Social media influencers wield incredible power!
Popular accounts that have significant social clout can reach millions with just the click of a button. These influencers have the power to drive trends and even shape opinions. It is why businesses and brands seek collaborations with accounts having sizable following as they can tap into the influencers’ follower base and expand their reach.
However, as you look a little closer at the world of influencers, you may also notice something peculiar- the concept of paid followers! While some may see this as a red flag, proponents of paid following advocate its benefits and how it can influence social media growth.
That said, here is my take on why investing in followers may be a strategic move for influencers and what pitfall they can avoid to ensure this tactic works in their favor.
The Appeal of Paid Following- The Benefits
Building a genuine following takes time effort, and also a bit of luck! For many influencers, particularly the ones just starting, the temptation to buy followers may be quite hard to resist. One may think- why not just try harder and grow organically? Well, while that is indeed a noble goal, the reality is that a larger follower count can bring you more opportunities, collaborations, and lucrative sponsorships.
Consider this scenario! You are scrolling through your feed, and you come across two influencer accounts in your niche. One has a very large following, while the other has quite a lower follower count in comparison. Who will you take more seriously? Most people would lean toward the follower with a larger following. It is a simple case of social proof, as more followers suggest you are more credible!
Here is what paid following can do for your brand as an influencer!
Creates a Professional Image
Having a significant follower count not only increases your credibility but also improves your professional image. Brands are more likely to collaborate with influencers who appear established and more influential in their relevant niche. Hence a well-curated follower count will help you establish your authority even if you have just started on social media.
Visibility and Engagement
Another benefit of having a larger follower count is an increase in your visibility! Posts from influencers with more followers will reach a wider audience, which then results in higher engagement rates. More views for your content can also lead to more likes, comments, or shares, which spikes your engagement rate and also your chances of organic growth.
Brands love to see high engagement as they are investing in influencers to connect with their audience effectively.
Considerations for Investing in Paid Followers- Identifying the Red Flags
Buying followers is not without risks! While there are a lot of benefits to enjoy from the boosted count, there are also potential pitfalls that you may need to address and avoid as an influencer. Here are some signs that can indicate if someone has purchased followers and how you can avoid these traps, too.
Low Engagement Rates
One of the most significant red flags is a low engagement rate. If you have 100,000 followers but only a handful of likes or comments, that could be a sign of purchased followers! Generally, engagement rates tend to vary, but if your numbers are way below the industry standards frequently, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
To ensure and maintain credibility, ensure that you purchase followers from a reliable third-party social media growth service site that delivers real and active followers and not bots. Also, maintain a focus on genuine engagement. Encourage your followers to interact with your content via comments and responses to messages, questions, polls, giveaways, as well as appropriate call-to-action links and captions. The more you engage with your audience, the more authentic your follower base will feel.
Spammy Comments
Have you ever scrolled through an influencer’s content and seen a lot of generic comments? These could be comments like a nice pic or just some random emojis, etc. These comments are a tell-tale sign of fake followers. Real followers engage with meaningful interactions, while purchased following does not contribute anything of much value to the conversations.
Again, to avoid this, it is important to invest in quality growth services. Also, take the time to build a community. Engage with your followers, respond to their comments or queries actively, and participate in discussions. The more authentic your interactions, the less likely you will attract spammy comments.
Ghost Profiles
If you take a closer look at an influencer’s follower list and find that many profiles are inactive or have zero posts that is a red flag. These empty profiles are usually made by fake growth service sites to increase follower count.
To prevent this from happening, audit your follower count. Remove bots and inactive accounts and ensure that the followers you purchase are real accounts that are active, too. This will help you keep your followers list clean and will enable you to make room for engaged followers who contribute to your growth.
Inconsistency in Demographics
If your purchased followers are a mismatch to your niche, it is a sure sign that you have invested in followers. For instance, your content may be about health and fitness, but if your account has a significant number of followers from unrelated niches, it is time to reevaluate your paid follower strategy and perhaps opt for an alternative service.
Also, ensure that your marketing efforts are directed toward the right audience! Focus on creating targeted content that attracts followers who will be genuinely interested in what you have to share. This will help you grow a relevant following.
Develop a Sustainable Strategy
Considering the risks, you may be wondering how you can leverage the advantage of paid followers while keeping the risks to a minimum.
First and foremost, invest in a reputable service that provides genuine accounts. Do your research and ensure that the followers are active and engaged. Avoid investing in services that only deliver bots or inactive profiles, as they will only hurt your credibility in the long run.
Also, as mentioned above, regardless of how many followers you have, the content you make is very important. Invest time in making quality posts that will attract your audience and keep them glued to your account.
At the same time, genuine engagement is vital for your account’s survival and success as it helps you build a loyal community. It makes your followers feel valued and more connected to you. The more valued they feel, the more likely they are to support you and share your content with others.
Final Thoughts
Being an influencer on social media is a lot of work! The field comprises a myriad of aspects and the amount and quality of following is a foremost concern for most.
While buying followers may feel like you are trying to find a shortcut to success, it is, in fact, a stepping stone you need to have a solid footing in the competitive social media landscape. You can leverage this foothold to drive engagement and growth.
Just remember to consider buying followers as one piece of the puzzle. How you perform on social media then depends on the content you make, how consistent you are, and how you maintain a relationship with your following.
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