Becoming an influencer isn’t a simple set of plug-and-play steps to success. It’s like setting out to make something “go viral” – you can’t do it – by its very definition, it catches on unexpectedly and grows exponentially. You can control your own image and content and increase your chances of being an influencer, however. It can be difficult, especially if you’re going to do it on your own. Putting together a strong PR team, if it’s within your means, is always a good way to get started.
Here are a few things to consider as you put together your online persona.
If you’re even thinking about becoming an influencer, there’s a good chance you already have something you love to do and love to show off as you do it. You shouldn’t cast too wide of a net, though you can expand a bit from your specialty. As you build your audience, they’ll want consistency in the type of content, even if you mix it up a bit each time.
Understand your audience. Understand that every post is a story, and in turn part of a larger story. Post consistently so that people consistently want to see the next chapter.
This takes time, but your voice is really all about the way you express your love for your passions, your life, and your appreciation of your audience. You’ll figure out your natural rhythms and flow as you go, but you can also consider taking an acting or improv class. These classes make you more comfortable in your own skin, which will allow you to find the self-expression that people pay the most attention to. This is especially helpful if you’re planning your influencer career before you launch anything.
It is generally recommended to only have one to two social media accounts so that you can maintain consistency. Whichever platforms you choose, dig deep. Know their formats, pay attention to what’s happening and what’s trending, and who should know and collaborate with on the platform. It’s also recommended to make your account a business account, if that option is available, as this makes many other business collaborations available to you.
If brands know you’re out there, once you’ve built your following, they’ll come to you. Some recommend waiving your fee the first time out with some brands, to put you at the top of the list the next time they’re looking for a collaboration. The decision is yours, but keep an open mind, be savvy, and don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of. Once you’ve got the platform, you’ll become the product.
The long and short of becoming an influencer is that it’s a lot of work and if you can delegate some of that to a team, even better. The more time you spend on your content, the more engagement you’ll get. Your audience will be able to spot a phony; they’re quite astute. Stay consistent, stay true to yourself, and always sell the fun of being you.
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