Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
A survey conducted by Morning Consult revealed that 86% of Americans aged 13 to 38 are willing to try being influencers. If you’re reading this article, you’re more than likely interested in the elusive industry of the Instagram influencer and want to know how to become an Instagram influencer so you can have more creative and financial freedom.
TLDR; Start creating content, find a reputable agency and a team that will help you grow your following so you can demand the big bucks.
Introduction
Becoming an Instagram influencer isn’t necessarily about earning big bucks for everyone, it can also be about the creative freedom that comes with being a digital entrepreneur. Whatever your reasons for wanting to become an Instagram influencer, know this: if done correctly you can create a fully-fledged career as an influencer.
But, to start earning on Instagram as an influencer, you need to lay the right foundation. The right foundation will help you make money on Instagram easier and quicker than others who are also trying to become influencers.
The 7 Steps You Need To Take To Become An Instagram Influencer
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 1: Register An Instagram Account
The first step to becoming an Instagram influencer is to register an account (if you haven’t done so already). You may even want to consider creating a new – separate account – so you have a personal account where you connect with friends and family, and a professional account where you connect with brands.
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 2: Choose Your Niche
The next step is to choose a niche that’s profitable and great for Instagram. That can be one niche or a few niches.
A niche is just a specialty that determines what your content will be about.
Unlike Instagram influencers who are celebrities or influencers who have other audiences from a blog, or because they create content elsewhere. As someone who is solely an Instagram influencer, any person that follows you won’t know what your content is about. Therefore, the easiest way to build your audience is to define your niche and create content that highlights that. You don’t have to settle on one niche, you can have a few.
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 3: Work On Your Profile (Handle, Profile Picture, Bio)
Now that you’ve determined your niche you need to work on your profile.
Instagram Handle:
Start by choosing the RIGHT handle. The right handle is easy to remember. Most professional users prefer using their first and last name, but because of the increase in doxxing and the fact that using a first and last name can be potentially dangerous, you can either use a pseudonym, a stage name or create a name using your first name and either a middle name or your mom’s maiden name.
This way you’re still yourself, but you’re keeping safe.
Profile Picture:
Besides your handle, your profile picture is the next most important aspect of your Instagram profile. Dedicate time to creating an entirely new profile picture, one that showcases who you are and what your content is about. For example, if your niche is fitness, it’s a good idea to have a fitness-focused profile image, the same would go for beauty, fashion, and so on. The golden rule with any profile picture, however, is that your face is the primary focus and that you’re making eye contact with your audience.
Bio:
Spend time crafting a bio that tells people who you are. Remember you’re an unknown so no one is going to know what you do and what they can expect when following you. Don’t be ambiguous, be very precise about what your content is about. Take a look at our two examples for bios to get an idea of what your bio should look like.
Example 1: Bad
I love fitness and healthy eating! Expect far too many pictures of me at the gym & #foodporn
Example 2: Good
Just a girl who loves #fitness #exercise and #healthyeating ! Looking to inspire anyone who stumbles on my pictures!
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 4: Upgrade To A Business Account
A business account allows you to use third-party apps like Hootsuite and Later to schedule posts to Instagram, enabling you to start posting consistently. The only caveat to having a business account is that you have to have a Facebook page to sign up for one.
So, once you’re done creating your handle, uploading a profile picture and bio, head over to Facebook and create a page for a personality with the same name as your Instagram handle. You can then head back to Instagram and upgrade to a business account.
Now that you have a business account, sign up to either Later or Hootsuite and begin scheduling your posts.
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 5: Create A Content Plan & Post Frequently
You’ve now got a business account, an account with a third-party app that enables you to schedule posts on Instagram, all you need now is a content plan.
A content plan is essential. It helps you manage your time and resources while remaining consistent. For example, because you have a content plan you know that you’re posting three times a week at specific times, with specific captions. So, whether you’re pressed for time because you’ve got exams, or you’re exhausted from work, your predetermined posts will go up regardless and you can still gain followers.
The trick to a content plan is to find a source of inspiration. The best source of inspiration would be Pinterest.
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 6: Discover What Performs Better & Mimic It
With a business account, you can see the data and stats surrounding your content so you can see which content performs better. Platforms like Later also give you access to this information.
When you see specific posts get more engagement, more likes, more comments, and more people start following you because of those posts, start to mimic that formula. The formula for the caption, the formula for the image, and also the formula for the hashtag.
You should review this information regularly so you’re always up-to-date on what’s working. Even when you’ve found a formula that brings the best results, keep exploring and testing so your content doesn’t become predictable.
How To Become An Instagram Influencer Step 7: Sign Up To A Creator Platform
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for, monetizing your content.
Once you’ve reached 5,000 followers following the steps we’ve outlined above, it’s time to use that following to sign up to influencer marketing platforms.
Influencer marketing platforms put you in touch with brands that are willing to pay for sponsored posts. This eliminates the potential for scammers and tricksters to approach you for content they have no intention of paying for and ensures you’re getting a fair rate.
