It’s been three whole months since I’ve chatted to you. Call it writers block, self-doubt or just needing a time-out for a short while – truth be told, I almost thought of throwing in the (t-shirt) towel because ” issalot”! It got to the point where I asked myself if I was to old for blogging or being an influencer. I genuinely felt that I was, but then almost as if by kismet, I received a few random messages about how much my posts helped readers on their natural hair journey. I’ve also received loads of queries on building your brand as a natural hair influencer. So because you know your girl is always willing to help out where she can, I thought I would share my personal top 7 tips into getting started.
HOW TO BECOME A NATURAL HAIR INFLUENCER
1.Choose your unique niche
Yes, of course natural hair is your niche, but what else? There are thousands of natural hair influencers out there working hard at making it in the blogosphere. What sets you apart from them? Are you excellent at styling your hair? Are you a lazy naturalista? Once you have your niche everything will start falling into place.
” IF YOU’RE DOING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG” – CASEY NEISTAT
2. Be consistent / Be everywhere
Post content at least once a day. Whether you choose to post on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, stay consistent. Your prospective audience (and brands you wish to work with) need to know who you are and that you are passionate about what you do. They need to trust you.
3. Plan your content
This is something I struggle with sometimes. It is definitely the reason some influencers are more successful than others. Successful influencers plan out their content a month in advance. They usually set out a specific day to plan when they will have photographs taken, what outfits they will wear and when the ideal time would be to post.
Besides content planning, make sure you research your topic of discussion thoroughly!
4. Be real
This should probably be number 1. Authenticity is the key to your success. Your audience needs to identify with you. Be as real as possible. Your followers can see right through you.
While we’re on the topic of being real, Never. Buy. Followers. Your clients use tools to see whether your followers are real.
“IT’S NOT YOUR JOB TO BE LIKEABLE. IT’S YOUR JOB TO BE YOURSELF. SOMEONE WILL LIKE YOU ANYWAY” – CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ACHICHIE
5. Stay in your lane and keep slayin’
Find a group of influencers who you can grow with. This industry can be cut throat and let me be upfront with you – there will always be influencers with a bigger following than you. They will book more jobs than you, and probably be more popular than you and that’s okay. Support them, learn from them, but always stay in your own lane. If you are going to be concentrating on someone else’s brand instead of your own, you are going to fail. Stay in your lane and keep slayin’.
6. Engaging!
Your followers follow you for a reason. They love the work you put out and they feel they they can relate to you. If you want them to stay, let them know that you appreciate them. Reply to their comments, answer their questions, engage! Your followers are the reason for your success!
7. Be patient
Building your brand takes patience. I only scored my first real job after year 2 of blogging. Don’t allow this to deter you from your goal. It will come!
Getting started will not be easy. I know we make it seem like it is, but that’s just because we really love what we do. Make sure you want to do this for the right reasons. It’s not about getting free product or being recognized. It’s about building your reputation as a reputable natural hair influencer.
Please feel free to drop your questions in the comment section below and I will answer them in my next blog post.
, I’m Amanda.
Great info! I agree with them all. I’m learning lots as I go along. Love u and all u do?
This is great information! I’m new to the blog and influencer space, but I’m making sure to focus on building my brand and also forming a genuine connection with my audience. When I first started, I was concerned about why I wasn’t getting as many likes, comments, or followers as another influencer; but I had to shut that down quick. As soon as I started focusing on myself; that’s when I started to make progress!
Love this post Amanda! I think a slump now and again is completely normal. Keep inspiring us with the great work you are doing! So glad you decided to continue blogging, what would the Cape Town natural world be without @capetowncurly? ?
Author
We need to do coffee soon!
Thank you so much for you tips.
We all appreciate the content you give us.
How do you know when you’re being ripped off by brands or if your paying rates are too high for a new comer?
Author
That’s a whole other conversation. Thing I should do a post on it?
I totally love this post and would like too see more like these.
As a newbie I am all in this time around, and I would really like some educational support like this,what you are doing is really amazing.
I have been following you for months and been wanting to become a blogger etc for years. My problem is that I am always concerned that what I have to say won’t be received by the general public. (I have general anxiety, lol)
How do you deal with that? What would your advice be?
Thank you Amanda for the great tips. What are your daily routine to keep your hair moisturized. I don’t like spritzing water everyday. Hope you can help with some advice.
Author
The best advice I can give you is to keep your hair in twists, braids or basically any other protective style. You can go for days without spritzing your hair with water if you rock some twists
How do I get brands to start working with me ?
Author
Should I do a blog post about this?