Social Media Influencer. 

It sounds powerful, doesn’t it? 

What do you think of when that phrase comes to mind? If you are anything like me, you probably think of someone with well over 10k followers, someone whose Instagram feed is perfectly aesthetic, and their pictures of either themselves or their house looks like they’ve stepped out of a fashion magazine or an issue of Better Homes and Gardens, and their captions are cute, whimsical, or deeply thought out and perfectly worded. 

Did you ever wish that….you were an influencer too? That you knew what to do with your platform and have purpose and meaning behind it? Have you ever felt discouraged because you just don’t know how to do all the above? 

Trust me, I’ve felt it too and some days, I get uninspired and feel lost from time to time. Why are we on the platform in the first place and how can we use it for a higher calling? 

What if I told you that you are an influencer? 

Yes, that’s right. What if I told you that you can be an influencer despite the number of followers you have? Before you brush me off, please hear me out. The dictionary defines the term influencer as this: a person or thing that influences another.  

Therefore, you are an influencer even if you have only 10 followers because whenever you post, share a video, write a description….you are influencing the people who follow you. 

So, in order to have a social media mindset shift or “reset” you must start calling yourself an influencer because you are one whether you like it or not. Now, here’s the next question(s) you must ask yourself: 

• What do you want to say (what are you saying?) 
• What are you sharing? 
• What are you posting? 
• Wny are you posting?

Here are some practical tips that I’ve found very helpful for me over on my personal Instagram account (@bekah_teen_blogger). 

1: The Mission Hasn’t Changed 

As Christians and dear Roses of the King, our marching orders are to go into the world, share the gospel, and make disciples. This should be our ultimate goal when building our social media influence. This doesn’t mean however that every post has to be filled with Spiritual thoughts and Bible verses (although, you totally can) because faith and our passions and hobbies go hand in hand. Maybe you are a DIY crafter and use your platform to shine light on your business, think about how your faith can play a role there. 

Also, keep in mind that our goal in growing our social media isn’t to seek fame or fortune for ourselves, but rather, see it as a way to minister to others and serve with Christ-like love to our audience (big or small). 

For me, I am very passionate about mental health, emotional wellbeing, and the social issues of today and I share my thoughts about those things but I always make sure that what I share is grounded in truth, filtered through the lens of the Bible, and ultimately brings glory to God. 

Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to reveal to you how to intertwine your faith naturally into your account(s).  

2: Figure Out Your Purpose 

Everyone has a story, what is yours? What is the purpose behind your account? What are you passionate about? What sets you on fire and makes you feel alive? Is your passion encouraging others spiritually? Just start brainstorming and write everything down. Spend some time praying about it and then create a manifesto that sums up your new found purpose behind your social media account.  

3: Be Real 

Remember, people are following you because of you because people are naturally drawn to people. Posting to social media doesn’t have to be overthought. What are you doing in your real life? What lessons is God teaching you that you want to share with others? Don’t be afraid to be real with your followers. For me, I tend to follow social media pages that are raw and real. I don’t like it any other way. We are all humans and I love seeing humanity on the platform rather than people who are photoshopped to perfection because I can’t relate to them. 

Let it be real.  

4: Pick Your Filter 

The wonderful thing about social media is that no one is the same. Everyone has different colour pallets, different layout schemes, editing choices, and filters. How do you want to “decorate” your feed? What styles do you love? What colours make you feel alive? Do you want to follow a certain pattern and colour scheme? What filters do you love? Figure out your personal style and then stick with it which will then give your account a clean and consistent look.

5: Have Fun! 

Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t get so stressed about what you post. Remember to have fun and give yourself permission to change your style as you mature and grow into the young woman that God has made you to be. Look around at how you can inspire and uplift the people following you and point them back to Jesus, and get excited because if you aren’t excited about what you are posting, chances are, the people engaging with your posts won’t be either. This is why I have a rule of posting when I have something to say and not forcing myself to post when I don’t feel like it. 

In the end, social media is a tool that can be used for good and evil. Use it wisely and remember to use your influence for good and to bring glory to God’s kingdom, dear Rose.