Social media continues to increase in popularity and number of users at a furious pace. Billions of people around the world use social media every day.
Thanks to this, the doors are now open to a whole new industry where you can, for example, work full time with posting pictures on Instagram. But how do you make money on your accounts on social media? What is an Influencer? And who is getting these new jobs?
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What really makes an influencer?
First things first, influencers. This describes the profession quite well. You can call yourself an influencer, there are no limits to what that means yet.
But usually when talking about an influencer it is about those who run the big accounts on social media with tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers, “celebrities”.
As an influencer, platforms like Instagram and Facebook are your workplace. Companies pay you to use a product, visit a place or dine in a restaurant. But why? For the person in question to want others to also use that product, visit that place or eat at that restaurant.
In short, it is marketing that the audience actively chooses to take part in because you have a like or look up to the person behind the account. The influencer’s personal relationship with his followers is what makes the message more believable than if it came directly from the company marketing his product.
Why are jobs in social media good / bad?
As with all jobs, a job in social media brings both pros and cons. Many people value freedom highly! You don’t really have any fixed working hours but work according to your own schedule, or possibly according to a schedule that you have done with your partners / customers.
You get lots of fun opportunities, a lot of free stuff and really work briefly with documenting what you do. Because of all these advantages and opportunities, many people forget all the work behind this, it is not just gold and green forests.
You have to be a public person, more or less. Many influencers feel they have no privacy, and in the midst of all the fun free products and experiences, you have a responsibility for what you choose to market and post online.
Not to mention how hard work it really is to maintain the amount of digital channels available today. Usually, you not only work via a channel but update on both instagram, facebook, snapchat and youtube with various materials.
All material should be produced, all texts should be written, videos should be filmed and edited, comments should be responded to, collaborations will be posted and you should then have time to post everything.
One should also be prepared to receive hate and rubbish, as all thousands of followers do not just leave nice comments and peppery words.
In addition, most people who work as influencers are their own entrepreneurs.
This means that you must also have knowledge of finance and accounting. Taxes must be paid, invoices sent and your own salary paid properly. Entrepreneurship is an important part of being able to work independently in the digital and social media.
Where is the industry heading?
There is much talk that social media and influencers are the marketing of the future and that it will increasingly replace the traditional marketing channels.
The trends show that the general public appreciates getting the marketing directly from those you choose to follow.
Often when you actively follow a person you feel that you “know” the person and trust their judgment, they like it I like! Therefore, this type of marketing can be very effective, especially towards the younger target group who are generally more active on social media.
There are many professions that include social media and education in media / communication can also be of interest to you who find it fun with social media!
What is the job title of an influencer?
An influencer is a person who has a large following on social media or other online platforms, and is able to influence the opinions and purchasing decisions of their followers. They are also known as a social media influencer, content creator, brand ambassador or a digital creator. They don’t have a specific job title, as they are not employed by any company or organization, they are self-employed individuals who monetize their social media presence by partnering with brands to create sponsored content or collaborations. They may also have their own businesses or sell their own products.
What are the benefits of being a social media influencer?
Being a social media influencer can come with several benefits, including:
- Flexibility and freedom: Influencers have the ability to work from anywhere, set their own schedule and be their own boss.
- Potential for high income: Influencers can earn a significant income through sponsored content, collaborations, and product sales.
- Building a personal brand: Influencers have the opportunity to develop a personal brand and build a loyal following.
- Access to exclusive events and products: Influencers often receive invitations to attend events and receive products for free or at a discounted rate.
- Opportunities for career advancement: Influencers can leverage their platform to advance their career in other areas such as acting, modeling, or writing.
- Giving back to the community: Influencers have the opportunity to use their platform to raise awareness of social and political issues, and to give back to their community through charitable initiatives.
- Networking: Influencers often have the opportunity to network with other influencers, brands, and industry leaders.
- Personal Growth: Influencer’s job involves content creation, marketing, and networking, which makes them learn new skills, it helps them grow both personally and professionally.
What skills do you need to be a social media influencer?
To be a successful social media influencer, several skills are required, including:
- Strong communication skills: Influencers need to be able to effectively communicate with their audience through written and visual content.
- Creativity: Influencers need to be able to create unique and engaging content that will capture the attention of their audience.
- Understanding of social media platforms: Influencers should be familiar with the various social media platforms, including how they work and how to use them effectively.
- Marketing and branding skills: Influencers should be able to market their personal brand and promote products in a way that is authentic and engaging.
- Networking: Influencers should be able to effectively network with other influencers, brands, and industry leaders to build partnerships and collaborations.
- Adaptability: Influencers should be able to adapt to changes in the social media landscape and stay current with trends and best practices.
- Technical skills: Influencers should be familiar with photography, videography, and editing tools to produce high-quality content.
- Analytical skills: Influencers should be able to measure their performance and audience engagement by using analytical tools provided by the social media platforms.
- Self-motivation: Influencers must be self-motivated and disciplined as they work independently, without the structure and support of a traditional job.
