You’re charming, witty, know how to engage with people, and have lots of stories to share. All these are traits that could easily make you a successful influencer. But do you have what it takes to succeed?
Before you join the bandwagon of social media influencers, here are a couple of tips to build your influencer brand, and help you chart your own path.
Pick Your Niche
Start by determining what you’re passionate about as a person. It could be a hobby or a niche that you’re really good at. Ideally, it should be something you can do over and over without getting bored or sidetracked. Whatever you choose should also be something you’re knowledgeable about or willing to research.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Negotiating with brands is a skill that you need to cultivate. Else, how will you land partnerships or get attractive deals for a product endorsement? Don’t undervalue yourself or shy off. No brand or company will give you a straight offer. So, stand up for yourself and say what you want. Always have an endgame in mind. Do your research then prove your value.
Create Focused Goals
Image via Flickr by mrkrndvs
Think of 4-5 goals that are attainable — such as grow my reach, increase my income, partner with a specific number of brands, or bag endorsement deals. Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. When you have clear and realistic goals, you will find it easier to attain them.
Be Authentic
This is one area where people get it all wrong. As an influencer, your aim shouldn’t just be to share pics or posts. Your purpose is to share stories. Pics and posts are simply a means to communicate or share your experience. Good content will always connect with fans and followers. For this reason, they will want to follow you and engage with you on your social media handles.
