Influencers: Challenges. And An Opportunity.

It is the easiest of times, and the most difficult of times to be an influencer.

THE HURDLES
Let’s look at the challenges first. The entry barrier is very low for anyone wanting to be an influencer – anyone willing to be one can be one. Also means there are too many out there – it’s almost an overkill. And with AI rearing its head, it’s taking the hard work also out of the equation. If you can prompt, AI will give you a post. Then there is the AI slop – getting better daily at being terrible, but doing enough to be credible.

And here’s the kicker (if it isn’t happening already): influencers don’t even need to be sentient. AI can create avatars who pass off as real people – one nerd sitting in a basement can be a hundred influencers covering any subject they desire.

KNOCK, KNOCK…
But herein lies the opportunity – hear it from yours truly who has been writing from before blogs and social media were invented.

There is a clutter out there, and people seek sense. You can be the one they turn to – if you can create authentic content based on research and lived experiences. Because that is how you will stand out, make a mark for yourself. Provided you also fulfil the following conditions:

1. Approach your content with the mindset of a storyteller. Be vivid, touch hearts through emotion. Transport people.
2. Be a master of your craft. Text, photos, videos, graphics – whatever you use, do it well. Get a coach if need be. I went for a masters in journalism to the UK and learnt photography too at the age of 31 before I became a creator. I stay in the student mode, always trying to learn more.
3. Be transparent. You cannot give a positive review only because your subject has paid you. People will smell the rat, and jump ship. Gaining a follower might be easy, getting them to stick and be loyal is subject to your credibility.

WE NEED YOU
As digital fatigue and scepticism sets in, YOU could be the one world could look towards. Inform them, entertain them – so you truly influence the society we could be.

P.S. The above are some of the thoughts I shared at a social for influencers (mostly covering books) at Kunzum, our independent bookstore.

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