5 Tips On How To Be An Influencer From Simz Ngema

The influencer market is projected to grow to an astonishing $16.4 billion industry this year.  So how do you become part of this industry and start reaping the rewards?  Simz Ngema, South African singer, actress and Gold Series ambassador, says that thejourney of building an online profile and becoming a respected influencer on social media is not simple. 

Many content creators on platforms like Instagram and TikTok will tell you – it’s tough to find your authentic voice, and motivate people to respond, encourage and support you. In fact, many content creators ultimately give up early on because of the negativity they attract. 

There are few people more qualified in this arena than Simz. With over two million followers on Instagram alone, Simz has succeeded in an area that many have failed. She’s secured significant brand partnerships, like that with perfume brand Gold Series, and she’s managed to maintain a healthy personal life, despite her burgeoning profile online.  She offers five tips for gaining influence in the world of social media:

1. Post often to grow your following: The more you’re showing people, the more likely that you’ll make an impact and create anticipation. 

2. Decide what kind of brand you want to be and what brands you would like to attract to do collaborations with: Think about how your own signature style works with certain brands and create a ‘wish’ list for future collaborations. 

3. Make sure that your profile is authentic and that represents who you are: It is very clear when someone is not being real on their platforms, and it’s certainly not something you can do forever. Start as you wish to continue and be yourself. Your followers will love you for it. 

4. Social media can be addictive so make sure that you take some time off from it: It’s easy to let your device creep into every facet of your life, so you’ll need to set boundaries for yourself early on to keep the balance healthy. 

5. Understand that whatever you put out on social media will be out there for the rest of your life, so protect yourself: It goes without saying that nothing should ever be posted from a place of anger, resentment, competitiveness, or jealousy. 

Simz says that it comes down to whether or not you’re having fun. “The online world can be tough, but 90% of the time you should be enjoying yourself and growing from the process. There are lots of hoops to jump and many do’s and don’ts, so take it slow and listen to the feedback you get from your followers. If you’re not learning and growing, then it’s time to reassess.”