Do not follow these tips if you want to become an influencer! | How to become an influencer

1. Outdated Tips for Working with Brands
2. Accepting Gifted Partnerships as an Influencer
3. Platform Diversification in the Influencer Space
4. Content vs. Editing on Social Media Platforms
5. Effective Use of Bio Space for Influencers
6. Engagement Over Growth for Influencers
7. FAQ

Outdated Tips for Working with Brands

Look, I'm gonna level with you. Things are changing; the industry is changing, and as such, what it takes for us to become an influencer nowadays is very different to what it would have required a couple of years back. So with that in mind, I'm coming to you today in my finest Matrix outfit to talk to you about some outdated tips that you should not be following if you want to become an influencer, either now or in the years to come.

Accepting Gifted Partnerships as an Influencer

What I'm talking about here, though, is that there are occasions where accepting a gifted partnership as an influencer does make sense. Now, these occasions are few and far between, do not get me wrong, but they do exist. For example, if you are super new to the game and you have a very small following that's growing, like you're gonna get there but at the moment, you've only been on Instagram or TikTok or YouTube for a couple of months, right?

Platform Diversification in the Influencer Space

Now, just because you can do well on one platform and just because one platform is growing does not mean that other platforms should be abandoned, and we should be moving all of our content to TikTok. Now, this piece of outdated advice, I say outdated, but it's quite recent, but it's just not accurate, can be very dangerous if you are someone who does not like TikTok.

Content vs. Editing on Social Media Platforms

So back in the day, that would actually work pretty well, and people would blow up as a result of it. But Instagram is a significantly different platform. That is like the understatement of the century. It is a very different platform now to what it was in 2016. And you'll actually see a lot more success as an influencer if you focus more on the content than on the post-production and the editing.

Effective Use of Bio Space for Influencers

The reason why this is such a pet peeve for me is because your bio on Instagram, on TikTok, wherever it is, it's such a finite space. It's such a small space, right? So you should really be using all of the characters in your bio to connect with your audience, to explain to people what your content is, and why you create content like that, to put keywords in there so that Instagram understands what your content is about, to include a call to action.

Engagement Over Growth for Influencers

So, once brands woke up to that, they were like, 'Right. From now on, we need to start looking at engagement rates.' And if you don't know what an engagement rate is, it's essentially the percentage of your audience who actually engage with your content. Now, this is one of the most important metrics when it comes to influencer marketing because if you have a strong engagement rate, it means that a lot of your audience sees your content and engages with your content.

FAQ

Q: What are some outdated tips for working with brands?
A: Some outdated tips for working with brands include focusing too much on post-production and editing, abandoning other social media platforms for TikTok, and relying on strategies that worked in the past but are no longer effective in the current influencer landscape.
Q: When is it acceptable to accept gifted partnerships as an influencer?
A: Accepting gifted partnerships as an influencer can be acceptable in certain situations, such as when you are new to the industry and have a small but growing following. However, it is important to carefully evaluate each partnership opportunity to ensure it aligns with your branding and long-term goals.
Q: Why is platform diversification important in the influencer space?
A: Platform diversification is crucial in the influencer space because relying solely on one platform can be risky. It is essential to adapt to changes in audience behavior and platform popularity to maintain relevance and reach a wider audience.
Q: How has the emphasis on content vs. editing changed on social media platforms?
A: The emphasis on content vs. editing on social media platforms has shifted over the years. While editing was once a key factor in gaining traction, platforms like Instagram now prioritize high-quality, engaging content. Influencers are advised to focus more on creating valuable content rather than excessively editing their posts.
Q: What is the importance of utilizing bio space effectively for influencers?
A: Utilizing bio space effectively is essential for influencers as it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with their audience, communicate their content niche, include keywords for discoverability, and encourage action (such as following or visiting a website). A well-crafted bio can help influencers stand out and attract the right followers.
Q: Why is engagement rate prioritized over growth for influencers?
A: Engagement rate is prioritized over growth for influencers because it indicates the level of audience interaction and interest in their content. A high engagement rate suggests that followers are actively engaging with posts, which is more valuable to brands than a large following with low engagement. Focusing on engagement can lead to more authentic connections and better collaboration opportunities.