Influencers Who Have Of: The Good, The Bad, and The Seriously Confusing
Okay, so let's talk about something that's been bugging me (and probably you too, if you've spent any time online). It's the whole "influencers who have of" thing. Not literally influencers named "Of" (though that would be a wild branding choice), but the way so many of them phrase their content and, well, everything.
It's become such a common trope that it practically screams "I'm an influencer!" before they even open their mouths. Think overly curated posts, generic lifestyle advice, and a level of aspirational living that's, frankly, unrelatable for most of us. But hey, maybe that’s the point?
The Rise of the "Of"
So, why this "of" phenomenon? Where did it even come from? I've got a few theories.
The Curse of Perfection
Firstly, there's the whole pressure to be perfect. Social media is a highlight reel, and influencers are expected to constantly showcase their best selves. This leads to meticulously planned content, where every image is edited and every caption is crafted with precision.
It's like they're building this perfect facade, and to maintain it, they have to speak in a certain way, use specific phrases, and adhere to a particular aesthetic. Think about it – "Influencer starter pack" memes are basically built on this. We’ve all seen ‘em.
The Algorithm's Grip
Another factor is the algorithm. Let's be real, influencers are businesses, and their success depends on getting their content seen. So, they're constantly trying to crack the code of the algorithm, using keywords, hashtags, and engagement tactics to boost their visibility.
This can lead to a sort of homogenization, where everyone starts doing the same thing, saying the same things, and ultimately, sounding the same. Authenticity? Sometimes it takes a backseat to visibility, which is a bummer. I've definitely noticed that I’m less likely to engage with an influencer when it’s clear they're just chasing the algorithm.
The "Expert" Trap
Many influencers position themselves as experts in their respective fields, whether it's fashion, beauty, fitness, or travel. And to maintain that image, they often adopt a more authoritative tone, using jargon and complex language to sound knowledgeable.
The problem is, sometimes this comes across as pretentious or insincere. It’s like they’re trying too hard to prove their worth, and in the process, they lose their connection with their audience. You know, the whole "mansplaining" thing, but for influencing.
The "Of" Hall of Fame (and Shame)
Let's look at some common examples. We've all seen these, right?
- "A Day in the Life Of...": These are everywhere. While some are genuinely interesting, many feel staged and overly curated. "A Day in the Life of Doing Laundry and Avoiding Eye Contact" is probably more relatable, tbh.
- "The Benefits Of...": This one is a classic. "The Benefits of Green Juice," "The Benefits of Morning Meditation," "The Benefits of Instagram Filters." You get the idea.
- "My Must-Have Products Of...": "My Must-Have Products Of Summer," "My Must-Have Products Of Travel," "My Must-Have Products Of… Existing?" Okay, I'm exaggerating, but you see the trend. It always seems to be subtly pushing a sales pitch, even if it’s just an affiliate link.
- "The Importance Of...": "The Importance of Self-Care," "The Importance of Staying Hydrated," "The Importance of… Breathing?" Okay, some of these are genuinely important, but the constant barrage of "importance" can feel overwhelming.
Breaking Free from the "Of"
So, what's the solution? How can influencers break free from the "of" trap and connect with their audience in a more authentic way?
Authenticity is Key
Seriously, ditch the façade. Be yourself. Share your struggles, your imperfections, your real life. People connect with authenticity, not with perfection. This isn’t to say that you need to share everything about yourself, but showing some vulnerability is always a good start.
Ditch the Jargon
Speak in plain language. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Remember, you're trying to connect with people, not impress them with your vocabulary. I mean, unless your audience is made up entirely of linguists. And if that’s the case, congratulations!
Focus on Connection
Engage with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show that you genuinely care about what they have to say. Build a community, not just a following.
Be Creative
Don't be afraid to experiment with different content formats and styles. Try something new, something unexpected. Surprise your audience and keep them engaged.
It’s Not All Bad
I do want to be fair here. There are plenty of influencers who have managed to avoid the "of" trap and create truly engaging and authentic content. They’re the ones who are willing to be vulnerable, to be real, and to connect with their audience on a deeper level. And honestly, they're the ones worth following.
So, next time you see an influencer post with the words "of" prominently displayed, take a moment to consider what's really going on. Is it authentic? Is it genuine? Or is it just another carefully curated attempt to chase the algorithm? And maybe, just maybe, unsub and find someone who feels more real. Just a thought.