Social media continues to radically alter the way we communicate and connect.
One of the great things about technology and social media is that they can provide everyone a voice and an audience, regardless of ability or physical limitations.
There is a growing number of Australian disability influencers who regularly post new content about themselves, their lives and their ambitions.
Famed for their ability to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility while sharing their own personal stories, Australian content creators such as Carly Findlay, Juttima Chinnasri, Madison de Rosario and Georgia Knoll are using their platforms to break down barriers while creating a space for open discussions on human diversity.
If the idea of following in these disability influencers’ footsteps appeals to you, remember that it is not necessary to be a celebrity or to have a high public profile to succeed as a disability influencer.
It’s easy to get started:
An important first step in becoming an influencer is to articulate your goals from the start. Ask yourself whether following your passion, working with specific brands you admire or generating an income is most important.
Next, identify your niche. Is it to develop a reputation by doing things not usually expected of someone living with disability, gain attention for a product you use that assists you in your day-to-day life or to promote your own story?
Consider the type of content you most enjoy consuming and that you’d like to create yourself, then look at the successful influencers you already follow to determine what social media channels they use.
Then explore your content strategy by making a list of the individual content within your niche and plan it into a calendar. For example, Monday posts offer a glimpse of your morning routine while Wednesdays could be set aside for live streaming an “ask me anything” session.
Before posting content in earnest, take the time to ensure your online presence is up to scratch by building a website so your followers can subscribe and learn more about you. Also, consider converting your existing social accounts into influencer accounts.
- Once you’ve set up your online presence as an influencer and selected the platforms on which you’ll appear, it’s time to start posting your content!
Consistency is key, so remember to post regularly, while also engaging with members of your audience to increase your “know, like, and trust” factor. You can do this by liking, commenting on, and reposting content by your followers and responding to comments on your posts.
Lastly, remember to have fun and be authentic to yourself!
Reach out to your local Just Better Care office if you have any questions about how we can support you to enjoy your hobbies or interests – new or existing!
