Brands are spending more money than ever before on influencer marketing. In fact, it’s predicted that brands will spend up to $15 billion on influencer marketing by 2022.

However, becoming an instagram influencer is increasingly more difficult and competitive than just a few years ago. As a result, many people are wondering how to become an instagram influencer.

If you fall into that camp, we’ve got just the thing: seven steps to becoming an instagram influencer:

Step 1: Decide on Your Niche and Run With It

It’s important to realize early on that you can’t be popular for everything. Therefore, choose a niche you’re knowledgeable on and are passionate about and stick with it.

If you dominate a niche on Instagram, you’ll have something better than followers. You’ll have - a captivated audience who see you as a thought leader on your subject.

This loyal, engaged following will be valuable when you eventually reach out for Instagram sponsorships.

Are you a world traveler? Do you consider yourself a yogi? Are you a fan of posting OOTDs?

Whatever it is, choose a niche and run with it.

Step 2: Set Up an Instagram Business Account

If you’re serious about becoming an Instagram influencer, you need to set a business account. Why is that?.

Well, a business Instagram account gives you access to Instagram Analytics - and having a grasp on your metrics is essential. You don’t want to post content randomly. You want to come up with a solid strategy. Here are some questions to ask yourself at this point:

• What types of posts will your followers love?
• What time of the day should you post?
• Where is your target audience located?

If you use a personal account, you won’t have access to these valuable metrics. By using Instagram Insights, you’ll get an accurate overview of who your audience is and the kind of posts they will engage with.

Step 3: Prioritize High-Quality Instagram Posts

This is a bit of a no-brainer. However, it’s worth reminding ourselves. 

You need to make sure that your posts are of the highest quality. A gloomy selfie or a dimly lit bowl of ramen aren’t going to retain followers or help you attract new ones. 

If you want to see real growth, the first investment you make should be on a high-quality camera (even if it’s on your cell phone).

Step 4: Choose and then Stick to an Aesthetic

This is perhaps just as important as posting high-quality images on your Instagram. 

The design of your feed, or its general aesthetic, needs to be defined from the get go. Think about it, every time you go on a successful Instagram influencer’s account, you will recognize the aesthetic straight away. 

What should inspire the theme or look of your account? Here are some things to consider:

• Your niche
• Your interests
• Your brand personality

Think of an aesthetic that fits these three and don’t look back!

Step 5: Post New Content Consistently Often

There are few better ways to build trust than consistent and frequent posting. Furthermore, posting at a similar time and at a similar frequency makes Instagram’s algorithm look upon you more fondly.

According to Co-Schedule, you should post on your account at least once a day and the best times are at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 2:00 AM. However, this is just a basic guideline. Your audience may be different. 

As we mentioned earlier, this is where Instagram Insights will really benefit your chances of becoming an influencer. Use the data to plan when and how often you’ll post on your account.

Step 6: Network with People from Within Your Niche

Remember the old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” This applies to Instagram, too.

While you can build your Instagram account on your own, it’ll grow faster and easier if you connect with fellow Instagram influencers. This will help you network within your own niche and open you up to opportunities you were previously unaware of.

How do you go about making these connections?

Well, it’s likely that there are a couple of hashtags you frequently use in your posts. Take a look at some of the other users using those same hashtags and reach out to them. Remember, don’t be shy! An instagram collaboration usually benefits them as much as it does you.

Step 7: Reach Out to Brands for Sponsorship

If you’re at the stage where you have around 1,000 followers and you’re in a real groove with posting and audience engagement, it’s time to start reaching out for sponsorships.

Make sure your bio is fully updated with your contact details and reach out to brands you love via email. We’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the responses!

Influencer marketing is the future. If you have an aesthetic eye and a deep passion for your niche, you could become an Instagram influencer and get sponsored.