Lecture Notes: Becoming an Influencer in 2025

Introduction

• Lecture by Shelby Church
• Focus: No BS guide to becoming an influencer in 2025
• Background: Shelby has been influencing since high school earning $20-30k in the first year

Influencer Potential

• Influencing as a lucrative career
• More companies are investing in social media rather than traditional media
• Possible to earn substantial income (e.g., $300,000/year)
• Platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer significant earning potential

Strategy Overview

• Choose 2 platforms to focus on due to algorithm changes and risk of account issues
• Suggested combination: TikTok and Instagram for short-form content
• TikTok is less time-consuming compared to YouTube

Platform-Specific Strategies

TikTok

• High potential for virality and growth
• Brands are investing heavily in paid ads
• Success factors:
  • Unique lifestyle or strong personality
  • A mix of aesthetic and real content
  • Create a "shtick" or niche
  • Examples: Private chef, travel vlogger
• Importance of a strong hook for content
• Watch time is crucial for algorithm success

Instagram

• Still a lucrative platform for influencers
• Easier and less time-consuming than YouTube
• Focus on aesthetics and curation
• Importance of reels for growth
• Strategy to repost successful TikToks to Instagram
• Use features like trending audio for better reach

YouTube

• Best for those who enjoy creating and filmmaking
• Time-consuming but offers deeper audience connection
• Importance of thumbnails and titles
• Growth takes longer compared to TikTok
• Focus on making high-quality, engaging videos

Tips for Content Creation

• Utilize trending features and audio on platforms
• Monitor engagement and adapt content
• Use platforms like hashtagpaid for brand partnerships
• Be intentional about content hooks and storytelling

Conclusion

• Influencing can dramatically change lives
• Rewarding career, but requires strategy and unique value
• Importance of finding value that resonates and connects with an audience

Sponsorships

• Zbiotics: Pre-alcohol probiotic drink
• HelloFresh: Meal kit delivery service
• Importance of leveraging sponsorships for additional revenue