How To Use Social-Media To Get Kudos, Cash & Clout

Forget the US presidency. Being an 'influencer' is 2016's hottest job. Daisy Buchanan investigates what it takes to join the elite club of social-media stars currently determining what we wear, buy, eat and 'like'.

- Daisy Buchanan

Tipsily attempting to engage with my 15,200 Twitter followers from the back of a taxi, I ask, “If you were a pop star, what would your ‘surprising’ cover version be?” Although it’s fun, getting home to 93 responses feels a little overwhelming. But this is the price I must pay if I’m to turn myself from ‘easily influenced’ to ‘influencer’ – an elite club of real people, professionals and bloggers, who wield great power on our social-media feeds and spending habits.

My friend Jenny* (who’s also digital director of a major international agency) is to blame for my newfound chattiness online. “It’s essential to create a dialogue if you want to become an ‘influencer,’” she explains. “People love replies, and they’re much more likely to get behind you if you have an interest in what they have to say. Never forget that it’s two-way traffic.” Which means my top priority right now is replying to each and every one of my followers who want to do a glam-rock version of Zayn Malik’s new song.

The reason for my quest? Being an influencer is 2016’s hottest job. It means acquiring the kind of social media reach that big brands pay attention to and want to work with. I might be 31, but that doesn’t mean I don’t deserve a shot at being the next Zoe Sugg (aka Zoella, the 26-year-old YouTube sensation who has built an entire brand out of talking about her life and the products she loves from her bedroom).