Say what you want about the influencer industry, but the people that are doing it right are living the life they want and making more than a living at the same time. Did you know that over 100 women have made over $1 million through the rewardStyle affiliate platform alone? Not too shabby if you ask me.
I choose to celebrate this female-dominated industry in which women (and men!) have created their own revenue streams, engaged large communities and supported their families and, in some cases, employees. Influencers get a lot of flack, but if you can’t see the good that they’re doing for the retail economy, as well as creating jobs, you’re not looking closely enough at that #ootd.
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The influencer industry is expected to grow to $13.8 billion in 2021, and it has shown no signs of slowing down. No matter your following size, nano to mega influencers are making money through brand collaborations and affiliate marketing. In my opinion, based on what I’ve seen in some groups that I’m a part of, some of these influencers are over-priced and some are under-priced. Some people say that brands take advantage of influencers, and in some cases I would totally agree, but I also think it goes the other way too. In most cases, I think that brands and influencers still need a lot of education on what a successful campaign can look like from both ends.
But at the end of the day, the industry often does not get enough credit. Many laugh at the #influencersinthewild, but clearly, influencers far and wide are making good money, employing others and helping others make decisions on every day purchases.
I see bloggers and influencers I’ve followed for years building dream homes (@CellaJaneBlog), building product-based businesses (@SivanAyla) and employing numerous people (@WeWoreWhat), and I admire that and aspire to do the same. Being on this side of things though, I know the work that they put in to get there. It’s not all shopping and gifted try-on hauls.
I’ve certainly heard the comments from people walking by when I’m trying to get a good photo of my outfit, but luckily I’ve developed a thick skin for that. For every negative comment I hear, I remember the people who have messaged me for sizing details, product recommendations or to say thank you for introducing them to a brand or small business they hadn’t heard of before.
I chose to get into this business for a number of reasons, but the main reason was that I love to create and this industry gives me the opportunity to create, and make as much money as I want to. I love that I can practice trial and error with the content that I create, see what resonates and what doesn’t and better understand what my audience wants. At the same time, I am steering the ship when it comes to getting paid work and making affiliate sales.
It’s a dream for me to build my own business and create success for myself, and I truly do believe that there is a lot more good to come for the influencer industry in 2021.
Do you like Out of Office posts like this? Would you like to know more about what goes on behind the scenes for a blogger/influencer? Let me know!