The Power of a Post: It's an Influencer's World, And We're Just In it
We are often bombarded with sponsored ads, endorsement deals, and celebrity-brand collaborations whether via YouTube, Instagram, or various medias. However, with the multitude of influencers/celebrities in this day and age, it is difficult to apprehend the idea that influencers can make half a million dollars simply by tapping “Share.” If you’re sitting at your job wondering whether to revisit that blog you started but never published, me too sister. These numbers will have you contemplating your career choices...let me tell you. Take a look at some of these influencers and follow me on my journey in discovering the behind-the-scenes details behind various sponsorships and sponsored posts.
The inside scoop
Within the last couple of years, influencer marketing has become prominent on most, if not all social media platforms. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve come across #ad or #sponsored on a celebrity’s post and wondered about the logistics behind the post. Take a look...
via @kendalljenner
via @AmandaSteele
As you can see, this shift from traditional marketing drives companies to collaborate more with “Instagram famous” people. The reason being that a single post can receive much more interactions and views than a more outdated print ad. Let’s face it, although the influencers may not even use the product they are promoting, I am pretty positive that Jenny will be happy as long as her and Emma Rata use the same face lotion.
So, what is the advantage of being an influencer you ask?
Let’s start with moola!
There are a few determining factors when deciding how much companies will pay an influencer to promote their brand/product:
The amount of followers they have
Their engagement (meaning how many comments, likes etc.)
The number of posts
The amount may vary, but influencers with 10-50k followers can make a couple thousand dollars for each sponsored Instagram they post. In addition, those who have millions of followers can easily make 100k or more for each post. Imagine the simplicity of posting a photo holding a teeth whitening system that can make you thousands within seconds. A pretty crazy world we live in now, am I right?
Let’s glance at Hopper HQ’s “Instagram Rich List” for 2018. According to this website, Kylie Jenner makes a whopping 1 million bucks per Instagram post. I guess now we know how she got that Forbes billionaire status.
via hopper hq
The posts that I find particularly intriguing are influencers that provide coupon codes for their subscribers/followers shopping needs. Many Youtubers film clothing hauls that are sponsored by brands, and at the end may say “use code ___ for 20% off your next purchase.” This is an effective marketing strategy that will definitely drive major traffic toward a website. In addition to Youtube videos, the clothing industry is booming on Instagram. Influencers often promote brands by wearing a few pieces from their store, and tagging them in the post. A great example of this is I.AM.GIA. They often send PR packages to celebs and influencers to showcase their items online. Let’s face it, what could be better than receiving a massive package of adorable free clothes? Almost nothing.
via I.Am.Gia
via @iamgia
via @iamgia
So...what’s the point I’m trying to make here?
Basically, influencers are making A LOT of money by utilizing social media to their advantage. We cannot assume that this is an easy job, but it is definitely a job that opens doors and creates awareness. So, the next time you see one of these posts, remember that there is more beneath the surface than what is shown.
Cover image via Travel Tripper
