In the realm of traditional careers, education is often considered essential. Electricians refine their skills through hours of practice, nurses diligently study to pass exams and earn licenses, and teachers learn the art of imparting knowledge.
However, when it comes to the booming career of an influencer, there is no formal schooling or structured curriculum like “Get Ready With Me 101” or TikTok exams. The profession still lacks recognition from those outside its realm.
As the influencer career gains traction and garners more respect, efforts are being made to make influencer education more accessible.
Ivanka DeKoning, a content creator and social media strategist, who offered me a personalized crash course in her social media video masterclass series called “How To Become An Influencer.” In just 60 minutes, we delved into my hypothetical aspirations, content creation purpose, posting strategies, SEO tips, algorithm insights, and more—a whirlwind of information to absorb.
Various types of influencer classes exist, covering everything from invoicing and brand deals to mastering specific platforms.
The class I attended felt introductory, considering my background in media. I was already familiar with much of the information shared, such as optimizing my Instagram bio and determining posting frequency. Apart from the crash course, which comes with a price tag of $700, DeKoning also offers a more extensive six-week program.
This program includes assignments, weekly meetings, and check-ins to track content performance and personal growth as a creator. With a focus on providing personalized attention and support, DeKoning limits her client intake to three or four students per month.
She notes that many clients initially seek Instagram fame but are taken aback when confronted with the amount of work involved. While I personally may not be willing to invest $700 in such a class, I can see its potential value for individuals who have little to no knowledge of social media and desire an introduction to the content creation world.
Alexa Losey, a seasoned influencer who has been creating lifestyle and beauty content since her teenage years, questions the necessity of rudimentary influencer classes. She believes that establishing a connection with an audience cannot be taught.
While it is crucial to have your content seen, nothing surpasses the authenticity and genuine bond that can be forged with an audience. Losey’s decade-long career has spanned various platforms, from the golden era of Tumblr to the present day. With nominations and a substantial following on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, she emphasizes the importance of consistency, authenticity, and networking.
Influencers who achieve success rely on more than just hashtags, strategies, and visually appealing content. Their success hinges on whether the audience believes in them, likes them, and trusts them. While technical skills can be taught to some extent—using hashtags, employing SEO practices, and understanding platform algorithms to reach a wider audience—keeping that audience engaged requires more.
It entails giving them a reason to stay loyal, to serve a purpose in their lives—whether it’s to entertain, educate, or inspire. While influencer classes can equip individuals with technical knowledge, being likable and relatable is an intrinsic quality that cannot be taught. Building and maintaining an audience demands reflecting the world in an authentic way, resonating with their experiences and fostering a sense of connection.
Dr. Aaron Dinin, who teaches a course on building global audiences through TikTok at Duke University, draws parallels between today’s influencers and the literary figures of the past.
He compares Walt Whitman to a YouTuber, emphasizing that the platforms may change, but the skills required to build and retain an audience remain timeless. Dr. Dinin encourages students to develop a critical eye for understanding what works in audience building and why. By analyzing creators’
