Becoming a micro-influencer is like getting the opportunity to redo high school all over again. It’s full of cliques, popular kids, nerds, potheads, scammers, military kids, and teen moms.
Sound Familiar? LOL
Anyway, I’m sure if a lot of us had the chance to redo high school, we could go back in with a lot more confidence and be ourselves.
Becoming a micro-influencer involves overcoming similar hurdles as you try to settle into your own little corner of the internet. Except now, we have more data on everybody.
It’s easy to find out what everyone else likes these days; they show you on their profile. The important thing is knowing what you like and what you’re highly knowledgeable about. I will give you 5 steps to become a micro-influencer in 6 months, but first, let’s settle.
What is a micro-influencer?
A micro influencer is an active social media influencer with more than 5k followers and less than 100k followers, and earns revenue from user generated content (even a little bit).
Why are micro-influencers important?
Working with micro influencers is how small brands and local business jump start word of mouth marketing. It’s difficult for companies to engage audiences with branded content let alone have an high engagement rate while doing it. You will have the opportunity to make money by becoming a cost effective marketing solution to market products and services.
5 steps on how to become a micro-influencer
● Portray as an Expert
● Be Royal
● Post quality content and post it regularly
● Collaborate
● Engage with people
Here’s examples of my favorite 3 micro influencers who have followed these steps relentlessly and are generating revenue from their page with small audiences.
Comedy – aldo.campana
Photography – lbckee
Lifestyle – mrs.allpinkeverything
Step 1: Portray as an expert.
How often have you heard someone utter one of these phrases: “They said online,” “I saw a TikTok that said,” or “I read an article about”? You hear these phrases regularly. Once upon a time, people retrieved their information from newspapers and magazines, and thankfully, those days are gone.
To become a micro-influencer, you need to communicate with the same authority as a newspaper or magazine. Don’t speak with many disclaimers in your content; avoid words like “sometimes, maybe, and once in a while.” Phrases like this create doubt. Communicate with confidence and intent.
If your video is funny, post it and tell people to share it. If you’re stylish, people will know what to wear. If you’re making food reviews, tell people whether the food is worth buying.
Dancing in the middle ensures you won’t offend anyone, but it also ensures you won’t resonate with anyone. Be an expert, or become one on the fly. We want to hear from people who know and have something tangible to say.
Step 2: Be Royal
A sprinkle of arrogance isn’t a bad thing. It shows people you know your worth, which is necessary to get paid.
As a micro influencer, the bulk of your money is going to come from brands and companies who want promo. It’s like paying money to sit at a popular table to get your crush to notice you. Envy, it always works.
Having “Star Power” is essential on social media. Star Power is when your energy is positive, your smile is contagious, you have charisma, and you speak passionately. It’s like being yourself but being the best version of yourself—kind of like Wayne Brady.
Brands want to associate themselves with this type of person because it’s attractive, keeps people’s attention, and will get them to watch again.
Remember you are going to be the pseudo spokesperson for any company putting together an influencer marketing campaign. Companies are building brand awareness through your audience.
Step 3: Post quality content and post it regularly
This step might be obvious, but I want to clarify. Avoid the Gary Vee strategy of posting as much content as possible.
Yes, there’s a benefit to posting more content at a high frequency, but only if it’s sustainable. You’re better off posting 4 times a week every week rather than 10 times in one week and 5 times the following week. It’s unpredictable, and algorithms don’t like unpredictability. Find a pace that works for you for 3 or 4 posts a week at a set day and time.
What do I mean by quality content? First, it means high resolution, good video quality, and no fuzzy or grainy pictures. Also, make sure you use the correct orientation for the platform. Vertical or Horizontal and use a descriptive caption so people know what they’re watching.
Companies who need to find micro influences will consider the quality of your content when they are putting together their marketing strategy. If the quality of your content is not up to par, then they may opt to partner with a macro influencer instead.
Step 4: Collaborate
The social media algorithms have only become less reliable over time.
Back in the day, you could post a ton of videos, and eventually, someone would start to watch them, and you’d get new followers like clockwork. Not anymore.
I recommend devoting energy to the areas we can control, and collaboration is a great way to increase reach and engagement.
You are on track for increased page growth by combining two different audiences. DM and email anybody you want or are willing to work with to create content. The catch here is you need to have at least one idea when you reach out to collaborate.
An idea for a funny video, a place to record, a possible brand deal, or even free food can convince other creators to work with you. If their page is more extensive than yours, you need something to offer. They’ll feel like they’re doing you a favor, at which point you’re exchanging favor for a favor.
Partnering with micro influencers like yourself is a key strategy to growing your page.
Work with pages at the same level or lower to save you some headaches. You can collaborate on a bunch of content for free. The catch here is that it will take longer to grow your page compared to collaborating with a bigger page.
Demonstrating your ability to execute your own micro influencer marketing campaigns is going to put larger brands at east. It’ll give them confidence you can help them reach their target audience with a will executed micro influencer campaign.
Step 5: Engage with people
It’s the internet, don’t be a hermit crab. I understand being shy in person, but not on the internet. The obvious tip is to make sure you’re replying to all the comments on your videos. These people will become your target audience as you build out your personality in a specific niche.
I recommend taking it a step further. If a new page follows you, follow them and comment on their content. It’ll get a conversation started.
Do you see a potential brand or local company like or comment on your video? Send them a message to thank them for the recognition and ask what they liked.
I’ve created solid business relationships through IG and TikTok DMs. All these features are available to communicate in our social media apps… Use Them!
Becoming a Micro Influencer one step at a time
Becoming a micro-influencer is in your cards, but you must be encouraged. Stand on your soapbox and preach everything you know until people come. When your engagement increases, be charismatic and engage back.
A great social media strategy will require some collaboration. Lastly, find your corner of the internet to embrace a comfortable niche. It’ll make these five steps effortless because it’s easy to speak with confidence and passion when you love the niche or the topic.
Once you execute these steps properly and repeatedly, then you will be on your way to becoming a macro influencer.
