How to Become an Influencer: My journey into becoming one. Plus Freebie (list of where to get free products!)

Believe it or not, we are all influencers in our own little way. How? By influencing someone to do something or buy something, may it be our family, relatives, friends, or even just our acquaintances. 

An influencer is an individual who has the ability to influence or affect other people's decisions. In the digital marketing world, influencers are the people who have the power to affect the buying decisions of others because of their knowledge, their following, community, and audience.

How did I become an influencer? 

It was a long road. But I remember starting my journey by just reviewing some products I already own. I have always been passionate about sharing my knowledge and my own experiences with others. Background story: I was originally from the Philippines. I moved here in the US 4 years ago. Having to wait to be a legal resident for quite some time and adjust to my new environment, I was a homebody for over 2 years.

What was I doing at home over that span of time? Aside from doing some part-time online jobs, I was hunting all sites where I can get free things to review. Back then, I didn't really have a budget to buy a lot of things to review and share - my resources were limited. But that didn't stop me from doing things I am passionate about. I did my research. I followed people who have the same interests as me on Instagram. I started to become more visible and introduce myself in social media platforms - especially Instagram, as someone who constantly shares products that I use by posting a detailed review about them.

Then, I discovered sample platforms/programs that provide free products. I signed up to a lot! (you can download the list here). Then some product sellers started reaching out to me and even some brands that I never heard of started offering me their products for free in exchange for sharing them on my social media accounts.

Is it worth it becoming an influencer? That's a personal question. For me, my answer would always be YES. Why? Because for me, it's not always about the free products I received in exchange for reviews. It's the personal feeling - the joy I get to experience when people discover things that worked for them because I shared it. It has always been a pleasure for me to help others and that is what makes being an Influencer so worth it. 

What are the takeaways? How do you become an influencer?

💓 Focus on wanting to help others. It's not about getting free things, it's about helping others to make a decision.

💓 Do your own research. Check what everyone else is doing, then see what you can do better. 

💓 Share what you love! It will attract the right audience.

💓 Always be visible. Be consistent and show up for people that you want to help.

💓 Be a person of value. You don't just post pictures with no caption or create content that doesn't have anything to do with your audience. Tell a story that will relate to them.

💓 Engage with your people. Communicate with your audience as much as you can, they are the reason why you are an influencer.

Whatever your chosen platform is - be it Instagram, your Blog, YouTube, or Pinterest - always think about your audience, how you can help them, and how you can grow WITH them.

If you already have enough following in your social media channels, it might be time for you to try signing up to some Influencer Marketing Platforms. Watch out for my next blog about it!