How to Become a Professional Influencer

Let’s Get Real About Becoming a Professional Influencer

Let me tell you something: it took Chris and I 15 years to build our community at Chris Loves Julia. Fifteen. Years. That’s over a decade of showing up every single day, posting consistently, engaging with our audience, and building real relationships. No shortcuts. No viral hacks. It took years of hard work to get where we are today.

Becoming a professional influencer isn’t a quick-fix, overnight magic trick. It’s a grind. If you want to turn this into a real career, you have to put in the effort, and you have to be unapologetic about it. No one’s going to hand you success on a silver platter, and that’s how it should be. If you’re looking for easy shortcuts, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re ready to hustle, here's your guide to becoming a professional influencer.

1. Choose a Platform to Post On

You can’t be everywhere at once—especially when you’re just getting started. Choose one platform that fits your style and audience. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube—pick one and go all in. Don't overcomplicate it by trying to manage every social media account under the sun. Focus your energy on mastering one platform, creating great content, and building your audience there. Once you're comfortable and growing, you can diversify. But in the beginning? Stick to one.

2. Niche Down and Get Specific

A common mistake that new influencers make is trying to appeal to everyone. Stop right there. You can’t be everything to everyone. Find your niche. It could be anything from home decor to fitness, beauty, or tech—whatever you’re passionate about. The more specific you are, the easier it is to stand out and attract a dedicated audience. Think of it this way: a small, loyal following is way better than a huge, unengaged one. Get clear on what you’re about and let that guide your content creation.

3. Post Consistently—Every Day

Listen up: if you want to build an audience, you can’t afford to be inconsistent. This means posting daily. I know, I know—this sounds exhausting, but it’s non-negotiable. The more you post, the more you show up in your followers’ feeds, and the more chances you have to connect with them. Start small and build up to daily posting, but keep the consistency high. Consistency builds trust with your audience, and that trust is what turns followers into loyal fans. And don’t be afraid to reuse content to make daily posting a little easier.

4. Find Your Branding and Voice

When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get distracted by all the “successful” influencers around you. But here’s the thing: you’re not them, and you don’t need to be. Get clear on your own brand. What do you stand for? What makes you unique? This includes your visual style (think colors, fonts, photography) and your tone (casual, professional, funny, etc.). Finding your voice is key to building an authentic connection with your audience. And remember: your brand isn’t set in stone. As you grow, it can evolve, but start with a foundation.

5. Engage with Your Audience—Don’t Just Post and Ghost

Building a community doesn’t happen by posting and walking away. You need to engage with your followers! Respond to comments, answer DMs, and initiate conversations. Ask questions in your captions, host polls, and make sure your audience feels heard. Influencers who actively engage build trust and create more loyal followers. People want to feel like they’re part of something, so don’t leave them hanging.

6. Pitch to Brands That Align with You

Now that you’ve got some content under your belt and are building your audience, it’s time to start thinking about partnerships. But don’t just take any brand deal that comes your way. Be picky! Make sure the brands align with your niche and values. You’re the one representing them, so don’t sacrifice your authenticity for a paycheck. Pitch brands that make sense for your audience, and make sure the collaboration feels natural to your followers.

7. Understand Analytics and Use Them to Improve

It’s not enough to just post content. To make sure you're on the right track, you need to track how well your content is performing. Most social media platforms offer analytics that tell you what’s working and what’s not. Are people engaging with your posts? When are they most active? Which types of content get the most interaction? Understanding this data will help you optimize your strategy and reach more people.

8. Stay Consistent and Keep Going

Building a professional influencer career isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a long game. You’ll see some growth, then maybe some setbacks. Keep showing up. Keep posting. Keep engaging. The most successful influencers didn’t get there with a viral moment—they got there by being consistent for years. Keep your eyes on the long-term goal, and don't let temporary setbacks derail you.

9. Learn to Promote Yourself

If you're uncomfortable with self-promotion, this career might not be for you. At some point, you’ll need to confidently promote your own content, products, and partnerships. You’ve got to sell yourself—your audience isn’t going to follow you or buy from you if they don’t understand why you’re worth it. Be bold about your value, and don't wait for someone else to tell your story for you.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re serious about becoming a professional influencer, it’s time to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and start taking action. Building a sustainable career as an influencer is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, authenticity, and strategy are key.

And if you need help? That’s where we come in. The Good Influence(r) program is designed to help you build the career you want. From our Growing Your Audience course to our exclusive resources, we’ve got everything you need to take your influencer career to the next level. Join today, and let’s make it happen. Your influencer journey starts now.

P.S. When you join, you get access to our Facebook community of hundreds of creators just like you—people who are in the trenches, sharing tips, offering support, and celebrating wins together. It’s time to level up, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.