The term ‘social media influencer’ is being used nowadays more often not. And this is proof of the growing presence of the profession in the economic world.
Undoubtedly, the innovation known today as social media is a bedrock of diverse job opportunities.
Tapping into this available goldmine is, therefore, right and timely.
If you have been searching for a simple guide on how to become a social media influencer in Nigeria – and earn an income while at it – then, this is where you can begin your journey.
By the time you are done reading this, you would have gained a lot of insight into the terrains of social media influencing.
Types of Influencers
Arming yourself with the knowledge of the different types of social media influencers is necessary to make the most suitable decision for yourself as you start your journey.
Hence, there are four main types of social media influencers.
- Celebrities
These are artistes, actors, reality TV stars, sportsmen and sportswomen who have attained the peak of popularity and superstardom. Examples include Wizkid, Burna Boy.
- Industry experts/Thought Leaders
These are those who dominate a specific field or industry owing to their wide knowledge and experience. An example is Dimma Umeh.
- Micro-influencers
These are the ones who have captured the attention of social media users in a unique way and maintain their visibility by promoting their unique content. An example is Bobrisky.
- Bloggers/Content Creators
Their brand has been built around providing information and content people are most likely to be interested in. An example is Linda Ikeji.
Having learnt the main categories of social media influencers, it’s time to fully go into how to become a social media influencer in Nigeria.
Find your niche
Excelling as a social media influencer requires you to find a niche that you are comfortable in. Trying to dabble into almost all niches at once will only succeed in holding you back from becoming a professional social media influencer that can be taken seriously by brands and social media users. Remember that the goal is to do what works for you and be consistent at it.
Pick a social media platform
This is equally vital. It is unrealistic to dominate all social media channels at the same time. Your target audience might be on Twitter, which would mean that your time on Instagram is unnecessary. There are very good social media influencers who understand that it is wise to stay on a platform and utilize it to your maximum benefit. If you really want to give them a run for their money, then stay on a particular platform and build your base to the strongest of your abilities – watch yourself succeed as you do this.
Work on your content strategy
This is perhaps the most important tip you need to become a social media influencer. Your content has to be unique and also conform to the expectations of your target audience. Good content ideas can come from doing your research on Google and other platforms like Quora and Nairaland. Simply make sure you sound unique as you deliver high quality content that develops your brand as an influencer.
Use hashtags
Hashtags are the spice needed to take your social media influencing to the next level. Hashtag generators such as Kicksta, Ingramer, All-Hashtag can also aid you. Hashtags get you discovered on your preferred social media platform. Don’t underestimate the power of using a popular hashtag to boost your outreach.
Collaborate with other influencers
This is needed to boost your brand. While working on becoming a bonafide social media influencer, you need to engage established influencers with a huge following on your preferred social media platform. Doing so involves sharing and commenting on their posts and reaching out to them via email instead of the regular direct messages on social media.
Always Reply Comments
Don’t make the mistake of not replying comments on your posts. Remember that you are engaging with human beings and people like to feel important. Hence, as you work on gaining their attention, don’t leave them to their assumptions when the comments start rolling in. Reply the comments; engage with them. This is a good way to attain and also retain your status.
When you hit about 5,000 or 10,000 followers, then you can congratulate yourself on the journey that you have started. Always remember to be consistent.
