We live in a world where information or data is king. According to Ai Weiwei, “Technology is liberation. I think the information age probably is the best thing that happened to the human race in human evolution. Now you have the equal opportunity to equip yourself through information and knowledge and express yourself as an independent mind”.
This is a time where the freedom to express oneself has no limitations. So we should use this amazing opportunity to give a positive impact to others. There is a popular term in the online world called Influencers. Influencers can be an individual or group or even a pet that impacts their audience and have garnered a following.
Common misconception is that Influencers are only limited to social media platforms. There are many ways and platforms one can be an influencer.
Exciting Journey As An Influencer
My adventure as an influencer started way back in 2012. I started my own blog with the intention of sharing my experiences in life. Back then, I was using a free domain and blogspot as my website. I remember, I was always active in joining free giveaways which I won all expense paid trip to Boracay. Later on, I incorporate free giveaways to my blog as well. I learned that It’s a great way to grow your engagement.
Then for the first time I felt I am a certified blogger when I received my first pitch for a paid sponsored post. It was heartwarming when someone or a brand puts their trust on me. One highlight for me as a blogger was receiving confirmation from google that I am now verified in Google Adsense. The thought that finally I can monetize my blog is also satisfying.
Looking back, it’s not an easy road but fast forward to where I am now as an influencer/blogger, all hard work has paid off. In return, I would like to share the learnings I gained for 8 years as a blogger:
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Always have an open mind
By nurturing a seed, it will turn into a healthy plant. This is science. We should always have an open mind for learning. As information is always available on the internet, make an effort to do your research and study. Find ways that will improve your content and your branding. Never stop learning.
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Think before you click
This is a simple phrase that is part of my core beliefs. Always think before you post or react online. As an influencer, you want to have a positive impact on your audience. As an influencer, your followers look up to you so be cautious about anything you post especially in social media.
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Passion first
Stick to your purpose and you will not lose your path. When you become an influencer, choose a niche that is your personal passion. Some influencers who love mobile games became game influencers. Some who love dancing become influencers by performing dance in tiktok. There is no limit to expressing or sharing the things you have interest in or skills.
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Engage with your followers
If you want an authentic and organic audience, never forget to connect with them. Give time in reading their comments and thank them. People love appreciation. Don’t be stingy in giving simple thank you or thumbs up. Acknowledge your mistakes. Take criticisms and accept compliments as well.
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Treat others as an inspiration
Don’t be jealous of those influencers who are now at the top of the ladder. Instead treat that as an inspiration. In everything we do, reward is always the sweetest after hard work. Give adequate respect to your co-influencers. Learn from their experiences.
Also, if given a chance, pursue collaborations. It’s a great way to increase your network of people and also improve your presence in their audience as well.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, for me, becoming an effective influencer revolves around these three P’s: passion, purpose, and people. At the end of day, it’s about enjoying what you love to do and at the same time sharing learnings to others.
It is indeed a question of mutual trust between brands and influencers – I have heard dreadful stories though of influencers not posting anything when they receive items
Author
This really happens. Sad to know that there are influencers who does this.
All of the tips you have shared are so important and I think a good engagement with your followers is the key to being successful.
Author
Engagement is one of the key factors. Happy to know you find things on my post important and helpful.
I read your post and was reminded of my own journey as well. Gone are the days of free domains, but the good thing is now we can write off our blogging expenses!
Author
Funny to know I was hesitant for many years in getting my own domain but here I am now (here we are now) having our own domain! Yey!
Wow, thanks for this great piece, I never knew about the 3 P’s if i didn’t come around here.
Author
Hi! I am glad to share my experience with you!
Hi Miss JHenz,
Thank you for sharing all these tips. As a newbie in blogging it has been a steep learning curve for me. My chosen niche is natural hair dye. I am struggling to work in collaboration with other bloggers, if you can help, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Robin
Author
Hi Robin! Feel free to email me to discuss 🙂
Thank you sharing your story. Being an influencer is not easy.
Author
And it will never be easy. But the catch is – we enjoy our journey!
The think before you click one is hard for me. With everything happening with the virus and Trump it’s so difficult not to argue.
Author
I can’t blame you. But in some situation (especially with argument in digital world) – emotions burts out first most of the time.
These are all great tips for those looking into that lifestyle/career!
Author
Not only for lifestyle niche 🙂
well this provided information is really very useful and helpful for every of blogger though glad you shared this important article with us…
Author
Thanks for appreciating! Happy to share this experience!
You are so on point with these tips! People, purpose and passion are the constructs that support all entrepreneurial and endeavours and I agree with all your tips, including understanding that becoming an influencer is not limited to social media, but to anyone who is giving advice or help to this world!
Author
Thank you so much! Let’s influence the world in a good way.
I really enjoyed your view on becoming an Influencer and I totally agreed with your 5 tips. Passion, purpose and people are the three pillars to every entrepreneur and business, because that is how it not only starts, but how it maintains. Great article and keep up your good work!
Author
Starting something can be easy, but maintaining a passion is a totally different story.
I would add knowing your worth and not allowing companies to devalue you or the service you provide.
Author
Thanks for the input! Yes, if there’s someone who should really know our worth – it is us!
It sounds like you really enjoy what you do and it is always nice to see someone sharing what they have learned with those who are just starting out. Congrats on your success, I wish you more and more!
Author
Thank you so much! I also love reading stories about someone’s journey and success. Getting inspiration and hopefully to inspire others too.
Some fabulous tips here for upcoming influencers who are uncertain on how to go about being an effective influencer.
Author
There are a lot of aspiring influencers nowadays. Hopefully they’ll know their real purpose in becoming one.
Thank you for sharing these great tips. I especially agree with engaging with your followers. It’s a lot of work, but really pays off when you develop a relationship with the people you are sharing with.
Author
So true! Influencers should also prioritize engaging and building a relationship with their followers
Thank you so much for the informative blog and I am right there with you. I have bookmarked this post to come back to it as I am always looking for new ways to optimize my blog and I love seeing what others are doing to get there themselves 🙂
Author
Appreciate it! Let’s inspire one another 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about being an influencer! I have no dreams of being one but I definitely would want to work with brands as a side hustle.
Author
Best of luck on your endeavor 🙂
Being an influencer is a lot of work. Congrats on your hard work paying off, and thanks for the great tips.
Author
Thank you! Yes – a lot of work and passion, really! Stay safe 🙂
Congrats on 8 years, I celebrate 7 this summer and I could agree more with the 3Ps – passion, purpose, and people.
Author
Wohoooo! Congratulations to us! 🙂
I love all the great tips that you have shared. You are so right and what you have written is so helpful and encouraging
Author
Thank you! I love sharing my experiences and learnings 🙂
AMAZING tips you have shared, they are so important and I think a good engagement with your followers is the key to being successful.
Author
Yes! Because in whatever aspect in life, the one who supports you will lead you to success 🙂
Lots of great tips here…it’s take a lot of forethought and planning to run a successful business. Thanks for sharing!
Author
You’re welcome 🙂 Happy to share my learnings
One thing to remember as well as an influencer is being honest, and prioritizing your audience. Build trust by being authentic and being true to all your campaigns and projects. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Author
I couldn’t agree more!
congratulations on your 8 years of influencing on the web!
I learned the “think before you click” the hard way on my first year as a serious blogger, haha! Mine’s more like “think 10x before you click”
Author
LOL! Been there done that 🙂
Its not easy to become influencer/blogger but if you love what you were doing it will be a challenge. I am also a blogger. I feel you.
Author
Hi Kurt! Glad to meet a fellow blogger 🙂
Great tips! These are the good qualities of a good and responsible blogger. Number 2 is very important.
Author
Thank you Liz! 🙂
Totally agree on this. There’s so many opportunities by being an influencer and it just doesn’t have to be on social media. Thanks for the tips so much to learn out there still
Author
Yes 🙂 We learn everyday, as we learn from others.
I need to hear this. Thank you for this piece. Cannot stress enough the importance of authenticity and quality engagement
Author
Being real in everything is always important 🙂
Great post! Dati rin, hobby lang talaga ang mag-travel at kumain. Di ko alam na magiging passion at side hustle ko na rin siya ngayon!
Author
From hobby tapos kalaunan nakakainfluence ka na ng ibang tao 🙂
Many said that blogging is dead coz of social media, but that is just a faux pas. You got the passion and drive in sharing your expressive thoughts online, and that is important.
Author
Blogging will never be dead and will stay as long as we have the passion to write and share 🙂
Though I don’t highly consider myself as an influencer (kasi maliit lang naman followers ko) I agree with what you have said that we should use our voice to promote positive, and responsible information to our readers. I also like reading your journey as a blogger/ influencer. We all start small and what really matters is how we create content, not just the numbers. 🙂
Author
As they say, everyone can influence on their own way 🙂 Let’s all spread positivity!
Writing is just really something that I love to do, but I realized that if I want my words to reach others.. I really have to work on engaging with followers and building my network. It’s a tough road but I remind myself why I’m here in the first place… passion first.
Author
Engagement is always the key 🙂 Connect and engage.
i love this! a couple days ago a newbie creator asked for tips on my IG stories. I’ll send this to them too! 🙂
Author
Thank you Janessa! 🙂
Passion. Purpose. People. THESE ARE SO TRUE IN SOOO MANY LEVELS! I mean sobrang bago ko pa in the industry. I have so many lapses in terms of brand and influencer relationship but it’s nice to read articles like this reminding me to how to do things effectively. I admit I totally suck when it comes to building my network but I’m really working on it and trying my best.
Author
Trying is better than not starting at all – I remind this my self everyday 🙂
Agree on this. Lalo na on promoting positive vibe and to always give responsible info sa mga followers and readers natin
Author
Spread good and positive vibes always 🙂
I found myself in this story even though I ask myself: are you also going through a terrible moment? For me this 2021 is terrible, I admit that finding and understanding how to survive is hard, collaborations do not rain!
Author
Always remember that every day is a new day 🙂 A new day that is better than yesterday! Keep going!
I’ve been running my site for 10 years. I’m pretty particular about what I write about for sponsored posts. I prefer to be very selective as I think followers don’t appreciate bloggers who push products constantly.
Author
Absolutely! They can sense if it’s promotional or really something helpful and informative. Let’s stay genuine
I think one of the best bits of advice I have ever had as an influencer is don’t say yes to every single opportunity – be selective, and focused. It’s so nice to hear your thoughts and advice.
Author
That is true. Select the ones that represents you as your own brand and don’t be hesitant to say no to what you think doesn’t matches your goal as an influencer.
Engaging with followers is really important. It’s hard to respond to all comments when you get a load in though. I find I struggle with this.
Author
For sure they’ll understand if you overlooked and wasn’t able to respond in some comments 🙂
The most important fact that an influencer should do is tell the truth. Know all your facts on products and make sure what you post and share is accurate.
Author
There is no arguement to that 🙂
These are all helpful tips for someone who is interested in being an influencer. I have used most of these tips and I they work for me .
Author
That’s great to know Sue!
All these point may be valid. My main takeaway is number 1.
Really great tips here. Social media has a really harsh community but it’s important to keep calm when reacting and engaging. Thanks for sharing.
These are great tips! It’s a lot of hard work to become one.
I think this post raised some important topics for people to understand before they start working with brands. People think it’s “always fun” but forget it’s work like anything else.
These are great tips. I definitely agree with the part about passion.