Before I began my journey of turning my passion into an online community for mothers, I never imagined it would lead me to the title of social media influencer. This label always carried a negative undertone for me based on what I had read and heard prior to my journey. I promised myself I would never become one of “those” influencers. My only aim was to create a supportive community for mothers.
As my online community grew, I started encountering the harsh stereotypes associated with social media influencers. People would say things like, “Social media influencers are a joke,” or “They chose this path because they didn’t want to go to college,” and “They’re just entitled individuals expecting freebies for a single post.” The overall perception was far from flattering.
However, as I continued to nurture my community, I quickly came to see the positive impact I was having. My followers were engaging with my recommendations, seeking my advice on motherhood, and actively participating in our discussions. Instead of celebrating this growth, I felt a wave of anxiety; I was now, by definition, a social media influencer. While I was excited about my expanding community, I feared being cast in a negative light, grappling with stereotypes I couldn’t relate to.
I soon realized that stereotypes often arise from a few “bad apples,” affecting everyone in the group. I chose to view my new title through a positive lens. I am not an entitled mother who bypassed education for an online career; I am a mother who seeks to build a community and uplift fellow moms. I aspire to be a social media influencer who defies the negative stereotypes I often hear.
Embracing the title of social media influencer has opened my eyes to a broader purpose. We have revolutionized brand marketing, connecting with audiences on a personal level. Brands benefit from influencer partnerships, as we create conversations, sometimes tackling topics that even celebrities shy away from, and set cultural trends. We have a responsibility to address important issues and to use our platforms for social change.
Contrary to popular belief, we are much more than just people posting pretty pictures with products. I take pride in creating meaningful content, fostering community, raising awareness about societal issues, and sharing my life with my audience. I’m not here to push products but to genuinely connect and show that mothers from diverse backgrounds share more in common than one might think.
Being an influencer has broadened my business acumen, provided me with a voice to uplift others, and connected me with remarkable individuals worldwide. It’s not simply about posting a photo or enjoying a glamorous lifestyle.
Social media influencers are entrepreneurial by nature, a trait society often admires. Perhaps we should rebrand ourselves as social media entrepreneurs; maybe then we would garner the respect we deserve.
Before casting judgment on a social media influencer, consider that we utilize social media as a creative platform to reach a broad audience, share important messages, build communities, and earn a living. While I cannot speak for every influencer, I know we can convey messages faster than most and initiate challenging conversations. As mothers, we have the opportunity to support our families through this income.
We are far more than just a mom holding a coffee cup against a picturesque backdrop, lamenting about exhaustion.
This article was originally published on July 12, 2021.
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Summary
My journey as a social media influencer has shown me the positive impact we can have in our communities, despite the negative stereotypes often associated with our role. We are more than just product promoters; we foster connections, lead discussions on important issues, and support one another as mothers. The entrepreneurial spirit that defines us deserves recognition, and it’s essential to understand the depth of our contributions beyond what meets the eye.