How Do Influencers Get Started?

Are you looking to break into the world of social media influencing? The potential for success is vast, but how do influencers get started? Whether you’re hoping to become an Instagrammer, YouTube star or podcaster, we have all the resources and advice necessary for taking those first steps. Here’s an in-depth look at how influencers get their start and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

What is an influencer and why are they important?

Influencers have become the face of many brands’ online advertising as they share their interests, lifestyles, personalities, and favorite products. Influencers play a crucial role in brands’ marketing strategies and are essential for recognition, awareness, and boosting engagement.

Becoming an influencer has become an aspiration for many Americans. Our Influencer Aspirations report found 44% of those between the ages of 18-29 are currently influencers or aspire to be one. These numbers show that the rise of influencers is only continuing to grow.

How do influencers get started?

Share your true passion

When selecting your niche, focus on a topic you are genuinely passionate about. A common thread in our Champion the Creators Q&A series is that successful influencers choose a niche they love. Instead of following trendy topics, they consistently create content about their interests and passions.

Sharing content that you are knowledgeable about will come across as more authentic. Posting content relevant to your niche is essential early on so that your audiences get to know you and relate to the content you will share.

Crafting your persona

After selecting your niche, it is important to brand yourself accordingly and style your profiles accordingly. Establish a consistent and engaging username, upload a high-quality profile picture, write a compelling bio, and make your contact email accessible to brands who will want to work with you. Professionalism and dependability go a long way in earning money as an influencer.

Understanding and engaging with your audience

Analyze the types of content your audience responds to most. Use comments, video views, shares and DMs to gauge what your audience enjoys from your content. Remember to engage with your audience frequently by responding to comments, sharing giveaways and promo codes, going live to interact with your followers, and posting polls or questions.

Build relationships with other influencers and brands

Connecting with other influencers, especially those in the same niche as you, is another beneficial start to your journey. Collaborations help creators grow each other’s audiences, too.

Monetizing your influence

When you’re ready to get compensated for your creative content, here are some of your influencer monetization options:

Paid partnerships and sponsorships

Paid partnerships and sponsorships are the most common way to work with brands. By reaching out to brands to show them what you can do to promote their products and services. Influencer platforms and marketplaces can help you get started, allowing you to create listings for your services and respond to brands looking for influencer partnerships.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is another way to promote products in return for compensation. Affiliate marketing allows influencers to post about products through their own platforms for commission. These affiliates receive tracking links or codes and are compensated for sales they generate through those links and codes. For influencers just beginning their journey of social media marketing, this is a common way to make money.

Merchandise

After creating a solid platform as an influencer and forming a loyal following, social media users take an interest in supporting your personal brand. You can create and sell merchandise related to your brand. If your community has a name or inside jokes, these are ideal for merch items.

Contrary to belief, it does not take millions of followers for influencers to succeed or make money. Influencers of all niches and ranks are capable of capitalizing on their creativity and using their platform to not only reach target audiences but also to work with brands they love and be compensated in return. Anyone can become an influencer as long as they stick to what they are passionate about and stay true to sharing what they love.