International Youth Day Appeal: Influencers
With International World Youth Day upon us, we would like to shed light on a new profession. One you can start using just three tools: a good camera, the internet and a unique personality. That profession? A modern internet celebrity, also known as an influencer.
What is an influencer, and what do they do?
An influencer is someone who has gained prestige, popularity and a dedicated following through the internet – usually from social media.
They then monetise this fame by advertising products to their fans and followers on their social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other media platforms.
According to Business Insider South Africa, South African “influencers” can earn between R500 and R10,000 per Instagram post, and those with more than 2,000 followers can expect a steady income from sponsored posts.
However, it takes more than having a following to make a steady income.
It is good to have a strategic marketing plan that details when, how, and where you will present your content to the public.
Interpersonal skills, such as passion for a topic or cause, play a vital role in being an influencer. Focusing on something you are passionate about not only helps you come across as authentic but also gives direction to the kinds of corporates and businesses you can partner with both locally and globally.
Influencers succeed by applying passion, making effective use of their tools, and applying a smart personal marketing strategy.
If you’re currently unemployed and you think you have the necessary skills, passion or following – why not try your hand at being an influencer?
For this International Youth Day, we urge everyone to consider how we can use the internet to find alternative career opportunities to help combat South Africa’s unemployment rate – and take charge of their own lives.
