IN the age of unlimited access to technology and social media platforms, it is not uncommon to see more youths becoming ‘social media influencers’ since the role is filled with limitless opportunities.
In Sarawak, the concept of social media influencer is not exactly new or unheard of as the trend is currently on the rise.
As online personalities, social media influencers have the ability to influence their followers either with their lifestyle, highlighting current issues, or offering a fresh perspective on matters that the public can relate to.
As they are considered to be at the forefront of the social media world and also have an active online presence, usually with a huge number of followers, social media influencers are often targeted by big companies to be their spokespersons.
Their active and quirky lifestyle – as depicted on social media – is what most millennials would dream of living, thus making them the perfect target of big companies to represent their brands.
Presently, social media influencers such as YouTubers, bloggers, industry experts, activists, and celebrities are seen as an integral part in marketing brands or products on their social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat.
As most people depend on both technology and social media for collecting information, social media influencers have a prominent role in brand marketing as promoters, thus paving opportunities for them to be entrepreneurs, if they choose to do so, as they already have a niche market.
Research has shown that consumers are more likely to trust the testimony of their family members, friends and social media influencers, compared to the conventional traditional advertisements, as they are seen as relatable spokespersons of certain brands.
Social media influencers have to have credibility to gain the trust of followers, high quality content, and be active online to constantly engage with their followers. At the end of the day, social media influencers are usually compensated with money or products.
While seemingly effortless, being a social media influencer is more than just having an active presence on social media, as the ‘profession’ is a combination of advertising, product placement, self-promotion, and being tech-savvy.
As it is also targeted that by 2020, at least five per cent of graduates will turn to entrepreneurship, the presence of social media and advancements in technology seem to present themselves as opportunities for youths to be influencers on social media, regardless of whether it is for entrepreneurial or social causes.
Although you may not necessarily end up becoming a social media influencer any time soon, it’s always good to be on the lookout for new and innovative ways to promote brands, products or causes, especially for the entrepreneurs and social activists among you.
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak-to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.