The internet is rife with social media influencers and wannabe internet celebrities. Although, unlike movie and television stars, their reach is limited, they wield incredible sway over their legion of fans online.
Many brands and marketers rely on social media influencers to promote products. It’s very common for well-known individuals to publish sponsored content on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. In exchange, they earn hundreds to thousands of dollars for every post.
But influencers are not just in fashion or beauty. They are also in fitness.
More fitness social media influencers are coming out and gaining a sizable and loyal following. They post health and wellness tips on social media, create fitness challenges, publish exercise videos, motivate their followers, and more.
It’s no secret that social media influencers earn a lot of money from views, donations, and sponsored content. So, a lot of people want to become internet celebrities, too.
What does it take to be a fitness social media influencer?
Know What You’re Talking About
The fitness world is vast and filled with information. You need to be an expert on the topic you’re discussing if you want to be taken seriously as an influencer in this space.
You don’t have to be a personal trainer or nutritionist — although it will be better if you’ve had some level of training — but you should at least know about the basics of working out and eating healthy. Otherwise, you may give advice that is dangerous or unhelpful to your audience which will only destroy your credibility.
If you’re not an expert, do your research!
Be Passionate About Fitness
It’s not enough to be knowledgeable about fitness; you need to be passionate about it, too. After all, you’re going to be talking about it all the time — on social media and in your personal life. If you don’t love fitness, people will be able to tell, and they won’t take you seriously.
You have to, of course, be physically fit. Your body and your lifestyle are the viewer’s aspirations. They follow you because they want to be like you, and your goal is to guide them toward achieving a healthy and happy life.
Be a Good Role Model
As a fitness social media influencer, you are a role model for many people. You need to set a good example and live a healthy lifestyle. This means eating right, working out regularly, and staying positive.
You should also motivate people to better their lives. You can share your own fitness journey, and be open to feedback. Don’t be afraid to be honest with your followers; they’ll appreciate your transparency.
Create Engaging and Consistent Content
Content is key when it comes to being an asocial media influencer. You need to produce high-quality content that is both engaging and motivating. This could be video content, blog posts, or even just photos.
You need a good camera and audio setup for this. Eventually, you may want your own studio, where you can film and take photos, too. You may consider hiring a video production team to record your workouts for YouTube or TikTok and a professional photographer to help you create content for Instagram.
In order to build a following, you need to be consistent with your content. People need to know what to expect from you and when they can expect it. If you’re inconsistent, people will lose interest.
Consistency is important. Most social media algorithms, which decide what kind of content will show up on a user’s feed, favor those that regularly produce new photos, videos, and blogs.
Network and Build Relationships
Networking is key in any industry, and the fitness industry is no exception. You need to meet other fitness professionals and be willing to collaborate with them. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities will come your way.
Be sure to attend fitness events, as well. This is a great opportunity to network and learn from the experts.
Want to Help Others
Finally, and most importantly, you need to be passionate about helping others. When people follow you, they’re looking for advice and motivation. They want to see positive transformation in their own lives. As an influencer, it’s your job to provide this help and support.
You can comment on your follower’s own fitness journey, and cheer them on when they are pushing their limits. Interaction with followers is a huge part of the job, and you should always be prepared to be there for people.
These are some things you need to keep in mind if you want to be a successful fitness social media influencer. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. Stay motivated and stay positive!
