Influencer marketing is a hot commodity right now. From Apple to Diesel, to Mcdonald’s, many companies are increasing their leverage with influencer marketing. Over the past two years, influencer marketing has become one of the most effective ways to market a product or service, especially to the younger generation. We know that influencer marketing has become a hot topic and interest of many, but do you know exactly what influencer marketing is? Is it something you are looking into? Is becoming an influencer a goal of yours, however, you don’t really know how to achieve it? In this blog, I will not only break down the meaning of an influencer but also break down the few major elements to successfully begin your process of becoming an influencer!

What Is an Influencer?

An influencer is an individual on social media who has established a sort of credibility, usually in a specific niche, like beauty for example, and is influential in regards to getting others to watch a certain show or video, agree with a certain perspective or make a purchase within that niche. Influencers in today’s time are usually content creators as well and have a large social media audience; not necessarily in all cases following.

What Do Influencers Do? 

An influencer’s responsibilities or job varies from influencer to influencer, however, there are common responsibilities that influencers have within their role. Their main, overall responsibility is to increase product or service interest and/or awareness. They do this by first gaining publicity and acknowledgment on social media. Next is coming up with an extensive strategy or plan for the execution of marketing campaigns, content, and the times. After, actually creating the content, scheduling uploads, and collecting follower and audience feedback, in addition to building such a valued trustable relationship with the audience that individuals begin to be influenced by the influencer’s posts and actions. There are in some cases, many more responsibilities that an influencer may have, like completing specific tasks assigned by a company or agency that provides them work. These assignments include mainly paid promo.

What Are The Pros & Cons of Being An Influencer?

Like anything else, there is always a potential downside to all things that seem good. While they can make really good money, make their own schedules, and so many other good things, there is a very high probability that one will have to deal with bad publicity, negative opinions, and continuous media usage. There isn’t really any way to run away from the bad, as once you become an influencer, in the modern-day, you are technically openly agreeing to the potential backlash one may receive for any reason.

How Do Influencers Get Compensated For Their Talents?

Influencers get paid in many different ways. From sponsored social media ads to becoming a brand ambassador, affiliate marketing, subscriptions, doing webinars, selling digital products, and more. They have the ability to earn money from every single post they make and post. In what way are they, you may ask? Just like there are many influencer income outlets, there are many ways in which they can be paid or compensated. Sometimes influencers are compensated in the product or form of service in which they are promoting. In other cases, influencers are paid with money. Nevertheless, influencers usually, if not always, receive something in return for their work. Sometimes though, it’s not the influencer’s option to decide on how they want to be compensated, but rather a decision on whether they are interested in being paid in the way(s) that are offered.

All in all, we were able to discuss the meaning of an influencer, in addition to their roles, responsibilities, pros & cons, and more. I hope that this article was helpful to you so that you can successfully begin your influencer journey!

Sources:

• https://influencermarketinghub.com/how-to-become-an-influencer/
• https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/what-is-influencer-marketing-guide-on-growing-your-business/
• https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/is-google-adwords-worth-it-for-small-business
• https://www.unitedinfluencers.com/social-responsibility-influencer/