What is an influencer
in today’s world? An influencer is
someone who motivates thoughts, decisions, and behavior. Today, that usually refers to someone who
does so through social media.
Traditionally, it means through any form of media. In this article we’ll look at influencer
marketing, how to identify legitimate influencers, and how you can get started
as an influencer.
To better define what an influencer is, here’s a litmus test: When certain people tweet, and certain
mega-events happen, you’ve got an influencer.
What is Influencer Marketing?
Aren’t you excited that there is a new method of marketing? Me neither! But influencer marketing is a thing. And it’s a big thing. You might call it, the next big thing in marketing.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a fortune 500 company with a bottomless money-well of advertising in order to take part.
Authenticity is the hot buzz word that’s all over marketing. In the past, maintaining a bottom line was all about consistency, and not so much about being a real person. That’s why you talk to automated female robots on the phone so much.
People still like people more than robots, and they trust people more than robots. Authenticity means your decisions and purchasing trends will be influenced by a popular person(that you adore) on social media.
Which also means that marketers are targeting influencers to help push products. Just ask Pewdiepie how much he gets paid for his self-proclaimed shameless product plugs.
How You Can Identify an Influencer
Strangers’ faces are everywhere nowadays. Usually, appearing to talk to you about how you can 10X yourself.
How do you know they’re actually an “influencer” though?
To cut through the noise, you can certain steps to see if you’ve got a certified influencer. You can do this before deciding whether you should listen, watch, click, or have anything to do with them.
Here’s a quick checklist to get a feel for if someone is a real influencer.
- High number of followers
- A part of legitimate relevant networks
- Authority on something
For a more in-depth look, check out this video of influencers talking influencers (they sure love to talk about themselves).
How You Can Become an Influencer
Not popular? New to all this? Don’t know where to start?
You’ve already got the most important trait. I know this because I can see you through your screen. Just kidding, kind of…
…It’s because you’re unique. Influencer marketing is all about discovering what sets you apart and leveraging that.
Starting early, meaning now, will definitely pay off in the long run.
Most people just post their knee-jerk reactions to life on social media, and that’s OK. Showing who you really are is important. However, being conscious of your audience, what they react to, and what they like hearing from you, is a firmer step in the right direction.
If you’re starting to think you were born to be an influencer, here’s The Ultimate Influencer Marketing Guide
…or you can start with learning about Personal Branding.
Trends in Influencer Marketing
What do trends in influencer marketing have to do with you, or anything?
As influencer marketing continues, you’re going to see the world start to form around them(as if life wasn’t scary enough). Simply put, knowing the present helps in planning for the future.
I’ll end here, and present to you a colorful picture of the future.