Online influencers are everywhere. Believe it or not, it can pay well, and influencers can live off what they make. Nonetheless, that’s not to say the rise to fame is easy.
First, you need to grow your following. Then, once you have a decent number of followers, you can start partnering with businesses to promote their products. Depending on the social media site, they can pay you for your posts if they reach a certain level of engagement. It is a multi-faceted process to say the least. More people are going viral than ever before.
Although some content creators have made a career for themselves, this is not to say influencing doesn’t have its drawbacks. Mental health is often cited as one of the biggest struggles that come with the influencer territory.
Have you ever heard of Daniel Howell, owner of the danisnotonfire YouTube channel? Since 2011, he has produced consistent content. He would often collaborate with his friend, Phil Lester (AmazingPhil), and other popular YouTubers.
Then, he disappeared suddenly from YouTube and stopped making videos. Sure, his videos continued to be monetized, but he wasn’t uploading new content. Howell stepped away from social media for his mental health and to work on other projects. Now, he is touring around the world performing comedy skits.
As an influencer, you have to handle negative comments, balance what you want the world to know or not know about you, deal with stalkers showing up to your front doorstep, market yourself to obtain brand deals, and keep up a creative and unique social media presence.
Online influencing is a roller coaster ride—some days your posts flop and other days your posts goes viral, making you double or triple what you would normally.
Social media is going to be around for a long time. It is rare to find someone these days who does not have a social media account. Considering this new reality, a social media influencer could become a steady career.
Nevertheless, I am a firm believer in having a backup plan—no matter what you choose to do in life—but especially if you have a career in social media. Take another career that sparks your interest and become an expert in that field. Never stop learning and never stop growing.
Whether it is a college degree, going to trade school, or even getting a certificate, life can take unexpected twists and turns, and it is important to be as prepared as possible.
If being a social media influencer makes you happy and you feel like you can achieve it, go for it and good luck.
