How to Become an Influencer: 6 Tips from an Influencer Marketing Pro

I was recently asked the question “how does one become an Influencer?” I’ve spent years building, managing, and even coaching organizations’ Influencer Relations programs and strategies to help businesses meet marketing, sales, and business goals. However, in the process, I’ve also picked up some tips on how to become an influencer.

With that said, if you are looking for ways to gain credibility and influence folks in your industry, here are some steps you can take…

Find Existing Influencers

If you’re looking to increase your influence and credibility in your space, start by finding existing Influencers in your industry. Look for everyone from industry conference speakers, “Top Influencers in [said industry]” lists, check out your competitor’s blog and see who is guest contributing to their blog or who their quoting in their posts, and even who is guest blogging for industry events. 

For example, in HR, here would be great places to start…

• SHRM Annual Conference Speakers
• SHRM Annual Conference Bloggers
• HR Technology Conference Speakers
• HR Technology Conference Bloggers
• Disrupt HR
• Top Influencers Lists

Engage with Influencer Content

Once you know who the Influencers in your space are, engage with them. Follow them on social and subscribe to their blogs. But don’t stop there. Read or watch their content, comment on posts you like, and share their content. Let them know you are enjoying their content.

Join Existing Conversations

Another great way to peg down whose talking and where is Twitter chats. If you google “[your industry] Twitter chats,” you’ll probably find lots of lists. Ex. Glassdoor’s Top HR/Recruiting Twitter Chats list.  

If you don’t know what a Twitter chat is – it’s a bunch of people talking about a specific topic at a certain time while using a common hashtag. Find out when the chat is taking place, then find the hashtag on Twitter. To search for a specific hashtag on Twitter, search your hashtag (start with #) in the search bar at the top. Click “latest posts” to see the most recent tweets. Then, engage with existing posts and even tweet your own.

Usually, Twitter chats work where a host will tweet questions and then everyone will chime in and tweet answers. Questions will start with Q1, Q2, Q3… etc. Answers normally start with A1, A2, A3… etc.

Create Your Own Content

Guess what all the “thought leaders” are doing? They are creating content. Joining the conversation yourself can give you a boost in credibility. This can include anything from blog posts, articles, videos, books, etc.  Creating content can help others understand your unique point of view, increase your own following, and give others a way to engage with you. You can even mention other bloggers’ content in yours to further engage, as well.

 When creating content, a couple things to keep in mind. Provide value to others. Don’t just request people do things like follow you or subscribe. Provide so much value in your content that they are compelled to do so. Here are some tips for creating high-value content.  

Also important, while creating content be authentic. Focus on topics you know or want to explore. Don’t write what you think everyone wants to hear. Speak your truth.

Meet Influencers in Real Life

One of my favorite aspects of Influencer Marketing is meeting Influencers in real life at industry events. If you’re going to an industry event, see if there are any social meetups. For example, the HR industry is lucky enough to Workology’s Party and Event Guide. It breaks out events by day, time, location, and more. Find events in your own industry, go, and meet those folks you connect with online.

Build Real Relationships

It’s important to remember, influencer Marketing is all about building and managing relationships. Focus on building *real* relationships. People can tell the difference between superficiality and reality. No one wants fake relationships.

However, and these notes are important, always remember just because you read someone’s blog doesn’t mean you know them and just because you interact with someone online doesn’t mean they know you. Real friendships take work. Make sure to put in the work.

Becoming an Influencer doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, patience, energy, and work. And, if you have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out to me or influencers in your space. Remember, influencers are people, too.