Influencer is a hot word right now, especially in the blogging and marketing world. But what does being an influencer really mean, anyway? For real. It sounds cute, and slightly fancy – but is it just an empty title for our Instagram profile? Or does it carry any real weight?
According to the Business Dictionary, an influencer is “an individual who has the power to affect purchase decisions of others because of their (real or perceived) authority, knowledge, position, or relationship.” Influencer marketing involves focusing on specific key individuals (or types of individual) aka influencers, rather than the target market as a whole.
When businesses and PR firms reach out to bloggers to share a product or service, the goal is to tap into their realm of influence. Or maybe you’ve developed your own product or service to sell, and you need to build your ability to influence your audience to make it rain on your bank account. Either way, establishing and growing your influence is vital.
But how, Jonna? I knew you’d ask.
No worries. I got you. And in a nice little list of things that all start with the letter R. Because I care. *internet hugs*
5 Things You Must Do to Become a Real Influencer
- Relatable: Sharing a little bit of yourself with your audience makes them feel that you truly can understand me.
- Relevant: Being relevant isn’t about being trendy; it’s about being connected to what’s happening now. Find your authentic voice, stay true to who you are and what your brand is about, and bring that to the current society and culture.
- Resourceful: You absolutely must be creating valuable content that teaches and serve your audience in some way.
- Recognizable. Standing out in a sea of bloggers takes strategy. You have to be intentional about standing out in the crowd.
- Reliable. I always say this, and I’m not changing my tune. Show up to your own party. Consistently be there for your audience.
Notice not nary R stood for Really Big Numbers. Why? Because regardless of how big or small your audience is, you have to apply those five things to your brand in order to influence the people that make up your audience.
Combined, these R (see how I did that *mind blowing – I know*) a sure fire way to build your sphere of influence that you, and other brands you collaborate with, can tap into.
If you could choose one of these things to improve on, which would it be?
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
Great list and super helpful! The word “influencer” is definitely hour right now but I refuse to use for now until I have actual receipts.
I think I could work on the Resourceful part, at least in social media. I think I still, in some ways, provide content that teaches but I used to do so a lot more when I first started. I do have a plan to fix that and it’ll take a couple weeks or so but I think I can get back there.
You can do it!
Jonna,
I just wanted to extend a thanks to. Words that you said to me a couple of months ago made me step out and do a couple of scopes WELL before I was ready… I was waiting for perfection on how to use periscope and having everything. I didn’t/don’t have a following in social media, but I know it is much needed information. Again I want to thank you for your words they truly pushed me off the ledge.
You’re so welcome!!!! Kudos to you for stepping out and doing a couple of live streams. See, you didn’t experience any harm – you’re still alive! You and your brand survived! Keep going!