By TRISHA VELARMINO | psimonmyway.com

(PART 2 OF 2 PARTS)

IF we don’t have a vision for the different types of content that we do, it can send different signals to our audience. Some will be obsessed about being thin and might have eating disorders because “thin” is the definition of sexy. I always choose to use my “influence” through words because pictures can send millions of subliminal messages if not explained well.

What can we do?

I am not questioning anyone’s content here but maybe, just maybe, we can re-assess the way we showcase our content. No! Please! Don’t stop posting bikini pictures or makeup tutorial videos.

But maybe, just maybe, we can all start being transparent on what we really do.

If we are posting a lot of photos of our travels (It comes with the job), we can showcase a lot of hardships, too. Come on, it’s not easy! Let’s not make it appear that it’s super easy. Did we forget that travel is not a necessity, but a luxury? In order to inspire other people and send the right message (if that’s the goal), we have to be open and honest about this life that we have the privilege to live.

In an earlier note, I mentioned about the follower war that is commonly happening in social media because of differences. Can we not participate in this? I mean, if you are tolerating the follower wars, what does that make of you? I really believe that the readers/followers that you have reflect you. “Tell me who your followers are and I’ll tell you who you are,” as they say in the blogosphere.

I hope we can also change the way we present the products/brands we work with. Even if you think you are getting “free stuff” from these companies, you need to work by posting nice pictures and a convincing article. Are we not sick of “Guys! Check out @productA and @productB on Instagram for some cool stuff!” How about, “I really love *insert product here*. They are amazing! You should have it!”

We are the future of marketing, so I think we should put a little effort and professionalism into what we do. Full disclosure on product reviews (although your audience know it’s an ad. They’re not stupid), I think we should disclose this info.

Another thing we can do: find a good reason why we should be followed and that we are good examples. I have no idea how to do this but for me, it’s always about unbiased opinions and no-judgment kind of thing. And no online attacking, gosh!

It’s also advisable to have a very good relationship with our ‘followers’ and treat them as friends. Remember, they are the ones keeping us afloat. Without them, we are nothing. If you don’t have any idea who is following you (or you don’t even know them by name), it’s time that you put some effort to it.

Social media influencers are the future. And by future, I don’t mean the future of Internet marketing, but the future. THE future, that’s it! We might not know it very well yet, but the people who are following us look up to us like role models. Whatever we say, do, think, write, tweet (whether it be right or wrong, even if we were cursing or badmouthing other people), there is blind faith – our followers will believe it and will do it, too. We are breeding a generation of humans!

Our influence is powerful, but we should use it responsibly. Being aware of our influence, choosing a channel to convey our message and using it right are the main factors that will help make this world to be a better place – a world that everybody is wishing and praying for.

Let’s contribute to realize that “better world.”