When I first started doing this influencer thing, I wasn’t really expecting it to pay off as quickly as it did. I actually had just started it up for fun because with COVID restrictions there wasn’t much to do. But I’m not an influencer who started out with a lot of money, props or even a genuine following. I built my way up to the point where I could start making money just to invest it back into Instagram because it was something that I wanted to do.
So, today on the blog, I’m sharing with you 7 tips on how to start your influencer journey while on a budget. You’d be surprised with how much you can do with so little and still make it fun too.
Find Your Niche
Okay, I know you have probably seen this on many posts but this was the most important for me. When I first started, I was just posting for the hell of it. Then, I decided I wanted to do makeup which I quickly fell out of before I decided to just focus on sharing my journey as a mom with a mental illness. You don’t have to be as detailed as mine but what I’ve learned with any business is to have your market/niche as detailed as possible.
Build Your Engagement
I know you’ve seen a lot of posts about how to build your following to 10k and how important it is to have a following. But your following doesn’t matter if no one is seeing or reacting to your posts. And when you get to the point of working with brands, they want to see people engaging with your posts. So, take the time to find other people in your niche to follow and engage with. Connect and network. Like and engage with others in your niche and the following will come.
Hashtags
Hashtags is one of the biggest things I see that people look over when building their Instagram. You MUST use hashtags if you want to connect with a wider audience and this is why your engagement is key. Instagram has an algorithm and if no one is interacting with your posts, Instagram won’t boost your content. So, when you’re working on your engagement, utilize those hashtags in your market/niche so you can rank on them for people to see your content.
Presets
Presents are one of those things you use to make your Instagram look pretty. Just thinking about it. Instagram is full of pictures. Your pictures need to grab their attention before they click on your stuff and see your feed. If your feed doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, they’ll click off. But if your feed looks cohesive, people are more than likely to stay and scroll through your content to see what you’re about. This is where presets come in. You can set the “mood” of your page with any preset you desire. There are plenty on Etsy to choose from to find a style you’ll like for your feed.
Camera
One of the biggest thing I was worried about was not being able to afford a camera to take beautiful pictures for my Instagram. YOU DON’T NEED IT. I know plenty of other influencers in my niche who just use their regular IPhone camera to take pictures and gather content. I used my IPhone 11 camera for 6 months before I actually invested in a Canon to use. So, if you’re just starting, get yourself a phone tripod and use the self timer to get those photos!
Props
This is my favorite tip of them all because I definitely do not have an Instagram worthy house or any real props to use for my photos. But, I did use things that I already had around my house and my yard to get content. With the example below, I used a board that I got from Home Depot and just painted it white to fit my feed. Threw some Christmas decorations around it and wrapped my daughter in wrapping paper. BAM! A cute, “Instagram worthy” photo that didn’t costs me more than $10. You don’t need a lot. Just what you have and your imagination.
Don’t Compare Yourself
This is a hard one because you see so many beautiful, cohesive feeds on Instagram. It seems like everyone is traveling and has the nicest of houses but remember, you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. You never want to start comparing yourself to someone else’s journey because it’ll hinder you from growing yourself.
I hope you enjoy these 7 tips to grow as an influencer! Get creative, make new friends and enjoy yourself. I’ve had so much fun being on this platform and it’s only going up from here. And remember, you have a story to tell so don’t be afraid to share it.
Heather| 3 Things You Need to Know if You Have Ever Thought About Creating a Blog
Amy| Influencing for Dummies (like me)
Gracee| 8 steps for starting your blog in 2021
Cheyenne| How To Be A Successful Influencer in 2021
Krystalyn| How To Balance Time As An Influencer
Amy says
These were great tips! I especially liked the reminder that props help.
heathrxo says
I reuse so many props for content. It isnt realistic to go out and buy a whole set up for a post. You definitely can do it on a budget.
Desiree Salcido says
Love this! All great and important parts to growing as an influencer! What a great resource!
bbaker8611 says
DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF!! Love that one! I get SUPER overwhelmed when I catch myself doing that!
simplysarastrong says
Hey lady!! Fellow mama with mental health as well! I would love to connect find me on IG and shoot me a DM so I know it’s you. SimplySaraStrong I’m so much in agreement it is so important to not compare yourself and to truly find your niche. Thanks for sharing!
Grace says
I loved this!! Not comparing yourself is something I really need to work on
Grace says
These are great Lori! I really have to remind myself to not compare my journey
Serena says
??? love
danielleridgway says
These are all great tips bloggers should remember. The last one stuck out to me the most!
kimmymanzo10 says
I loved reading this! Great tips for those starting out
Cassie says
Love these tips!! Super helpful!
Marysa says
These are all good things to consider as an influencer. I can definitely relate to being on a budget. And not comparing to others is important in all walks of life.
Life With Sonia says
I certainly have so much more to learn with Social Media.
Vidya Tiru says
thank you; definitely need to stop comparing..
Alena Michelle says
Love the tip to not compare yourself. This is really hard with social media but also really important.
inspirationisawoman says
It’s kind of hard not to compare ourselves… Though you are right! Very useful post.