Blogger, influencer, social media… whether what term you use, it all seems to have a negative connotation attached to it. As social media has evolved and platforms are becoming more available for everyone, we’ve seen a rise in the career path of content creators, influencers, brand management, influencer marketing and more. We’ve also grown to see an increase of clichés around these terms. But the question is why. Studies show that Influencers are the #1 of purchase decisions on Social Media …. so why the shame?

Is there a difference between an Influencer & A Blogger?

Influencer is a big term, but there are plenty of terms that fall underneath it: brand ambassadors, nano influencers, micro influencers and mega influencers. All have the same goal in mind: promoting brands and products that they trust and love.

Influencer – A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.

Blogger – Someone who writes on a specific top for a blog. For example a food blogger will curate a food recipe on a consistent basis.

Influencers/Bloggers are essentially the center of social media, marketing and branding. Think of it as a best friend approach to marketing. You see your bff wearing a certain outfit, using a certain brand, eating at cool places or decorating her apartment a certain way. If your best friend does it, don’t you wanna do it? Consider yourself influenced!

It’s Not All About Brunch

“All influencers do is go to brunch and take pictures!” Well, not quite. Sure, it looks lavish on social media. Sure, it looks like showing off your new clothes and just posting on Instagram and TikTok all day. That’s what it may look like, but that’s not it. Professionals who work within this industry work harder than ever. Securing brand deals, constantly taking photos, working with other influencers… it’s a busy lifestyle and it’s not like all the lavish-ness seen online. When you go into a retail store you are greeted by people that are ready to sale sale sale. If you are seeking to be an influencer/blogger it’s pertinent to have this same mentality. You’re constantly being a resource online to your followers. Whether that’s selling YOUR own personal brand, brands you love, or things you love to do, people rely on you and are constantly wanting your opinion. A successful Blogger has a structure in place and treats their blog like any business.

So tell me how would you respond or what comes to mind if someone said. “I am in Marketing.” vs. “I am an Influencer/Blogger.” Which verbiage do you take more seriously and what is that driving factor?

Monetization + Collaborations

A main aspect of a career in blogging and/or influencing is monetization. What does this mean? Monetizing your content means earning a revenue or gaining a commission from putting your most loved items online. Influencers and bloggers can do this through the LTK app, Amazon Storefronts and more popularly having a “discount code” affiliated with their name. They then can gain money through promoting these platforms or their unique codes to their followers, which allows them to shop their links, which results in gaining monetary compensation. Collaborations. They also make large earnings cultivating relationships with companies big and small creating brand awareness to their own audience. If you are thinking of launching a product or business considering the path of a blogger campaign to spread the word that generates sales. Creating a successful campaign with bloggers that is done tactfully is my number one go to get brand awareness in a fast and short amount of time.

Let’s Talk Numbers

The proof is in the numbers. LTK formerly known as Rewardstyle released in their latest blog CLICK HERE TO READ that with influencers in high demand from consumers and marketers, brands should plan early to ensure first access to this year’s most valuable marketing asset. 

“With the vast majority of shopping expected to happen on mobile devices this holiday season, and influencers surfacing as the most trusted advisors on social media, creator-powered marketing is poised to be an extremely effective selling strategy this holiday,” said Rodney Mason, head of marketing for the LTK Brand Platform. “Our advice to brands is to plan your influencer marketing campaigns early and across the calendar to maximize your selling opportunities.” 

Influencers are the #1 Drivers of purchase decisions on social media. – LTK

I have literally seen brands explode with the help from a blogger. 19% of marketers will spend $1,000 – $10,000 per year on influencer marketing in 2020, while 18% are spending between $100,000 – $500,000 per year.

If you want more information on what it looks like to work with a blogger, visit my previous post So You Want To Work with An Influencer for helpful insight.

Want to see more statistics that can prove the success of Influencer Marketing & Highest Paid Influencer? I have linked a few jaw dropping sites full of mind blowing statistics that may have you pause when you may possibly make an assumption of a blogger.

• TOP 10 Highest Earning Bloggers
• 10 Influencer Marketing Statistics to Inform Where You Invest
• 150 TOP FASHION INFLUENCERS IN 2021

Bloggers I am Loving

I follow certain bloggers for many reasons and certain seasons of life like many people do. Any client that I work with whether it’s in curating a marketing strategy or capturing imagery for their blog or business, I encourage them to work with the intention of being a resource. Like anyone I love an eye grabbing photo or something adorable that gives me all the feels. Once you find the niche you can be of helpful service, you will see the change of engagement and demand especially if make someone’s day easier with a certain method or an actionable step that they can achieve along with you.

• Natasha – Hello Happiness Blog– She is all the joy, colorful vibrant, inspiring
• Ashlee Nichols– Love her everyday looks & fashion
• Cassie- Hi Sugarplum Blog – All the things/ Life/ Travel/ Fashion/ Kiddos
• Tanya – Tanya Foster Blog- Beauty/Fashion/Travel
• Brooke – Kbstyled– I literally love everything she does from fashion/recipes/ beauty
• Ryanne – The Recruiter Mom– Fashion- She helps me personally find pieces that fit my body type.
• Taryn Newton– Love this family & The fashion pieces that fit my style & budget
• Tiffany Blackmon– Recipes & Podcast
• Miamiamine– Obsessed with her street style
• Fashionable Hostess– Dreamy Table scapes & Hosting Ideas

My list could literally go on for several reasons as each one helps me with tips or ideas that help me have direction with an outfit, gift, a healthy recipe, or that extra inspo of not feeling alone. It’s that BFF approach that gets me every-time!

Thank you friends for taking the time to read my blog and I hope you gained some insight on the life of bloggers and influencers!

If you have a question or topic for us to tackle please leave a comment below.

Capture.Brand.Engage.

Cheers!