By now, you’ve probably heard of the term “influencer” thrown around social media, advertising, or marketing conversations. As an entirely new group of advertising personalities, created specifically from the development of social media, influencer is still a relatively new concept – but it’s a powerful one, nonetheless. Influencers are social celebrities that have amassed a considerable following across one or a variety of social media channels. By leveraging a social media influencer, you can use them as a vehicle to market your product or service to their followers. Since 70% of millennials are influenced by recommendations from influencers, it’s worth considering this new role in 2018.
If you’re interested in becoming an influencer yourself, following these easy steps for getting started with the process:
- Your Niche: The influencer competition is stiff today, there’s no way around it. If you want to really brand yourself, you need to identify a niche. No, you can’t make an Instagram that is a foodie-meets-hair colorist-meets-book club. It’s too much for your audience to digest. You need to really carve out a unique niche, like someone who just bakes vegan cupcakes, or an athlete that specializes in riding the unicycle.
- Your Channels: You can’t spread yourself thin and expect your followers to follow you on 4 different platforms. Start with just one platform, like YouTube or Instagram, and go from there. Really try to master the art of marketing to your audience on one platform, and once you reach a solid follower mark, consider opening another platform and leading your existing followers there.
- Your Content: In order to get followers, you need stellar content – really, really amazing content. That starts with video. You need to invest in videography equipment, high quality cameras, and possibly editing software (there are editing apps) to make it shine. You’ll want to pick a filter that you apply to every single photo or video, one that will come to brand your image.
- Consistency: Your followers are busy people and want some predictability when it comes to following you. For instance, if you’re big into giveaways, you can always do them on the first Thursday of the month. That way your followers can prepare. If you love Live Video, record it at the same time, on the same day, every week so your followers know when to tune in.
Understanding Micro vs. Macro Influencers
Lastly, think about what kind of influencer you want to be. There are micro influencers, people who command a few thousand followers and develop a more intimate relationship with their audience, as well as macro influencers, people with massive followings that market to followers all over the world. Different perks and setbacks come with micro and macro influencing, so it’s worth considering what kind of influencing goals you have on your 2018 horizon.
This year, more than any other year, is shaping up to be significantly influenced by influencers. If you’re considering becoming one, now is the time to carve out your strategy.
And if you need a little help getting started, give us a call. After all, We Do That!
