Twenty – or even ten – years ago, there was no such thing as a career as a social media influencer. Marketing wasn’t something you could see everyday people doing on their social media feed, and many of today’s digital stars had yet to be born. But now, it’s possible to build an exciting career as an influencer using just your smartphone and computer, and social influencer marketing is expanding at a breakneck pace.

In addition, as many influencers are discovering, having a large social media following and building a personal brand can be just the beginning of an exciting and diverse career path. A growing number of digital influencers are taking their tech-savvy knowledge and using it to jump into an industry that’s been around far longer than any social media app: radio broadcasting.

What is a Social Media Influencer?

A social media influencer often referred to simply as “an influencer,” is a unique role that combines marketing, content creation, and social media. Essentially, an influencer markets various products and services using a storytelling approach, presenting authentic content featuring the items on Instagram, YouTube, and other popular social media platforms. Companies hire influencers to endorse their products and services using video, photos, and text, seamlessly weaving the advertisement into their regular content.

Ultimately, it is an influencer’s brand identity and personality that “sells” the products and services. For followers, an influencer’s personality is as much as a factor as the lifestyle and image they portray. If a social media star is able to build a brand identity that presents them as someone with a desirable lifestyle and knowledge about certain topics, it is likely that they will be able to succeed at influencer marketing.

Why Broadcast Radio is Attracting Today’s Digital Stars

Now that we’ve broken down exactly what it means to be a social media influencer, you might be wondering: what career prospects do you have as a young digital star? While many influencers are content to stay in the social media arena, a growing number are extending their reach into a different field entirely: broadcast radio.

Many people might argue that broadcast radio is an “old school” art, one that’s sure to die out as new technology and trends emerge. However, those in the know realize that radio has actually done an impressive job of adapting to the shifting tides, capitalizing on new streaming technology and finding new ways to connect with listeners. Streaming radio platforms like iHeartRadio are putting thousands of live stations in the palm of your hand, taking the form of an easy-to-use smartphone app. Now, you aren’t limited to listening on an AM/FM radio in your car or at home – with just a few clicks, you can tune in to your favorite DJ anywhere, anytime.

So, what does this mean for digital stars interested in expanding their brand? As it turns out, radio presents new territory for rising influencers to explore. Now, influencers are taking on broadcasting gigs, adding radio to their repertoire and changing the way many people think about

marketing. And it’s not just influencers taking the leap; countless radio personalities are leveraging their presence and adding the title of “influencer” to their resume as well. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Jacobs Media, nearly 60 percent of radio listeners base their listening habits based on the radio talent, with more than 35 percent saying that their favorite thing about listening to broadcast radio is the DJs. Plus, more and more people are tuning in to broadcast radio via digital platforms like smart speakers, mobile apps, and streaming platforms, jumping about 6 percent between 2018 and 2019. When you consider those numbers, it makes sense that radio is an attractive platform for anyone interested in strengthening their digital influence and building a career that can keep up with the times.

Tips for Transitioning from Digital Star to Radio Broadcaster

It might sound like making the jump from social media influencer to radio broadcaster – and combining the two careers – just means you’d be endorsing products on air, just like DJs have been doing for decades. But actually, making the transition successfully requires more than that. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re interested in moving from social media stardom to a thriving career in radio:

• Keep your personal brand in mind. If you’ve been able to build a successful following on social media, odds are you’ve established a specific personal brand. Whether it’s Instagram, YouTube, or another platform that you call home, your followers and fans have come to “know” you as a social media personality. If you want to become a radio broadcaster while carrying over your social media followers, you’ll need to stay on brand and continue on as the personality they’ve come to know and love.
• Make sure you’re well-prepared with a solid foundation of knowledge. The best DJs make broadcasting seem incredibly easy, but that’s only because they have the experience and skills to do so. In reality, behind nearly every successful radio personality is a good education and plenty of time spent working hard. Enroll in a reputable radio broadcasting education program to prepare yourself with the technical knowledge and practical skills to make it in the competitive industry.
• Don’t hesitate to be open to a variety of roles. It’s rare that a DJ gets their big break without first putting in some time, working their way up through different jobs and earning their dream role. Even if you’ve made it big on social media, you can’t necessarily expect to score a spot as a star DJ right away. Instead, be willing to start at the bottom, learning new skills as you advance through the ranks.

Pursue Your Career Dreams with an Education from The Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami

Whether you’re a rising social media star, a casual YouTuber, or just beginning to think about a career in broadcast radio, there’s one important part of your professional journey that can make a huge difference in your future path: a high-quality education from an excellent media school. At the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami, our radio broadcasting program offers an in-depth education that focuses on the skills and knowledge you need to start your career on the right foot. With expertly-designed course content delivered by passionate instructors, a variety of hands-on experiences, and plenty of industry internship opportunities, the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami is an excellent way to break into the field of broadcasting.

Don’t wait any longer to start your career journey – there’s never been a better time to dive into the ever-evolving world of radio broadcasting. Apply for your spot at the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami and take the first steps towards your exciting future today.