Do you want to learn how to become a social media influencer? We have got you covered. Stop chasing clout and learn what actually works.
If you’re like me, you spend way too much time scrolling TikTok and Instagram, thinking, “How do I end up gaining enough followers to become a social media influencer?” Trust me, you’re not alone. Being a social media influencer is a lifestyle that just about anyone would envy. Rather than working a soul-draining 9-to-5, you get to live your life to the fullest, sharing the best parts with your followers.
Look, I’ll be honest with you: my own social media following is nothing to get excited about. I’m far from an influencer myself, but what I can do is connect you with the expert resources you need to give your following a much-needed glow up.
So, let’s learn what steps you need to take to step into the world of being a social media influencer.
1. Familiarize Yourself With Posting Content
While this may sound fairly basic, it is an important step. Plenty of people just scroll social media and spend the majority of time creeping posts, rather than creating their own. While all of the top social media platforms make it relatively easy to edit content and make posts, practice always helps.
So, start putting out more content on your personal accounts. If you rarely post, start out by committing to posting a story on Instagram on a daily basis. It’s a good way to get used to putting yourself out there in a low-risk way, as stories disappear after 24 hours.
Try mixing it up on different platforms. Each will have its own posting style and vibe, so familiarizing yourself with the different posting styles will help you determine what works for you.
Experiment with different platforms and posting styles, and make sure you are paying attention to the content that hits the best. Even in this early experimental phase, you still want to keep an eye on engagement.
Resources:
- Sprout Social – Instagram Reels vs TikTok Video Posting
- LinkedIn – How to Create and Post Engaging Social Media Content that Actually Gets Shared
- YouTube – Trena Little: Tips for Creating Social Media Content FAST!
2. Choose Your Niche
We all know the social media landscape is crowded. This is why you need to figure out which space you are going to focus on. Without a strategy, there’s just no way you’re going to stand out and get those followers you need.
Not only do you need to decide what type of content you’re going to churn out, but you also need to determine which social media platform is going to be your main focus. Sure, you can easily share TikTok videos as Instagram Reels, but it’s still a good idea to have an idea from the start which social media channel will be your primary focus.
Don’t be afraid to lean into your talents and passions. In a world filled with fakes, people crave authenticity. Are you passionate about nutrition and working out? Focusing on a fitness account could be right for you. Always making your squad laugh? Try creating funny videos and record your real-world takes and observations.
Resources:
- Perlu.com – How to Find Your Social Media Influencer Niche
- MARKERLY – Do Influencers Need to Have a Niche?
3. Understand Platform Algorithms and Stay Current With the Latest Trends
Social media algorithms and trends are constantly changing. The most successful social media influencer has a deep understanding of this fact and spends a significant amount of time staying current.
Even a basic understanding of how algorithms work on each of the major social media platforms can give your accounts a competitive edge within your niche.
Just like fashion, social media trends also evolve on a daily basis. Even while you’re busy creating your own content, take time to see what other top influencers in your niche are doing. Trust me, you don’t want to sleep on the latest fire trend when it comes to content creation.
Resources:
- StoryChief – Social Media Algorithms in 2024 – Guide for Every Platform
- LinkedIn – Navigating the Latest Social Media Algorithm Changes
- SocialMediaToday – Social Media Trends 2024: 34 Predictions
4. Build Your Brand
We hear the phrase “build your brand” all the time, but most people don’t actually know how to do it on their social network. Your personal brand is, without any doubt, your most valuable asset on social media. Without a strong personal brand, you won’t be able to build a large following, which means you’ll never be a major player in the successful influencer sphere.
You need to set yourself apart from the crowd while also maintaining authenticity and consistency. Don’t change your voice and posting style to fit in with the latest trend or political movement. Sure, you can adapt a bit to remain current, but your voice and identity should remain fairly constant, as this will help you make a meaningful connection with your followers.
Think of your personal brand as your digital reputation. You always want your content to deliver a consistent persona and vibe.
Take a look at the top influencers in the world right now. You’ll notice they post different things each day, but there always seems to be a consistent aesthetic and overarching message.
Resources:
- Gary Vaynerchuck – 15 Tips for Branding Yourself Online
- Digital Marketing Institute – 10 Steps for Building Your Personal Brand on Social Media
- YouTube – TED: 5 Steps to Building a Personal Brand
Final Words
Climbing to the heights of being a serious social media influencer may seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be outside of your reach. Remember, becoming an expert in anything takes time and serious dedication, including mastering social media. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Learn from those posts that didn’t hit, as well as those that blow up.
You should also learn what you can from the expert resources above while keeping an eye on what the top social media influencers in your chosen niche are doing. You can learn a lot from them!
More importantly, start creating content and posting it. It can be a little intimidating at first, but you’ll never get that following you want if you don’t put yourself out there.
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