The influencer market is huge, and it’s forecasted to hit a value of $13.8 billion in 2021 and $15 billion in 2022. For many influencers, the idea of partnering with popular brands can be quite exciting. More importantly, it can be thrilling to earn money and get free products while at it.
Unfortunately, some of the projects and campaigns they get involved in demand a lot. Brands also have audiences with different views, exposing them to trolls and smearing that ruin their reputation.
Before delving fully into the influencer world, there are key points you need to know.
- Transparency Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to delete deceptive and misleading ads. It’s vital to adhere to FTC’s disclosure guidelines and endorsement guides to stay on the right side of the law. Making unverifiable claims about a product or brand can result in a lawsuit. You should always disclose your relationships with brands you promote.
You shouldn’t talk about your experience with a service or product if you haven’t tried it yet. In some cases, you might find that a product you’ve been paid to promote is terrible—you shouldn’t say it’s good in your public reviews.
- It’s Hard to Take Something Back
Before posting anything on social media, take a step back and review it. Or, ask someone else’s opinion about the content. It’s hard to retract something once you have posted it online.
People screenshot and save controversial statements that can hurt your reputation. This can ruin your influencer career. For such cases, it’s smart to have a reputation management team to get rid of the digital history or at least shape the story that’s being told to improve your public perception and secure your career.
- Keep Locations Secure
Regardless of what you’re promoting, your privacy matters, and it’s vital to keep your locations secure. You don’t want people to know where you frequent or live. Turn off geo-location tagging on your devices and cameras, and avoid mentions of your location.
When shooting videos or attending a photoshoot, keep streets and exact locations confidential for safety. The last thing you want is social media stalkers visiting the locations you frequent. It also provides an opportunity for thieves to visit your home when they know you’re away.
- There Will Be Negativity
All is not merry and bright with being an influencer. There will always be negativity, trolling, and aggressive comments. Even though social media and video-sharing platforms strive to curb these behaviors, you could be a victim at any time.
In some cases, you’ll want to avoid responding to negative comments. Online bullies and trollers thrive on your responses—they’ll continue trolling you when you give them attention. However, there are some cases you need to comment on to clear the air regarding specific subjects or claims.
- Stay Factual
Always ensure the information you share with your fans and followers is accurate. Some influencers might be tempted to use unverifiable claims to attain virality. In some cases, such antics can ruin your career, leading to the termination of contracts by brands.
Staying as genuine and honest as possible is key to success. You shouldn’t review and judge the products you haven’t used. Always check your images, text, and videos to ensure they’re presented accurately.
- Grant Access Sparingly
At some point, you’ll need help with managing your social media accounts and other platforms you use for your campaigns. You might also need to whitelist brands you work with to give them unfettered access to your social accounts.
Be sure to review the permissions and roles to limit their activities and ensure your privacy. If you authorized any user to post content, always spare some time to review the content prior to publishing. Your social reputation can be affected if someone else maliciously posts on your behalf.
Protect Your Influencer Career
As an influencer, it’s vital to protect your social image. People are likely to judge you based on what you post. What you share affects your reputation—positively or negatively. In some cases, things may get out of hand, even when you take the relevant precautions. Note that you can always get help to secure your image and reputation.
Over 56 percent of brands use influencers in their campaigns. With this growing opportunity for influencers, it’s vital to keep safe while online to protect your profile and reputation. You’re likely to land more or higher-paying gigs if you have a solid online image.
