Rise of “Digital Influencers” or “Social Media Influencers” and Financial Independence!
A couple of years ago I have published a post “How To Start a Blog and Successfully Earn From It” —Beginner’s Guide. To date it is still a reader’s favorite, and a go-to for many aspiring influencers. With the pandemic that took the world by a storm, everyone took to the internet and discovered the world of “influencers” or much better known as blogging and vlogging. Now more than ever that I am receiving a lot more questions about blogging, how I got started, and how I make money from it. While it is not rocket science, being an influencer does require dedication, time, and effort.
For those who are aspiring to become a digital influencer, there’s no such thing as a perfect approach or steps to being one. You simply get started. I always direct everyone to the post mentioned above because it is a great resource that breaks down the details and builds a strong foundation to your overall goal. I do have to note however, that just because you see a lot of people on social media rise to fame over one viral post, doesn’t mean you will also have the same experience. There will be a few who are fortunate to make a name for themselves in such a short time, while the majority takes time and effort. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Just pace yourself and know hard work always pays off. Remember one thing as you venture into this trade, just because you are just starting out doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to offer. Your unique take on things will take you places. As you are figuring out how to manage and approach the digital space, brands are also trying to figure out how to utilize social media.
Social Media Influencing started back in 2006 and has continuously been on the rise. In fact, it has been widely researched that Influencer Marketing is on track to become a $15 billion dollar industry by next year (2022). Through the pandemic, brands have shown no signs of slowing down from partnering with influencers. Especially shining light with micro influencers for being a credible source of authentic reviews while increasing brand awareness.
I have been around the web since 2000 and have started my online diary / journal using Geocities, Angelfire, Xanga, etc. I started earning my first few bucks with PayPerPost in 2006. There were a lot of other ways to earn online but I focused on what I am comfortable with. Best believe I had my fair share of mistakes and what not too. Scammers and spammy websites have been around ever since then as well. This is also one of the reasons why I understand how some people are skeptical from earning online. Back then, there wasn’t a lot of ways to vet which site is legit and who you can trust. You just have to take a chance and go from there. That was then.
Having a reliable contact from creative agencies and Network never gets old. Your contacts will be the ones to help you find connection, build relationship, and even help identify which websites are legit. These websites are basically what everyone refers to as their Network. A network is owned by a company who becomes a bridge or a middle man between the brand and the influencer. It basically takes the guesswork out of finding brands to work and partner with. One of my personal favorite is Intellifluence.com as you can work on your own phase and time and find legit partnerships that actually pays.
In this trade, you can easily pave your way to financial independence as long as you put in the work. By providing quality content, you can be assured that it will attract other brands to work with you as well. Balance your work flow and you can start saving from the comforts of your own home.
melissa chapman
May 17, 2021Starting a blog is hard and making it pay off is even harder. I am approached at least once a week by people who think what I do is easy but it has taken years to get to where I am now.
Leanne Wong
May 17, 2021This was a much needed post on social media influencers as a source of income and potential career path. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Kuntala
May 17, 2021This is such a great post, and it’s filled with sound advice. It is absolutely possible to make a living blogging if you put in the work and stay true to yourself.
Nina
May 17, 2021I believe too that the pandemic period has encouraged many to start looking for earning opportunities on the internet, and being a social media influencer is certainly one of the opportunities. Thanks for this interesting article in which you also shared some of your experiences!
Nina
Hang Around The World
May 17, 2021What you say is so true. I’ve read your post with so many interest because I use social so much also for work. Everything needs to be done step by step, that’s the key. – Paolo
Tara Pittman
May 17, 2021This was good information to read. I will have to check out the pay per post.
Brianne
May 17, 2021I’ve made my living as an influencer, and it is absolutely doable. You just have to stick to it and stay true to yourself.
Cinny
May 17, 2021I think it also depends on the time that you can spend as well. I know some who are able to do this full time and devote everything which makes it easier too.
Michael
May 17, 2021I agree and hope we all make it! It is really the future of the marketing industry but not limited to that! So much creativity comes from it so yeah! its a good thing
Fatima at Motherhood Through My Eyes
May 17, 2021There are so many perks to this trade, more so if you love writing. It’s a great trade-off to work from home when you have small children at home.
Eileen M Loya
May 17, 2021I dream of finding success in blogging. I have a 7 year old blog but it hasn’t “taken off” as much as I want it to be. I guess my biggest obstacle is putting in enough time to work on it. Thank you for your motivation and tips.
Monica Simpson
May 17, 2021It’s so mind boggling to me how much social influencers make.
Ogunyinka Francis
May 17, 2021Social media influencer will be on the increase with more companies relying on mini influencer with small followers and influencer with large follower for brand engagement.
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
May 17, 2021I started blogging in 2004 (much like you), but my first real blog “The Drama Queen Can Tell Stories” in 2008. I did PyPerPost too, for a while, but to be honest, I couldn’t really get into that kind of blogging. But it was through blogging that I became a freelance writer.
So when I’m not working as a dentist, I’m in front of my laptop–writing.
Nowadays I blog on, “The Things I Have to Say” and I feel very comfortable here now. I’m not sure I can be an influencer–but if there’s one regret that I have, I wish I figured out my niche earlier on. Anyway, better late than never.
Ramil Hinolan
May 18, 2021I had a great time reading this post. I am a newbie in blogging and yes, I have so many mistakes. I got a lot of trainings in the field and hopefully I am on my way to getting a fatter paycheck in the next few years.
angela
May 18, 2021Really good to know about the Digital Influencers.I don’t have much knowledge about it.Thanks for sharing with us
Deborah
May 18, 2021This was such a fun post to read and I can totally relate. It’s the digital world, after all!
Ntensibe Edgar
May 18, 2021Wow…I’ve never used Intellifluence.com before. I’m checking it out now!
Elizabeth O
May 18, 2021Being an influencer opens up so many doors IF you’re willing to work at it to get them open. It’s the best decision I ever made.
Krysten Quiles
May 18, 2021Love this! I’d love to be able to quit my job and be an influencer. One day!
Lala
May 18, 2021You’ve enumerated some great points here! The rise of working remotely has taken interest from people across the world. It’s financial independence we’re after!
Mary K Stallings
May 18, 2021I know they get a bad reputation but being an influencer is hard work for sure! So much time, dedication, and consistency is needed!
Ivan Jose
May 18, 2021I know a lot of people would like to be influencers because of all the freebies from brands that they see on social media. Well, those freebies don’t come easily and actually involves a lot of hard work and dedication. I personally find it challenging because most brands would want to work with social media savvy people (and that’s not me!). I’m what you can consider as the classic blogger who is more into long-form content.
Dominique
May 18, 2021It’s amazing that you have been working on the internet for so long. Congratulations on your success! I didn’t realize that Social influencing started in 2006 — I thought it was much newer…thanks for sharing!
Laura
May 18, 2021A $15 billion dollar industry by next year?! That’s absolutely amazing. I love the digital influencing world and have definitely seem it on the rise since the pandemic and with the addition of TikTok and Instagram Reels. Who knows where the industry will lead us next.
Emily Fata
May 18, 2021This is definitely great information to have in your back pocket! Thanks so much for sharing this with us all!
Kita Bryant
May 18, 2021I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment, “You just get started.” I tell everyone that. It’s a different ball game for each person.
Nyxie
May 18, 2021Making money from my writing/artwork is something I strive for. A certain aspect of this is being on social media. But I find it can be all to easy to get caught up with numbers.
Renata Green
May 18, 2021I don’t quite get the independence aspect – don’t you depend on your customers?
sambo
May 18, 2021Nice post, Angela. You have a lot of follower. Cool stuff
Kelly Bolen
May 18, 2021This is excellent information! Thank you so much for sharing!
Wren
May 18, 2021This is great! I find it’s important to have your own approach!
Anosa Malanga
May 19, 2021Doing it as your passion and not as a job will definitely get you through. Creating good content is a must too and couldn’t agree more with connections. I will lead you to credible agencies to work with too.
aisasami
May 19, 2021What a wonderful and inspiring read about being an influencer. I hope people can get inspired by this!
Shilpa Bindlish
May 19, 2021I got some addition to my knowledge from this post. Financial independence can be acquired to some extent by being an influencer.
Kathy Kenny Ngo
May 19, 2021You have been around far longer than I have. I was still in college when you started. You definitely have a lot to share.
Emman Damian
May 20, 2021Almost everybody are social media influencers now! I can’t believe that the pandemic really helps amplify the business. A lot of people leave their jobs and become influencers instead.
Kisha
May 20, 2021Those shoes are killer, just amazing. Where did you find them?
Eileen M Loya
May 21, 2021I have invites from friends to join Intellifluence but I have not gotten the time to check it out. Thank you for the reminder. I am going to do that today.
Brianne
May 22, 2021I’ve been an influencer for years, and I love it. It’s given me so much freedom, and because I’m already in an area that people are eager to see more of, it’s made it easy for me to remain true to myself.
Kuntala
May 22, 2021Even though blogging and social influencing have been around for several years now, there is still so much space in the industry for growth. Love this post.
Ivan M. Jose
May 22, 2021These are good insights as to what social media influencers are and what they do. People have to know that it’s not all about perks and freebies. They have to work hard in exchange for products. On the other hand, social media influencers owe it to their followers to convey authenticity.
Olga
May 22, 2021I tried to make my IG pretty, but then I realized I don’t have so much time to make good pictures every week… But I’m amazed at people who have popular and visually appealing accounts.
Ramil Hinolan
May 22, 2021Many people believe that blogging or vlogging is a walk in the park. They do not realized the dirty works that go with the work. I am glad I came across this article. It really helps.
Emily Fata
May 22, 2021This was a really awesome informational resource! I learned a lot, thanks for sharing!
Maysz
May 22, 2021Being influencer and have your own brand with a great promoting skills can you save your finances great advice from you!
Nilakshi
May 23, 2021Social media platform has opened up an entire line of job. It’s high time to utilise all the opportunities that digital media has opened up for the users.
Claudia Blanton
May 23, 2021wow, I have not thought about Angelfire and Geocities for a long time now – you have been around the block for a minute, good for you, for sticking with it. So many people give up way too early and are not willing to put in the work when it comes to online success of any kind. This is not easy money for sure, but worth it – blessings
Wren
May 23, 2021I love the many ways people can find financial independence. I love how influential people can be when they are great roldmodels.
Contemporary Mosaic Artwork
May 24, 2021Amazing job Angela, you’re such an inspiration! Wish you continued success…