Nowadays, some of the most well-known and wealthiest celebrities aren’t found in movies or gossip magazines. They remain unfamiliar to the general public, yet they are quietly or sometimes openly earning substantial income by catering to dedicated fan groups.
This newfound fame is largely attributed to the Internet, which has opened doors for anyone to become famous, or at least “Internet famous.” The rise of influencers is a testament to this phenomenon, and one of the platforms where individuals are making money is Instagram.
Instagram, a photo-focused social media site that is gradually evolving into a video-based platform, has been owned by Facebook since 2012. It provides a pathway to fame and fortune for many, enabling them to generate significant secondary incomes or even establish full-time businesses.
Let’s explore how you can become an Instagram influencer. It’s important to note that you won’t start making money immediately, but by consistently implementing a strategy to enhance your presence on the network, it can eventually become a lucrative endeavor.
Real-Life Examples of Instagram Influencers
- Jen Selter, a fitness guru based in Los Angeles, earns up to $20,000 per post by endorsing beauty and nutrition products to her 11.5 million followers. Her primary source of income comes from promoting her own digital fitness plan, which amounts to approximately $4.5 million per year.
- Danielle Bernstein, a personal style blogger with over 1 million followers, monetizes her blog by featuring sponsored content from fashion, cosmetics, and apparel brands like Lancome. She earns between $5,000 and $15,000 per post.
- Shelcy Joseph, another fashion influencer, operates on a smaller scale with her sister. Together, they earn a few thousand dollars per month from their Instagram profile. They dedicate around five hours per week to managing the account, with additional work on weekends. Shelcy charges approximately $75 for a sponsored post and receives gifts in the form of free merchandise worth thousands of dollars.
These are just a few examples, but industry analysts estimate that brands spend over $1 billion each year on sponsored posts.
What stands out is that each influencer has a unique way of monetizing their Instagram presence. There are various online business models to explore for making money online, but the key is to build a dedicated audience or following. Once you have an engaged group of followers, there are multiple ways to capitalize on that audience.
Now let’s delve into some of the best practices for growing your following on Instagram.
Effective Strategies for Building an Instagram Following
To understand how successful Instagrammers achieve their status, utilize the tools available on the platform. These tools are ideal for expanding your audience and extending your influence. However, before you can earn a dime on Instagram, you need to have followers.
First, choose a theme for your Instagram page. It could be fitness, travel, fashion, cute animals, or any other niche that interests you. Focusing on one niche and being known for something specific makes it easier to attract people to your profile.
Consistently maintain your chosen theme throughout your posts, and ensure your bio is complete. Your bio serves as a summary to entice followers, so make sure to include a clear profile photo. If you have a website or blog, it’s highly recommended to provide a link to it in your bio as well.
Now let’s dive into the specifics.
Create a unique hashtag related to your theme or brand. Promote this hashtag across other social networks, your blog, website, and even your Facebook business page. Utilize other popular hashtags on Instagram that align with your theme. Think of hashtags as a means for people to discover your content. Follow and engage with other users, especially those who show interest in your photos or cover similar topics. Make thoughtful comments rather than simply spamming with requests to follow
