11 Helpful Apps for Influencers to Run Their Business!
Hi hello!
My name is Brianne, and I’m a lifestyle blogger and influencer marketing consultant. We saw a LOT of changes in the influencer space in 2019. I learned about some awesome tools + tips for influencers this year, so I wanted to do a little roundup to share with you all.
I write more about tips for influencers here, if you’re looking for more helpful information.
Alright, let’s get started!
Tool #1: Canva
Y’all, I would marry Canva if I could — that’s how passionate I am about this tool! I make graphics for Pinterest, YouTube art, and my IG Story using their easy templates, and I also make and update my media kit and influencer rate card on the platform!
I will be hiring a graphic designer to have a more cohesive brand in 2020, but Canva has been a great tool in the interim. Canva has a lot of free images and templates, and elements start at $1.
Sign up here.
Tool #2: FaceTune
Okay, HEAR ME OUT! I’m not saying that you should use FaceTune to make yourself skinnier or change things about yourself. But this phone app is SUPER helpful when you have a weird stray hair or have a giant bruise on your leg from tripping out of your car (hi).
For the love of GOD, don’t photoshop your body. You’re perfect as you are, and you’ll look like an idiot if you try. ❤
The app goes for $9.99 a year.
Tool #3: A PO Box
We get a lot of mail at my house, and packages from brands have gotten lost (behind the couch or elsewhere), which is STRESSFUL.
A PO Box makes it easier to get and receive packages from brand sponsors and gifted product, as well as making it easier to just TRACK STUFF. A PO Box can also add a layer of safety and security, as you’re sending your physical address to fewer folks.
The cost of a PO Box varies by city, and I pay around $100 a year. Woo a write off!
Tool #4: Asana
Do you feel overwhelmed by all of the different content you’re creating? Figuring out WHAT to create and WHEN you’re going to create it (like time, day, place)– let alone post it — is overwhelming AF.
Enter ASANA. It’s a project management software that allows you to track projects, calendar them, etc. I assign different colors by social media channel, and this makes it way easier to plan out content.
Try it here.
Tool #5: Hard Case for Memory Cards
As I started filming YouTube videos this year, I started collecting a LOT of memory cards.
And I kept them in a ziploc baggie in my camera bag. (YIKES.)
My photographer recommended that I get a *hard case* for my memory cards, to store them and keep them from getting banged up/corrupted.
This one is about $9 on Amazon (affiliate).
Tool #6: Transcriptionist FTW
This is most pertinent to folks creating video content, but I’ve taken videos from my YouTube channel and had them transcribed – making them blog posts! I pay $1 per minute transcribed. This is a great way to repurpose content. (And makes it easier to add closed captions to videos.)
You can use Fiverr to find transcriptionists, or tweet at me and I’ll share recs!
Tool #7: Knack Pack for Photoshoots
Okay, so full disclosure I work for this company (woo), but this bag is EXCELLENT for influencers going on location for photoshoots. You can expand the back compartment to pack 2–3 outfits (Medium Knack Pack), and pack your camera/gear in the main compartment.
Boom. No need to schlep around IKEA bags or a roller suitcase into Starbucks to change. (We’ve all done it!!)
Shop here.
Tool #8: Presets in Lightroom App
Okay, we all know that photo editing is most powerful on a computer — but we don’t always have access to one (travel blogger ftw). This year, I had some presets made, and I uploaded to my phone.
I can take photos and easily/quickly edit for the gram, or edit photos while sitting at the airport//other times when I can’t get to my laptop.
You can get presets for a wide variety of prices on etsy.
Download Lightroom here.
Tool #9: Aspire IQ & FOHR
There are a lot of influencer marketing platforms out there (I feel like I get a new email a week about them?), but these two platforms really stand out.
I love how Aspire IQ takes you through the ENTIRE DEAL process super easily, and streamlined communication with brand partners. FOHR also has a robust platform, and I so appreciate the buckets of resources they share via their blog and email list.
Check out Aspire IQ here and FOHR here. (They’re free for influencers.)
Tool #10: Ring Light for iPhone
I post to my Instagram story throughout the day and night, and the lighting isn’t always great. A portable ring light helps keep me well lit (and looking cute)! This one is $15.99 on Amazon (affiliate).
How to Become an Influencer ?— Book with Info!
I’ve coached a TON of people on how to become an influencer, and I found that people had the same questions:
- How do I make an invoice as an influencer?
- What do I charge as an influencer?
- How do instagram influencers make money
- How do I plan a photoshoot?
- How do I pitch brands as an influencer?
Seeing this, I decided to write an ebook, with ALL of the information I wish I had access to! It’s $7.99! Check out this ebook HERE!
