How to become an influencer

What does an influencer do?

An influencer must have specialized knowledge and insight about a niche topic. They share this knowledge by posting content on a social media network through text, video, audio, or images and promoting brands and products to their followers. Influencers use innovative marketing strategies to steer business growth, promote products and brands, and continuously build connections with target audiences. They may earn commissions through affiliate links on social media posts, receive monetary compensation for promoting brands, and even sell their products to followers.

Skills that you should have to succeed as an influencer include:

• Staying up-to-date on the ever-changing features of social media platforms
• Nurturing genuine relationships with your audience
• Developing content that will get you noticed and keep your followers involved
• Editing audio and video content
• Understanding live streaming capabilities
• Communicating your expert topic knowledge to your audience

Steps to become an influencer

Influencers must be able to excite their followers by sharing their passions. If done effectively, this career can produce a solid income. Complete the following steps to become a successful influencer:

Step 1: Complete basic business tasks and choose a niche

Create a business plan that answers the following questions:

• What are your goals? Are there certain brands you wish to work with?
• What are your passions? What topics will you address through your posts?
• What will you offer? Which influencers are your competitors? How will you set yourself apart from them?
• How will you generate income? Will you use sponsored posts or affiliate links? How much will you charge brands to promote their products? How will you invoice them and be paid?

Decide upon your niche. It may include a content category, as well as the values, interests, and beliefs of your followers. When choosing a niche, ask yourself:

• Who are the successful influencers that I follow? Who are their followers?
• What kinds of products or brands am I passionate about and want to encourage my followers to buy?

Step 2: Get to know your audience and create your influencer brand

Research what interests your audience. Study social media to discover what types of content your audience responds to, what your audience is commenting on other influencers' content, and the questions and issues your audience may have that can be addressed through your content.

Next, create your personal influencer brand. This should represent your personality, values, passions, and expertise. Decide how you want your audience to see you and what you want them to recognize you for. What colors, fonts, images, and tones do you want associated with your brand?

Step 3: Explore your content strategy and optimize your online presence

Include content pieces that focus on different aspects of your category. You may establish a content creation calendar in which you post certain types of content on certain days of the week. Before unveiling your influencer brand and posting content to social media, ensure your online presence is maximized. Create new social media accounts specifically for your influencer brand. Build a website to show brands and your followers who you are. Establish an email marketing system for your influencer brand.

Step 4: Select your channels and post content regularly

Decide which social media platforms and marketing channels you will use to influence and excite your audience. Select the channel or platform that is ideal for the type of content you plan to share. If you will promote products through videos, you may choose YouTube. If your content involves images, you may choose Instagram. You may decide upon TikTok if you appeal to Gen Z audiences in entertainment, dance, beauty, and DIY categories. No matter which channels and platforms you choose, post engaging content regularly. Be consistent, as it may take some time to see results.

Step 5: Engage with your audience and team up with other creators

Don't forget to interact with your followers. Respond to their comments promptly. Begin conversations with them by asking about their opinions and interests. Message the most engaged followers to find out what content they want to see from you. Comment on, repost, and like content that followers and fellow influencers within your niche post. As you gain followers, other creators and brands wanting to work with you may approach you. Decide on the most effective and lucrative ways to collaborate with them.

Get started on edX

Courses on edX can help you build your influencer brand. Check out digital marketing executive education programs, which concentrate on social media strategy, digital marketing analytics, and social media marketing.