How to Start as an Influencer: A Beginner’s Guide
Are you dreaming of becoming an influencer but feel overwhelmed about where to start? You’re not alone. It can feel like everyone’s already made it and that there’s no room for you. But here’s the truth: There’s always room for authentic, passionate voices. You just have to find yours!
I’ve been in the same spot. When I started sharing our home renovation journey way back when, I didn’t know it would resonate with so many people. I wasn’t following any trends, I was just being myself—and that made all the difference. I also didn’t start with a huge budget - Our budget for home improvements was $20/month, and we were DIYing our hearts out (with borrowed tools). Today, I’m going to share some tried-and-true tips to help you start your influencer journey.
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Your niche is your sweet spot—it’s what sets you apart from everyone else. Think about what lights you up. Is it fashion, health, travel, or perhaps DIY like me? Whatever it is, your niche should be something you can talk about endlessly without getting bored. When you’re passionate, it shines through in your content.
When I started in the home renovation space, I was just doing what I loved. Sure, there were already tons of home bloggers, but no one was doing it the way I was. My love for moody tones, the idea of “loving where you live”, and showing our daily renovation updates made me stand out. Trust me, your uniqueness will be your greatest asset.
Step 2: Choose Your Platform
Where does your audience hang out? The platform you choose depends on where your target demographic spends their time and the type of content you want to create.
Instagram: Ideal for visually-driven content, Instagram allows you to share captivating images and short-form videos through Reels and Stories. It’s perfect for building personal connections, showcasing your lifestyle, or curating a brand aesthetic. With features like direct messaging and polls, Instagram is highly interactive, making it a great platform for engaging with your community in real-time.
TikTok: If you’re looking to create quick, viral content, TikTok is where you want to be. Known for its short-form videos and algorithm that can help creators go viral overnight, TikTok is fantastic for reaching a wide, often younger audience. Trends, challenges, and music play a big role, so it’s important to stay on top of what’s popular on the platform to grow effectively.
YouTube: For more in-depth content, YouTube is the go-to platform. Whether you’re doing tutorials, vlogs, or long-form reviews, YouTube allows for deeper storytelling and a more engaged audience. Plus, it’s a search engine in itself, meaning your content has a longer shelf life compared to other platforms where posts can be quickly buried.
Rather than spreading yourself thin by trying to juggle multiple platforms from the start, focus on one that aligns best with your content type and goals. For instance, when I started, Instagram didn’t exist yet and blogging was all the rage. After some time I felt like Instagram would be the perfect platform to showcase before-and-after shots of our renovation projects, as well as personal moments from the process. As I grew more comfortable with the platform and built a strong audience, I gradually branched out into Pinterest, YouTube and other channels to diversify my presence.
By mastering one platform first, you'll build a solid foundation and streamline your content creation process, which will make expansion smoother when you're ready. Keep in mind that each platform has its strengths, so start where your strengths and audience needs intersect.
Step 3: Create Consistent, Quality Content
Consistency is key. I can’t stress this enough. Whether you’re posting once a week or every day, keep it regular. And remember: quality over quantity. Take the time to craft content that reflects your brand and speaks to your audience.
When I started posting on Instagram, I stuck to a schedule. It wasn’t perfect every time, but I showed up. Over time, that consistency built trust with my followers, and they knew they could rely on me for inspiration.
Step 4: Engage With Your Audience
Being an influencer is about building a community. Don’t just post and disappear—engage! Answer comments, respond to DMs, and connect with your followers. The best part about social media is that it’s social—you’re building relationships, not just an audience.
Here’s a tip: I set aside time every day to respond to comments and messages. This little habit helped me create genuine connections with my audience. And guess what? It’s in those personal connections that your influence really grows.
Step 5: Collaborate and Network
Don’t be shy about collaborating with others—it’s one of the best ways to grow! Whether you’re teaming up with fellow influencers, brands, or creators who share your passion, these partnerships can help you reach new audiences and bring fresh ideas to your content. Look for people who inspire you and complement your style, and don’t be afraid to reach out. There’s so much value in building those relationships; it’s not just about expanding your reach, but also about creating a supportive network that can help you along the way. Trust me, when we lift each other up, amazing things happen!
Starting as an influencer can feel like stepping into a whole new world, and while there’s so much to learn, it’s important to remember to enjoy the ride. Your journey is uniquely yours—don’t get caught up in comparisons or perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, learn, grow, and evolve along the way.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to stay true to yourself. Authenticity is what attracts people to you and keeps them coming back. Your audience will fall in love with you—not the polished, perfect version, but the real, relatable person behind the screen. So share your highs and lows, your successes and failures, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Being an influencer is more than just posting pretty pictures or hitting follower milestones. It’s about building genuine connections, sharing your passions, and leaving a positive impact on your community. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your influence to the next level, remember to have fun, embrace the process, and celebrate every small win.
You’ve got this! It might feel intimidating now, but the most important step is simply to begin. Who knows? In a few years, you could be looking back at your journey, amazed at how far you’ve come—and how much impact you've made.
Now, go out there and share your voice with the world and if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or having even more questions after reading this, book a one-on-one sesh with us where we can dive deeper into your unique challenges. We'll help you craft a personalized strategy, answer your burning questions, and make sure you feel confident and empowered on your influencer journey. Whether it’s creating content, engaging your audience, or maximizing your platform’s potential, we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to being a good influencer.
