By Mitch Rice
Lifestyle changes come with any career, and becoming an influencer is no different. Although you may be jet-setting around the world and living life in the fast lane, there are some definite downsides to being an influencer that you should be aware of before making the choice to pursue this type of career.
It’s not all about getting free stuff and attending fancy events — although those are some of the perks for successful crews. If you’re serious about growing your influence, you need to be prepared to make some changes to your lifestyle.
What’s It Mean To Be A Digital Influencer These Days?
The term “influencer” gets thrown around often, but what does it actually mean to be an influencer?
In its most basic form, being an influencer means having the ability to affect the behavior of others. But influencers have taken on a new meaning in the social media age. An influencer is anyone with a large following on social media who can use their platform to promote your business.
There are a few different levels of influencers, from micro-influencers with a few thousand followers to mega-influencers with millions of followers. The size of your following doesn’t necessarily determine your success as an influencer, but it is a factor.
Other factors that can affect your success include engagement rate (the percentage of people who see your posts and interact with them), relevance to your niche, and whether or not you have a verified account.
How Has Instagram Changed The Landscape For People Looking To Become Influencers?
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms for influencers, with over 1 billion monthly active users.
The platform has various features that make it ideal for influencer growth marketing, including Instagram Stories, which allows influencers to share behind-the-scenes content, and Instagram Live, which allows influencers to interact with their followers in real-time.
There are also several Instagram pods, which are groups of influencers who promote each other’s content, that have sprung up to help people grow their following on the platform.
What Are Some Of The Lifestyle Changes That Come With Being An Influencer?
Of course, with any career change, there are going to be some lifestyle changes that come along with it. If you are committed to becoming an influencer, you need to be prepared to make some changes to your lifestyle.
Here are some of the lifestyle changes that come with being an influencer:
1. You need to be prepared to work long hours.
While it may seem like influencers only work a few hours a day, posting the perfect Instagram photo or recording an informative YouTube video, the reality is that most influencers work extremely hard behind the scenes.
In addition to brainstorming content ideas and creating content, influencers also have to spend time engaging with their audience, responding to comments and messages, and collaborating with other influencers and brands. Some hours can be offset by investing in real Instagram followers or Instagram advertising to drive traffic to your page quicker.
2. You need to be prepared to travel.
To be successful as an influencer, you need to be prepared to travel. A lot. While you may not be jetting around the world every week, you should expect to travel for work regularly, whether for a photoshoot in another city or a brand partnership that requires you to be on-site. Some other niches may require you to gather supplies or materials to create content, which can also involve travel.
3. You need to be prepared to live a public life.
When you’re an influencer, your life is no longer your own. Your every move is documented on social media and interpreted by your followers.
This can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you view it. On the one hand, having such a passionate and engaged audience is excellent. On the other hand, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of privacy when your life is an open book.
4. You need to be prepared to invest in yourself.
Investing in yourself is essential for any career, but it’s essential if you want to be an influencer.
Why? Because to be successful, you need to have a high-quality camera, reliable editing software, and a well-designed website or blog. You may potentially need to invest in travel and accommodation costs to attend events or meetups.
5. You need to be prepared to take a lot of criticism.
No matter how perfect your life may seem, there will always be people quick to point out your flaws and criticize your choices.
It’s essential to keep in mind that not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay. The important thing is to remain true to yourself and your values and to remember that you can’t please everyone all the time.
How Do You Monetize Your Influence?
There are some ways you can monetize your influence, and the best way for you will depend on your niche, your audience, and your goals.
Some influencers choose to monetize their influence by selling products or services, such as e-books, courses, or webinars. Others work with brands as affiliate partners, promoting products and services in exchange for a commission.
Still, others choose to work directly with brands as part of a sponsored post or through brand ambassadorships. And finally, some influencers choose to simply monetize their influence by running ads on their blog or website.
No matter which technique you choose, it is essential to remember that you need to be strategic about how you monetize your influence.
You don’t want to come across as if you are selling out or being too promotional, as this will turn off your followers and damage your credibility.
What Are The Risks And Rewards Of Becoming An Influencer?
Like any career, risks and rewards are associated with being an influencer.
On one hand, you need to be prepared for the possibility of failure. Your influence is only as strong as your audience’s willingness to engage with you; if your content isn’t resonating with them, you won’t succeed.
Additionally, the influencer landscape is constantly changing, and what works today may not work tomorrow. You need to be prepared to adapt to changes in the industry or risk being left behind.
On the other hand, several rewards are also associated with being an influencer.
What Should You Consider Before Taking The Plunge Into Influencer Culture?
Becoming an influencer is not a decision to be made lightly. There are several things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
First, you need to ask yourself whether or not you’re prepared to live your life in the public eye. If you value your privacy, being an influencer may not be the right choice.
Second, you need to consider whether or not you’re prepared to invest in yourself. As we mentioned before, being an influencer requires significant time and money.
Third, you need to consider whether you’re prepared to face criticism. Not everyone will agree with you, and you need to be okay with that.
Finally, you need to think about your goals. Why do you want to be an influencer? What do you hope to achieve? If you cannot answer these questions, being an influencer may not suit you.
Having a lifestyle based on your influence can be very rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re thinking about becoming an influencer, make sure you do your research and ask yourself the tough questions before taking the plunge. Weighing the pros and cons will help you to decide if it’s the right decision for you. Ensuring you’re fully prepared for what’s ahead is the best way to set yourself up for success.
Good luck!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
