Influencer Marketing: A multi-billion dollar industry that accounts for 11% of the national marketing spend.

This booming industry is incredibly popular; featuring thriving blogs and beautiful Instagram posts. But many, including the AMP3 team, still find themselves wondering what being an influencer is actually like on the other side.

How do they feel about the term “influencer“? How do they spend their days? What are brands doing right/wrong? So we decided to speak with some of the industry’s best to get some answers. And so begins the AMP3 Influencer Insider!

Meet Steffy Degreff! You can follow her on Instagram at @steffyspandcs along with her 136K current insta followers. We LOVE working with Steffy; she is so nice, professional, and creative. When we decided to begin the AMP3 Influencer Insider, we immediately knew we had to talk with Steffy. Read on to find out some answers to some of our (and I’m sure yours too!) most pressing questions. Take it away Steffy!

What are your thoughts on the term influencer? (If you prefer another title, what is it?)
I really dislike this term! haha! I prefer to be known as a “creator” or a “blogger” but influencer just sounds so pompous to me!

Tell us a little bit more about what it means to be an influencer/content creator in today’s brand marketing world?
I think being a content creator means constantly being willing to learn, adjust and trying to stay ahead of the curve. The market is very oversaturated, and the landscape is constantly changing so it’s important to keep up with it! Also, it’s FUN! It’s important to remember to have fun, because at the end of the day, this is a dream job.

What do you like most about Social Media (Specifically Instagram)?
I like the connections that I’ve been able to find because of it! I feel like I have friends all over the world, and that is an amazing feeling!

What do you like the least about Social Media (Specifically Instagram)?
I don’t like the feeling that I have to be constantly “on.” Some days I like to just walk to my local coffee shop, makeup free in my sweats, and when social media is your job and you’re constantly sharing, it’s hard have those days.

Can you walk us through what a normal work day is like for you?
Every day is honestly so different! A normal day begins at 6AM when my son wakes me up (haha #momlife) and I make sure to post on my Stories about the blog post that went up. Then I usually answer e-mails while he is drinking his bottle and playing. After his morning nap, I will usually go out and shoot a campaign or two, and then take from about 4-8PM to focus on family. After my son goes to bed, I will edit photos, write blog posts and finish my e-mails! Usually passing out around 11PM 🙂

What do brands tend to get wrong when working with influencers? And what are the top things brands should know about working with you/them (your tips & best practices)?
Brand sometimes push too hard to dilute the influencers brand to push their own agenda, and I think that definitely effects the end result and engagement on campaigns. My biggest tip is to just stay true to the influencer and who they are, because that is what their audience fell in love with!

How can a new or emerging brand make themselves stand out to you?
Usually by being organized, having a strong online presence and of course the product itself has to be unique!

When working with brands, what do you look for? Is there anything you wouldn’t do?
I look for brands that I have a personal connection with, or want to try out and get to know better. I don’t ever promote products that I don’t stand behind, and I am very picky about my own brand and what is a fit and what isn’t. You will never see me promote skinny teas, haha! And I am very choosy about beauty products, as I like to stand behind skincare over makeup. I also am extremely picky on which campaigns will involve my son, as I am a brand loyalist with mommy products!

Would you say that you have a niche? If so, what is it?
I think because I cover so many topics, I can’t really say I have a niche. My audience is composed of so many different people with different interests – moms, vintage lovers, travel enthusiasts, etc.

How do you measure your success? How do you quantify your results for brands?
I measure my success on growth, engagement and whether I feel happy. Those are the 3 most important things. If I stop growing, I reanalyze my choices. If I stop feeling happy, I also take a step back and think “What can I change?”

How do you determine what you charge brands for your work?
Usually based on industry standards, and the amount of reach / engagement I will provide for that brand.

What’s your favorite part about what you do?

I love the ability to be at home with my son. Fashion is my passion, as well as travel and interiors, but the best part of the job is the flexibility it allows me!
How do you think this career path has changed you?

(Has your style changed at all, have you traveled more because of it, etc.)
I’ve definitely learned to juggle 100 different things at once because of it! Haha!

Where do you think the influencer space is going? What’s next?
I would love to know as well. If you find out, let me know 😉

Quick Qs- Rapid Fire!

• What is the one fashion item that you can’t live without? My felt hats!
• What is your favorite Phone App? Darkroom
• If your life was a movie, what would it be called? No Sleep Ever
• What’s an Instagram photo you would never post? Me in a bikini! haha – I am a one piece gal
• Pizza or tacos? Tacos
• What brand(s) are you loving right now? SEZANE
• One reality that people don’t realize about being an influencer? It’s a lot of work, and it’s non-stop

Check back regularly for more Influencer Insider interviews!

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AMP3 PR provides a bespoke service with genuine passion and understanding of the client’s needs. We have received consistent relevant media placement for our brands, clients and celebrities. The team is personable and reliable; positively steered by a thoughtful and strategic leader Alyson Roy.