaire influencers.
- Just by working with brands to promote their product
- Offering services such as photography, web design, video editing, coaching etc.
- Selling physical products such as their own products or private label
- Hosting events
- Promoting products through affiliate marketing
- Ad revenue on their blogs and videos
The answer to the question that you have been asking is that influencers can make money in a multitude of ways depending on their niche, following, audience, and industry.
Steps to become an influencer for free.
When choosing your niche, think about what you want to be known for, what you can talk about often, basically something that interests you. (it has to be something you like talking about.)
When now starting off as an influencer it's best to narrow your niche to no more than two.
Many influencers started off with just talking about Beauty and as their audience grew, they expanded to Tavel content or Cooking content.
Your niche is not permanent, as you evolve, your niche will too however for now, focus on one thing.
Questions to ask yourself when choosing your niche.
- What are your interests.
- What comes easy to you and can help someone else.
- What are some of the things you enjoy doing, even without getting paid for them?
Common Niche Ideas:
- Finance
- Tec
- Parenting
- Beauty
- Fitness and exercise
- Clean eating
- Outdoor activities
- Sports
- Sleep health
- Yoga and Pilates
- Gluten-free diets
- Self-care
- Art
- Cooking and baking
- Influencer training
- Blogging
- Time management
- Success Coaching
- DIY beauty
- ADHD
- Solo travels
- Postpartum
- House cleaning
- Food review
- How to grow your followers.
- Gaming
- Love and Relationship
- Hair
- Fashion
Whatever your niches are make sure it aligns with your passions/expertise and that you will continue to be interested in it for years to come.
Choose your platform!
There are tons of social media platforms to grow your influence on:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
You can choose to be a podcaster..... You can try using some of:
- Podcastle
- Spotify for podcasters
- Google podcasts
- Apple podcasts
- Amazon Music
- YouTube podcasts
- Podbean
- Podcast panda
- This is your story
- Podcast one
There are so many social media platforms that are out there and the great news is that you don't have to be on every single one posting every single day.
As a beginner, you should just focus on building 1-3 social media platforms/ audiences. Don't put pressure on yourself by trying to be on every one of them.
The first step to becoming an online influencer is to sign up for the exact platforms as your audience. This can be TikTok or Pinterest seeing that traffic are always high there.
Let'ss get back into it....
Let's say you're good at recording and editing videos, YouTube may be the better option for you.
To set yourself up for success, think about the perks and how you can best connect with your audience. If your ideal audience are parents who are interested in how to care for a newborn or toddler, then TikTok or YouTube will be a better fit for you.
Things to remember:
Each social media platform has guidelines that you have to follow therefore you need to ensure that you highlight the DO's and DON'Ts of each platform. For example, those on Facebook enjoy live-style casual videos, whereas, on YouTube, editing is expected.
Know the specifics of each social media platform so you can set yourself up for optimal success.
Invest in yourself
Remember that it's important to invest in things that make it easier for you and allow you to spend more time on the things you love to do. (and less on the things you don't). For example, if you dislike writing emails pitching to brands, then you can invest in plug-and-play templates that can take the load off you.
Invest in the things that will make it easier for you to pursue your goals. Investing in yourself as an influencer involves several key areas.
Skill Development
Continuously improve your content creation skills, such as video editing, photography, writing, or public speaking. Consider taking courses or workshops to enhance these skills.
Content Quality
Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience. Invest in good equipment like cameras, microphones, and editing software to improve your content's production value however please know what’s an investment and what’s just a plain’ ol expense.If you are not making any money as an influencer yet, then you want to spend only what’s necessary.
Personal Branding
Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your values, personality, and niche. Invest time in creating a cohesive brand image across all your social media platforms.
Networking
Build relationships with other influencers, industry professionals, and brands. Attend networking events, engage with others on social media, and collaborate with fellow influencers to expand your reach.
Marketing and Promotion
Learn about digital marketing strategies, such as SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing, to promote your content effectively and reach a wider audience.
Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest trends, algorithms, and best practices in the influencer industry. Follow industry news, attend webinars or conferences, and read relevant books or blogs to stay informed.
Self-Care
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Balancing work and personal life, getting enough rest, exercising, and managing stress are crucial for long-term success as an influencer.
Investing in yourself not only enhances your skills and knowledge but also contributes to your overall growth and success as an influencer.
Consistency is key in building your influence!
Content Schedule
Maintain a consistent posting schedule on your social media platforms. This helps your audience know when to expect new content from you, keeping them engaged and coming back for more. Try posting 5-7 times a week.
Branding
Keep your branding elements consistent across all platforms, including your profile picture, bio, color scheme, and style of content. This creates a cohesive and recognizable brand image.
Engagement
Consistently engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Show that you value their input and feedback, which fosters a strong connection with your followers.
Learning and Growth
Continuously learn and grow in your niche. Stay updated with industry trends, learn new skills, and experiment with different content formats to keep your content fresh and appealing.
Adaptability
Be adaptable to changes in algorithms, trends, and audience preferences. Stay flexible and willing to adjust your strategies to stay relevant and maintain your influence.
Consistency not only helps you build a loyal audience but also establishes credibility and reliability, which are essential for long-term success as an influencer.
One way I make it easy to stay consistent is with Canva. I create most of my graphics using Canva, and with the premium version, there’s a section to add your brand colors and script so that you can stay consistent with your visuals.
Ways to keep your visuals consistent
- Color Palette
- Typography (Stick to 2-3 fonts across your content.)
- Image Style
- Logo and Watermarks
- Templates
- Themes
- Storytelling
Create a content plan
Now that you have your niche and the platform, it’s time to develop a content plan!
Creating a content plan is essential for maintaining consistency and effectiveness in your influencer journey. Here's a structured approach to creating a content plan:
*Define Your Goals*
- What are your short-term and long-term objectives as an influencer?
- Who is your target audience, and what are their interests and preferences?
- What key messages or themes do you want to convey through your content?
*Content Categories*
- Identify primary content categories based on your niche and audience interests (e.g., tutorials, reviews, behind-the-scenes, lifestyle, etc.).
- Allocate a percentage of your content to each category to maintain variety and engagement.
*Content Calendar*
- Create a monthly or weekly content calendar outlining the types of content you'll publish, along with posting dates and times.
- Include holidays, events, or relevant industry dates to tailor your content and stay timely.
Create a plan for your content!
Remember, a goal without a plan is just a dream!
Creating juicy content
Creating a content plan is essential for maintaining consistency and effectiveness in your influencer journey. Here's a structured approach to creating a content plan:
1. *Know Your Audience- Understand who you're creating content for. What are their interests, pain points, and preferences?
2. *Compelling Headlines- Craft headlines that grab attention and make readers want to click or read further.
3. *Engaging Introduction- Start strong to hook your audience. Use storytelling, ask questions, or present surprising facts.
4. *Valuable Information- Provide useful, actionable, and insightful information that addresses your audience's needs or interests.
5. *Visual Appeal-Use high-quality images, videos, infographics, and other visual elements to make your content visually appealing and easier to digest.
6. *Clear Structure- Organize your content logically with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to improve readability.
7. *Emotional Appeal- Connect with your audience emotionally by using empathy, humor, or inspirational stories.
8. *Call to Action- Encourage readers to take a specific action such as sharing the content, subscribing to a newsletter, or making a purchase.
9. *Consistency- Maintain a consistent tone, style, and posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
10. *Feedback and Optimization- Monitor the performance of your content, gather feedback from your audience, and continuously optimize based on insights and trends.
Content that answers questions.
Content that solves problems.
Content that entertains, educates, informs, and inspires.
〰"The quality of content determines the depth of engagement, the strength of reputation, the loyalty of audience, the prowess in SEO, the efficacy of conversions, and the depth of brand loyalty." 〰
If your goal of creating content is to land a paid partnership then you need to ensure that the content you create aligns with the goal, values, and target audience of your partner. It should seamlessly integrate its brand or message into your content.
Brands will not work with influencers if their images are blurry and blog posts are janky. Therefore, you may need to invest in your content to ensure it's high quality.
For example, If you're becoming a YouTuber, invest in quality equipment like a camera, microphone, and lighting, professional video editing software, graphics, and design tools and dedicate time and effort to consistently create high-quality content."
Being Consistent!
Consistency is vital for influencer success across social media platforms, blogs, and podcasts. It builds audience engagement and accelerates growth.
Utilizing tools like
ChatGPT
Later - Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
streamlines scheduling and content management. However, finding the right balance in posting frequency is crucial to avoid overwhelming or disengaging your audience. Patience, quality content, and a strategic approach are key elements for long-term success in influencer marketing.
Engaging with you audience!
Engagement is essential for building a strong community. Interact with your audience by responding to:
- Comments
- Asking questions
- Creating polls
- Video replies
- Emails
- Giveaways
Don't just post and log out; engage actively by replying to comments and DMs. Also, study your analytics to understand your audience better and improve your content strategy for continued growth and success.
The best way to build an authentic community is to connect with your community, and you do that by engaging!
You can identify what resonates with your audience by analyzing your content's performance and engagement metrics. This knowledge helps you create more content your audience loves, leading to audience growth and better opportunities for brand collaborations.
Understanding your audience demographics and engagement rates is crucial for aligning with brand target markets and securing partnerships.
Attract & reach out to brands
Creating high-quality content that engages your audience is key to attracting brands. Even with a smaller following, you can collaborate with brands if your audience aligns with their target demographic.
Aim for around 1,000 followers before reaching out to brands. Having a strong social media presence across platforms is crucial for building credibility and opening up brand collaboration opportunities.
Using hashtags strategically can boost the visibility of your content and attract a larger following, especially when tweeting about products or wearing identifiable high street clothes.
With the competitive influencer landscape, consistent effort is crucial. Stay active on social media, share content relevant to your audience, and engage with them to steadily grow your following.
To maintain a positive image for brand collaborations, avoid posting inappropriate or offensive content. Keep track of brands you like for potential future collaborations. Ensure your content, especially photos, is high-quality and well-lit, as professional presentation is crucial.
Show gratitude for products received, even if they're not your usual preference, to maintain a good relationship with brands. When ready to approach brands directly, be proactive, professional, and familiar with their products. Provide contact details, links to verified profiles, and showcase real-world contributions like an active website or blog.
Before collaborating, agree on a contract and sign a non-disclosure agreement for legal protection. Stay in regular communication with brands throughout the project to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. Creativity in content creation and showcasing genuine use of products can enhance your influence and attract brands effectively.
How to work with brands
To work with brands as an influencer, start by creating a list of your favorite brands that align with your personal brand and audience interests. Research who handles influencer marketing within these brands, either through LinkedIn, their website, or social media contacts.
Craft a compelling pitch email to these brands, showcasing your value as an influencer and how collaboration would benefit both parties. Pitching can be daunting initially, but with persistence, you can receive positive responses.
Consider refining your pitching strategy with scripts and guidance from resources like influencer toolkits. These resources often include templates for pitch emails, media kits, and guidance on determining influencer rates, all of which can enhance your success in working with brands.
BONUS: Your network is your net worth!!
Building a network with other influencers is valuable for growth. Collaborate and connect with influencers in your area through events, communities, and outreach. Focus on networking with influencers at a similar level to yours before targeting more established influencers.
BONUS: Make it easy for brands to reach out to you by having your email on your social media platforms!!
Ensure your contact information, including your email, is easily accessible on all your platforms for brands to reach out regarding collaborations. Consider sharing your ultimate guide to becoming a social media influencer in the comments to help others interested in this journey.
Frequently asked questions: How to become an influencer!
1. How many followers do you need to be an influencer?
- The number of followers needed to be considered an influencer varies, but engagement and relevance are more crucial than follower count alone.
2. Do influencers get paid?
- Yes, some influencers get paid through platforms like YouTube ads or brand deals. Building a large and engaged audience is key to making money as an influencer.
3. How do I start a career as an influencer?
- Identify your niche, create compelling content, engage with followers, and collaborate with brands relevant to your audience to start a career as an influencer.
4. Can Instagram pay you?
- Instagram now pays creators for reels and IGTV posts. Additionally, influencers can earn through brand collaborations, product sales, and other monetization methods.
5. Can I make money on TikTok?
- Yes, you can make money on TikTok through partnerships, product sales, and donations. Growing a large following and producing engaging content are key.
6. Is being an influencer worth it?
- Being an influencer can be lucrative, but it requires hard work, building a strong following, and collaborating effectively with brands. It depends on individual goals and commitment.
Are you ready to shatter limitations and pave your own path to success? In my upcoming blog post, we'll delve into the empowering topic of "Breaking Barriers" and explore how to overcome obstacles, defy expectations, and achieve greatness.
Whether you're an aspiring influencer, a budding entrepreneur, or someone navigating challenges in your personal or professional life, this blog post is for you. We'll discuss strategies, mindset shifts, and actionable steps to help you break through barriers and reach new heights of achievement.
Join me on my journey of empowerment and transformation as I unlock the secrets to conquering challenges and embracing limitless possibilities.
Stay tuned for insights, inspiration, and practical advice on breaking barriers and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. 💓💓
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