The Biggest Mistakes New Influencers Make—And How to Avoid Them

If you’ve ever wanted to make it as an influencer, I’m sure you’ve heard all the “success stories” and the “overnight successes.” Well, I’m here to tell you: It’s not like that. Not even close.

I’ve been doing this for 15 years, and let me tell you—there’s no magic formula, no secret shortcut. But there are a lot of mistakes new influencers make that can totally hold you back. I want you to skip those mistakes so you can make your mark without wasting precious time.

So, here’s my list of the biggest mistakes I see, and trust me, I’ve seen it all.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Killer Bio

Your bio is the first impression you make. It's like your handshake, your intro, your elevator pitch—all wrapped up in one little space. And if your bio sucks? That’s it. People won’t stick around long enough to figure out who you are.

You need a bio that clearly communicates what you do, why you do it, and how people can follow you or work with you. No fluff, no wishy-washy language. People don’t have time for that.

Here’s the deal: It’s not enough to just throw in some emojis and call it a day. You need a clear, compelling bio that hits the right notes. Not sure how? Check out our Instagram Bio Formula — it’s a no-brainer, and it works.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Media Kit

When I started, I didn’t have a media kit, but I wish I did. Trust me, it would’ve saved me so much time and hassle. A media kit is your portfolio. It’s what brands look at before they decide whether to work with you. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out on opportunities.

A good media kit doesn’t just list your numbers; it tells a story. It doesn’t showcase why you need the brand, it showcases why they need you. It shows who you are, what you bring to the table, and why a brand should pay you to promote their products. If you don’t have one yet, get one—no excuses.

And if you're struggling, don’t worry. We've got you covered with ready-to-go media kit templates available in our shop. It’s exactly what you need to put yourself on the map with brands. Extra advice I don't typically recommend including whitelisting or licensing rates- those are better discussed during negotiations. They're not super black and white things, so you don't want to lock yourself into a rate that doesn't make sense for the particular situation.

Mistake #3: Trying to Do Everything at Once

I get it—you want to be everywhere. You want to be on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter (I refuse to refer to it as X), Pinterest, etc. Don’t even get me started on all the new platforms popping up, it’s exhausting. But here’s the truth: You can’t do it all, and you definitely can’t do it all well.

It’s better to master one platform first before branching out. Focus on building one community and then move on to the next. You don’t need to crash out on every single social media platform. If you’re spreading yourself too thin, you’re probably doing a lot of things half-heartedly, and no one wants that.

You don’t have to be on every platform—just pick one, crush it, and then move on to the next when you think you’re ready.

Mistake #4: Not Showing Up Every Day

I don’t care if you’re tired. I don’t care if you’re having an off day. Your audience matters, and showing up for them is non-negotiable. If you’re not posting consistently, you’re telling your audience that you don’t care enough to be there for them. So stop making excuses.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent. Your audience needs to know you’re reliable. They need to know that you’re there for them, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s the secret sauce, my friend.

Mistake #5: Posting and Ghosting

Look, I get it. You want to focus on your content. You want to be a creator, not a “commenter.” But guess what? Engagement is a two-way street. If you want your audience to engage with your content, you need to engage with them, too.

This is a huge mistake new influencers make—they post and ghost. Don’t be that person. Respond to comments, reply to DMs, engage with your followers. It’s a simple way to build trust and loyalty. Without engagement, you’re just shouting into the void.

Mistake #6: Giving Up on Your Brand

Branding isn’t something that just happens overnight. It’s built over time, and it has to be intentional. New influencers often make the mistake of not knowing who they are or what they stand for. They go with the flow or jump on every trend, and guess what? That doesn’t build a lasting brand.

You need to know your brand inside and out. What do you stand for? What are your values? How do you want to show up for your audience? Your brand is you, so don’t water it down to fit in with someone else.

Mistake #7: Chasing Quick Money Instead of Building Long-Term Relationships

I know the temptation to take every brand deal that comes your way. I’ve been there. But here’s the thing: churning out quick sponsorships and affiliate deals isn’t going to build a sustainable business. It’ll burn you out, and it won’t create lasting relationships with your audience. They will feel that desperation for the next paycheck, and trust me, they’ll start to tune out. Your followers aren’t stupid—they can tell when you’re just trying to make a quick buck. That’s not a recipe for long-term success.

Instead, focus on building partnerships with brands that align with your values. Build long-term relationships. That’s where the real money is. It’s better to work with a few trusted brands than take on every deal that’s thrown your way.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re ready to stop making these mistakes and start building a career as an influencer that actually pays the bills, then it’s time to dive into our Good Influence(r) Course. This isn’t just fluff—it’s the real deal, and it’s helped so many influencers (like myself) get serious about monetizing their passion.

Stop wasting time. Stop making excuses. Start building a brand that makes you money, gets you noticed, and gives you the freedom you deserve.

Let’s do this. Your future self will thank you.