Over the past few years, there has been a drastic increase in lifestyle blogging and influencing on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. One of the most obvious and brilliant reasons is the Power of the Internet.
The Internet has made everything that we needed experts for just a decade ago super easy and convenient. This has empowered the general public to become more and more adept to the online world and more and more “influencing”
More and more people enter daily into the world of content creation- be it via blogging or YouTube or Instagram videos or photos. Tan herself started blogging in 2013 to explore her technical side and interest in writing. Due to unavoidable life circumstances, she could not continue her writing journey.
However, over the last few years, the public has not only adapted to the use of the online world, their desire to connect with each other, understand and know each other’s stories has become pivotal. Instead of getting stuck in the illusions created by celebrities and their endorsed products, people have become more likely to listen to the recommendations of common men and women- be it in fashion, lifestyle, or any other genre. This has further escalated a new market of influencers where brands collaborate with people utilizing online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or TikTok to recommend and promote their products and services. Likes, Comments, Shares, and Subscribers are used as the metrics to measure the reach of Influencers. Influencer marketing is on its way to become a $15 billion industry by 2022.
Realising the potential, I recently returned to the world of blogging with arts and craft, Pinterest marketing and everyday tips her primary focus. Instead of limiting herself, allows her writings to be inspired and guided by passion and creative nudges. Over the course of her journey, I have been blessed with collaborations with her favourite brands and made several friends who run their own blogs and channels.
Becoming influential these days does not require heavy investment and has opened up many earning opportunities for every one of us. You can quite literally become viral or pioneer a trend overnight with some luck, some efforts and the right audience. Remember, your audience is the key to everything you do. So, before you jump to anything, educate yourself on what kind of audience you wish to target- be as specific as you possibly can be. Spend most of your time while building a strategy on researching your audience.
If you want another tip, always stay true to your heart. As clearly demonstrated by Lindsay Detwiler, an author, a teacher, and a blogger, never force a piece of writing, a video or a post to appeal to anyone if it goes against your heart. Stay true to yourself. The best things you will achieve in your life will be those purely based on your passion and interest- sorting these out should be one of your topmost priorities.
Always choose the truth. As powerful and tempting as the internet is, it can be just as detrimental to yourself and others. Don’t give into murky marketing practices or trick your audience. Your network makes you and it is the only thing that holds the power to break you. Don’t ever fall into the trap of “easy money”. The Internet and Social Media are quite easy to use but with billions of followers and millions of influencers, it is definitely a battle for attention. Trends are forgotten just as quickly as they are invented. Manage your expectations and always be consistent with your efforts. Understanding these lessons is one of the foundational steps of social influence.
Remember, if you have an idea, there is someone out there who is looking for just exactly that. Don’t doubt yourself. Be confident and do everything you can to mesmerise your audience.