Posts of social media influencers and comments of regular consumers both have influencing power. However, there is some difference between the two. Influencers post for purposes, whereas regular consumers’ comments are often unfiltered.
Since its introduction, social media has transformed the way people used to connect. At present, social media plays a significant role in influencing people’s decisions. With the rise of social media influencers, this concept of influencing public decision-making has taken a new turn. Regular consumers, being the instrumental force behind community building, have an indirect influence on people. Now, it is necessary to understand how is a post from a social media influencer different than a comment from a regular consumer.
Power of Social Media Influencer
Social media influencers have emerged as personal brands that influence people with their online presence and persona. They have shaped the digital landscape in many ways. From brand endorsement to influencing societal norms, their impact spans various areas. Before determining the difference between a social media influencer’s post and the comment of a regular consumer, knowing the evolution of SM influencers in recent years is crucial.
Influencers as Personal Brands
Influencers are personal brands rather than just influencing individuals. Their meticulously crafted online persona helps them emerge as brands. These characteristics set influencers apart from regular consumers.
How They are Shaping Purchasing Decisions
Influencers play a significant role in shaping purchasing decisions. Their strong online presence and endorsement of brands make them a reliable source for people to determine what to purchase and what not.
Influencers as Storytellers and Content Creators
Unlike regular consumers, influencers are capable of creating visually appealing and aesthetically captivating content.
How Is a Post from A Social Media Influencer Different from a Comment from a Regular Consumer?
Determining this difference is reliant on various factors that differentiate influencers from regular consumers. Let us have a look at them-
1) Authenticity
Authenticity is the dominating factor that sets influencers apart. As they strive for authenticity, they curate purposeful content considering various aspects of content creation. Regular consumers give genuine perspective through their comments, unlike influencers.
2) Audience Reach
Influencers have a far wider reach to audiences compared to regular consumers. As personal brands, social media influencers have huge followers who not only follow them regularly but also listen to them and get influenced. Through their captivating content, influencers engage with their followers and change their purchasing decisions.
3) Quantifiability
Impacts of influencers can be measured through various parameters, such as reach, followers, and conversion rates. Regular consumers’ comments are authentic but not quantifiable in terms of impact.
4) Criticism
The strong online presence of influencers increases followers’ dependencies on their views and ideas. Any misguiding factor can stain their public image, making them a topic of criticism. This doesn’t apply to regular consumers. Consumer comments have an inherited trust factor that influencers lack.
5) Ethics
Influencer marketing has to follow ethical and regulatory guidelines to post their sponsored content. This ensures no misleading content is published. Comments of regular consumers are often considered ethical informally.
Now, to answer the question- how is a post from a social media influencer different from a comment from a regular consumer, we can say that influencers are compelled to post responsible content to avoid criticism. Regular consumers are likely to post unfiltered content that has an inherited authenticity. Although their influencing factors are closely connected, influencers have a much broader impact than regular consumers.