Let’s start with what an influencer is not: it’s not the ability to promote a brand, it’s the fact that you have been handpicked by the brand to represent them. okay, I’m kidding that’s so not it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way:

So, according to me: These above-mentioned activities just makes you a mouthpiece of a brand ( you are the discount version of a brand ambassador who essentially works for free), according to this logic the true influencer in this scenario is the brand or organisation that managed to influence you to talk about them on social media (for free or next to nothing).

Being a mouthpiece isn’t a bad thing per se, there are many benefits and free stuff you can accumulate if you play your cards right. I myself have taken advantage of being a mouthpiece by tweeting some nice things for free stuff. The trick is to not mistake that as an influence and assume this influence somehow gives you authority over a community.

By this logic, by extension the real influencers are people who can influence the brands or organizations, right? I’ll categorize these people for better understanding:

– Journalists
– Consumer rights movements
– Activists
– Industry experts
– Thought leaders
– YouTube stars (During their 15 minutes of fame)
– and last but not least the people handling social media accounts for brands, who usually tend to have a say and whose job is to judge you (to determine whether you are an asset or liability to the brand).

These people can either make a public statement that will help decision-makers behind brands to mold an opinion or casually mention something in a private conversation that can easily affect a decision.

People who are not influences, but amount to mouthpieces are:

– Tweeps: People who tweet about; their day, opinions, random thoughts or just vent or flirt around on twitter. Trended a hashtag? or giving away free stuff? Still a mouthpiece ( a good one at that)

– Instagrammers: This one is a bit tricky, these people to an extent can influence people’s opinion about a brand or product if their profile is focused on a certain area (e.g: photography, exploring, reviewing, beauty, art, food, etc…) but if you just post 100 plus pics of your face or what you eat or your baby, sure you’ll rack up a few 100 likes which again makes you ideal for a mouthpiece.

– Citizen journalists: These guys are just the mouthpieces of the mouthpieces, I’m kidding. I just have an inherent mistrust regarding their agenda.

What’s your take? Where does my logic fall short? Have you any types to add to this list? let me know in the comments below!