What’s going on in the World of Influencers? A guide for the rest of us.
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Ever felt like you wanted to know something but were too afraid to ask? Or didn’t want to look like you were the only one who didn’t know what was going on? We know that feeling. Which is why we have been studying influencers – who they are, where they are, and how they gained their social influence. The team here feels it important to share what we have learned with you.
Whether you want to become an influencer, are on the look-out for an influencer to work with, or are just curious, our beginner Influencer breakdown will give you a good lay of the Social Ecosystem land.
We’re looking at Influencers by how they are mainly identified – by what platform they use, their theme, and how they monetize (make money from) their online content.
Influencer Platforms
Here is where Influencers raise their flag. Some types of Influencer are inseparable and heavily identify with their platform (like Youtubers and Instagrammers). Other platforms merely means to an end for showcasing their content. For example, we think of bloggers as bloggers, and not so much as “Wordpressers” or “Tumblr Bloggers”
Blogs
The big kahuna. Blogs are the origin source of all Influencers after web logs became popular during the early days of the internet and transformed into what we know as a blog today. Bloggers are best friends with the written word. Some favorite platforms of bloggers are Wordpress, Tumblr, or SwomiBUZZ Flyers.
Vlogs
The video version of a blog, vlogs are usually hosted on Youtube. This makers vloggers almost synonymous with a “Youtuber.” While rare, it’s still possible to find vlogs on Vimeo. Because of the immediacy of videos, there is a certain connection an audience can build with a Vlogger that may otherwise be absent with a Blogger.
Podcast
Like a radio show, but archived online, podcasts are for everyone who love to use their ears instead of their eyes. Many podcasts focus on people’s stories – one-on-one interviews, friends discussing a topic, or the podcaster’s own personal journey.
Social Media
Some Influencers side-step owning their own domain and go straight to a platform pre-connected with an audience. Instagrammers and Twitch Streamers are a typical Social Media Influencer. We really recommend SwomiBUZZ Flyers for Influencers who want the win-win situation of having their own domain and a curated audience.
Forums
Forum crawlers make their strong opinions known in discussion threads like Reddit, Google Groups, Facebook Groups, and LinkedIn Groups. Active, consistent engagement is key!
Influencer Themes
The second layer of what makes an Influencer… their theme!
Now, themes are endless.
There is every and any kind of theme you could ever think of and beyond from Couches That Look Like Celebrities to a girl who rolls her face in bread.
Some popular themes for 2019 are Travel, Fashion, and Beauty. Influencers find their influence by laser-focusing in on a specific niche within their theme that they feel passionate about.
For example, you may like travel. And what other aspects about travel can you provide that a potential target audience can relate to? Maybe you are also a veteran who loves to travel?
Bam!
Your niche is helping veterans enjoy their retirement with the love of travel.
Influencer Content Monetization
So how do Influencers make money by posting Content all day? If you want to be an Influencer, it’s fundamental to know how to monetize your content. And if you are looking to work with in an Influencer, it’s good to know the processes they usually work in to receive payment.
Donations
Some influencers work from donations – they provide their content without expectation and give their audience an option to donate to them through platforms like GoFundMe or Patreon.
Advertising
This is the most common way Influencers monetize their content. Page advertisements, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and sponsorships all fall under this category!
Memberships
This is more rare where Influencer provide some free Content and some exclusive members-only Content. Memberships give their audience access to this exclusive Content and are usually charged on a monthly basis.
Word Up: Influencers Live The Content Lifestyle
Influencers live the Content Lifestyle – a life where you are free to pursue your dreams, thanks to being supported from receiving the benefits of your online content. To receive value from your Content with automation technology, try SwomiBUZZ Flyers as another avenue for reaching a curated audience for your blog. Reach out to us today!
