When we talk about influencers, countless images come to mind, from dancers on TikTok to YouTubers with brand sponsorships or Instagram accounts with many followers. These influencers are generally personalities who attract a following through their lifestyle, humor, or physical appearance, and because they dominated the industry first, it’s challenging to see ourselves as potential influencers if we don’t have what they have. For one, building followers has always been considered a challenge, and if everyone could do it, everyone probably would.
How to become an influencer?
But there is an opportunity that a select few have focused on: to become influencers in your industry. And, unlike the flashy social media pages that have been deemed the “gold standard,” these industries go beyond fashion or travel photography. This can include industries such as cosmetic surgery, graphic design, wedding photography, or even the dental industry.
What do you have to offer?
Although it may seem overwhelming to become an industry expert who seems to be oversaturated, you to have something to offer. What are your strengths, your passions, and what are the needs of the industry? Write down some things that you are good at in your industry. Your passion ensures that you will work for it.
You chose the industry you are in for a reason. Why? What drives you to put in the extra work and effort required to be successful as an influencer? Industry needs refers to the gap in the market where you have the opportunity to start something new.
Build a reputation online
Once you’ve zeroed in on your unique genius, it’s time to start posting, whether it’s blogging, Facebook groups, and your social media pages, with one important consideration. One of the biggest misconceptions about constant posting is that there will be attention or traction from the start. Think of creating an online presence like creating a little breadcrumb trail. Building authority takes time. No matter how great the first blog post is, it won’t attract an audience in the way you imagine or hope.
The top seven reasons you wouldn’t start getting some traction online are:
- Lack of a strategy;
- You are not posting enough content;
- You are mistaking “content” (with added value) for a sales pitch;
- You don’t know your audience;
- Your voice doesn’t seem so genuine
Ensuring you reach your audience through the avenues in which they tend to consume content is one of the simplest, but most overlooked, aspects of successful online marketing. Who is your target audience and where are they?
