A while back, we carried an article on the life of an influencer. The post featured Brooke Chamberlain, an Australian actress whose life as an influencer could only be described as idyllic. After writing that article, we got a number of queries from people wondering how they too could become influencers. The queries hardly came as a surprise. Talk to any influencer today, and you will be forgiven for thinking all they do is get paid for free holidays, meals and other goodies! So, what does it take to become an influencer? And could anyone become one?
What does it take to become an influencer?
Well, the following is what it takes to become a social media influencer;
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It takes hard work and dedication
Remember what we said about the life of a social media influencer being idyllic? Well, we weren’t exactly truthful. Like almost everything else, becoming a social media influencer does not come on a silver platter. You actually need to work hard to become one! Most of the influencer marketing that’s out there takes place on Instagram.
One of the things that you need to remember is that Instagram is all about visuals. An influencer like Brooke Chamberlain, who has over 30000 followers on the platform, wouldn’t be able to make it without working hard to look good! Other than looks, you also need to work hard on the marketing part of becoming an influencer. More often than not, you will be juggling keeping your social media followers happy with other duties.
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You need to find your niche
Brooke Chamberlain found her fame on the television circuit, but we can’t all be actresses can we? The thing to note is that you need to find your niche if you are to make it as an influencer. What is it that you do? What makes you unique as an individual?
To be frank, most of us can only dream about becoming influential. The common man and woman is very common and if you are one of them, then tough luck!
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It can all be down to chance
More often than not, fortune and fame are rather spurious. What this means is that no matter how ordinary you may be, there is always a chance, however slight, that you will do something that will set tongues wagging. If fate turns you into either a famous or an infamous internet personality, then by all means, you will have found your niche. The only thing that remains then will be to milk it to the fullest. If you think we are exaggerating, then you need to think again. The internet is full of personalities who found their Nicodemus moments in unexpected times and places.
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You need social media to become a social media influencer
We have already mentioned that you need social media to become a social media influencer. And of the platforms that are out there, perhaps the most famous is Instagram. Facebook also does wonders when it comes to turning fame into fortune.
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Come up with great content to help retain your fans
The average internet consuming individual is rather fickle and forgetful. This makes the life of an influencer rather difficult. To remain relevant, you actually need to constantly come up with content that will keep your fans interested. Otherwise you will be surpassed by the next video of a cat chasing its shadow or a human barking along with his dog! The key here is on having good content frequently! It may actually be good for you to plan well ahead of time.
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Get in touch with big brands
Let’s assume that you have done the impossible and fame has found its way to your doorstep. How then do you turn this fame (or infamy) into fortune? Well, most of the time, big brands will find you should you become big enough. However, if you are just beginning, you may wish to approach businesses on your own. Or, and this is the best option, you may wish to join one of the many influencer marketing companies that are out there. Such a company will put you in touch with relevant brands, giving you enough time to stress over your next comical video.
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How big should my fan base be to become an influencer?
It is generally agreed that you can be considered an influencer if you have a following of over 10000 on social media. However, it is our view that you can actually make it with far less than that. Even a thousand dedicated fans on Instagram can be a good enough base for companies that wish to be heard through you.
However, the number of fans and followers that you have is going to determine your attractiveness to brands. In most cases, what this means is that you may actually need to initially go through the process of approaching brands. Grow your following well enough and companies will begin knocking on your doorstep in droves.
You can do it!
That’s it! That’s how you can become a social media influencer. All that it takes is a little bit of hard work and pure luck. You may need to do something crazy at the onset, but once you have your following, keeping them should be easy enough! Then you can look forward to free holidays and being paid to look good! Then, like Rachel Brathen, a popular influencer, you can begin charging $25,000 for a single Instagram post.