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The idea of becoming a travel influencer can be tempting: You've seen cool photos on Instagram and in other social media feeds, and you want to be able to get in on that action. However, becoming a travel influencer isn't just about taking selfies and posting them online. There is much more to it. Read on to know more.
What do you need to be an influencer?
You need to be passionate about travelling to be a travel influencer. You also need a solid social media presence and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly. Below are some tips on how they play into being an influencer:
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Passionate about travel: Travel is an essential part of many people's lives. If this isn't something that speaks directly through your writing style or photos, then it could be difficult for brands or other potential clients to collaborate with you.
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Strong social media presence: The internet has changed the way we communicate. If someone wants access to specific information about where something is located or what it looks like in person before booking an upcoming trip there, having followers who can help spread this word across their networks would prove invaluable! This means having at least 500 followers on Instagram before considering yourself successful enough, but don't worry too much about numbers here. What matters most is whether those followers care enough about what type of content makes up each post/video.
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Amplify your social media reach: You can increase the number of people who see your posts by using the "Share" button on each one. If you have a large following, this will also help you grow it!
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Use the best networks for you: Each network has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Twitter is great for sharing links but less good at sharing videos or images; Instagram is better at video than Twitter; Facebook tends to have more followers than any other platform. What matters is getting enough attention, so people actually want to follow YOU instead of just another random account.
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Create entertaining content: Your audience wants to be engaged and inspired by the things you're sharing, so make sure it's something that they'll enjoy reading or watching. Use photos and videos if possible. If you don't have access to professional-looking equipment, try using stock photography instead! Include hashtags, as they can help people find your content and boost engagement.
Remember, if you want to be a travel influencer, your authenticity is key. Be yourself---don't try to be someone else or pretend that life is perfect when it's not. People like authentic people because they're more relatable and easier to connect with. Everyone has their preference when it comes to food, drink and activities. Don't ever feel pressured. If something doesn't work for you, then don't do it! Now that you have some information about the industry, it's time to start your journey. Upskill yourself with great writing skills and marketing tips with free online courses from Glow and Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation)