Why I Dislike The Term ‘Influencer’

Why I Dislike The Term ‘Influencer’

Top: Zara (similar here and here); Pants: Club Monaco (similar here and here); Blazer: Grayes (similar here and here); Shoes: Gucci

Considering the fact that I’m eating my weight in pasta and gelato in Italy, I hardly deserve to write such a loaded blog post. But that’s the thing about taking some time off, it allows me to think about what I really want to write about. This is a topic that’s been on my mind for quite sometime, and I’d love to get your thoughts on it.

The growth of social media as an industry has given rise to the term ‘influencer’. This word is nothing new, I’m sure all of you have heard it by now. But as someone who is a part of this industry, and is considered an ‘influencer’, I have to say that I just can’t get on board with this term.

The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, I find that it sounds narcissistic. Saying I’m an influencer when someone asks me what I do for a living makes me want to punch myself in the face for being such a douchebag. Why adopt a term that sounds so pompous?

Second, and most importantly, I think the term ‘influencer’ takes credit away from our readers. I personally think my readers are smart people with their own opinions. I have a lot of great discussions with my readers, and I happily take recommendations for things from them! Calling myself an influencer makes it seem as though my readers will blindly follow everything I have to say.

So what’s the alternative? I think instead of referring to us as influencers, the industry should be referring to us as content creators, because that’s truly what we are. We aim to create beautiful content, and put our opinions out there. And if that results in people using our recommendations, then that’s just a byproduct.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic. Do you guys like the term influencer, or doย  you prefer content creator?

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30 Comments

  1. October 10, 2017 / 6:35 am

    You are so right! We should be called content creators instead!
    I never thought of the term influencer in a bad way until now, but I totally get your point.
    Looking gorgeous in all black babe!
    Enjoy your pasta and gelatos:-)

  2. miri
    October 10, 2017 / 7:15 am

    Ohh, enjoy your stay in Italy, Siffat. I like your stylish all black look. And for my part, I agree. Content creators fits much better!
    X
    Miri

    https://currentlywearing.com

  3. October 10, 2017 / 2:22 pm

    I personally don’t like the term influencer either because it makes it seem like we are better and more superior than everyone else. Which we bloggers are just normal people too.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

  4. October 10, 2017 / 8:20 pm

    I never thought about it like that, but you are so right! I get offered so many campaigns by brands being called an influencer and I tell them I am a content creator and they say, its the same thing…but its not. Thanks for another insightful post as always hun xx

  5. October 11, 2017 / 3:18 am

    You look stunning as always. Content Creator 100%
    Xx, Raysa

  6. October 11, 2017 / 3:25 am

    Totally semantics, but I completely agree! The term influencer has such a derogatory notion attached to it. It would be like if Jennifer Aniston came up and introduced herself as “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m a celebrity!”. We don’t introduce ourselves by what other’s term us to be, but by the craft that we do. I love the phrase “content creator” too because outside of ‘influencing’ we also create content for brands sometimes that don’t showcase our names with the photos that we produce.

  7. October 11, 2017 / 4:06 am

    I completely agree with you, Siffat. I really dislike “influencer” because, like you said, it immediately makes whoever utters it sound like a a bit of a jerk, particularly to those who aren’t familiar with the industry. I definitely think “content creator” is much more representative.

  8. October 11, 2017 / 7:28 am

    You’ve put this all into words perfectly, girl! I agree with everything you’ve said. The term ‘influencer’ definitely has a ‘pompous’ tone to it, and I think also takes away all the hard work we put into creating the work that we do for brands etc. Content creator is a much more accurate tag ๐Ÿ˜‰ Hope you’re having the best trip! I’m only slightly jealous … haha.

    Ashleigh x
    http://www.ashleighdmello.com

  9. October 11, 2017 / 9:01 am

    I totally agree Siffat, ‘content creator’ sounds so much friendlier than ‘influencer’. Beautiful pictures, have a swell time in Italy! xx
    Coco Bella Blog

  10. October 11, 2017 / 2:30 pm

    Couldn’t agree more babe! I have never liked the term influencer either.. and would definitely not refer to myself as one, content creator is much better and way more accurate too!! Hope you are having a fab time in Italy!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

  11. October 11, 2017 / 3:29 pm

    This is probably one of the best blogger posts I ever read and I couldn’t agree more! OMG girl you are hilarious!! I definitely wouldn’t describe myself as an influence either for those two points exactly. I’m actually fairly new to reading your blog and since I love your articles so much I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award! You can see your nomination and what to do next here: http://www.onepotslop.com/finding-what-moves-you/

  12. October 11, 2017 / 4:37 pm

    I definitely wouldn’t call myself an influencer as my content’s reach is still pretty limited, but I do agree that the term makes it sound as a sort of power that people would use so that other people do things they don’t want to do… I much prefer to think of the creative side of this industry, as it’s something I have embraced from day one, and assume our readers are drawn to that too!
    Hope you are having the greatest time over in Italy, gorgeous Siffat. Much love from England,

    Saida | She talks Glam

  13. October 11, 2017 / 4:45 pm

    How about curators? ๐Ÿ˜‰

    LOVE this outfit…it’s so awesome. The fish net top is so rad

    http://www.luellapearl.com
    Caitlin

  14. October 11, 2017 / 5:28 pm

    I do think influencer is a bit off, though I sometimes use it to describe bloggers. But you’re so right that it creates some sort of inequality as it more or less indicates that the readers are the ones being influenced and not both parts being able to influence and inspire. Do like the term content creator though, it’s what it’s about! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  15. Jessi Malay
    October 11, 2017 / 9:29 pm

    I definitely prefer the term “content creator” as well!! It sounds much more positive than the term “influencer” and suggests other great attributes like creativity and originality, which most bloggers certainly have ๐Ÿ™‚ Awesome post girl!

    XO, Jessi
    https://www.mywhitet.com/house-hunting-new-fall-staples/

  16. Filipa
    October 12, 2017 / 3:19 am

    I couldn’t agree with you more my love, I’m not an ‘influencer’ I am just voicing my opinions. Your right our readers are intelligent and have their own opinions too.

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

  17. Julia R
    October 12, 2017 / 10:13 am

    I hate the term ‘influencer’ too and I think ‘content creator’ is a much better description!
    On another note, I love this ‘all black’ outfit !
    Enjoy Italy and the pasta and gelato!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  18. October 12, 2017 / 10:26 am

    YESSSS Siffat, Content Creators sound so much better! I definitely agree with you – saying ‘I’m an influencer’ does not sound very nice! Also, as always, you look incredible! x

    TOUCHOFGS

  19. October 12, 2017 / 2:03 pm

    Totally agree Siffat! I also dislike the term “influencer”, your suggestion of content creator is so much better and more accurate.
    x Rubi
    Pose & Repeat

  20. October 12, 2017 / 6:56 pm

    Totally agree, influencer is a bit of a gross word; it totally disregards any sort of 2-way relationship we might have with the community. I’m more for content creator, but honestly sometimes good reliable “blogger” is completely fine too โ€“ย it’s basically the umbrella of all the other terms I feel like.
    xx
    http://angelebaby.com

  21. October 13, 2017 / 5:38 pm

    Such a good point! Influencer has always sounded a bit pretentious – plus, like you said, “content creator” not only sounds better but is a more accurate reflection of what so many “influencers” actually do. Thanks for sharing!

    Kathryn โ€ข simplykk.com

  22. October 14, 2017 / 8:35 am

    I agree, it is a silly term. There isn’t really anything that can sum up the work, particularly when every one creates something unique to his or her strengths and interests. Creative is a better term, I think.
    Enjoy that pasta babe!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

  23. October 15, 2017 / 1:52 pm

    You definitely have a point there! I love it that you are candid about your thoughts and I think that is precisely why you have plenty of readers – you are not afraid to speak your mind and are always transparent to your readers!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  24. October 15, 2017 / 2:46 pm

    Omg Siffat you took the words off my mouth! The term ‘influencer’ really implies that the reader has no ability to choose at all and is blindly guided by our words. It is indeed very presumptuous and I don’t know how come many don’t feel the same way. It’s too much of a ‘capitalist/consumerist’ name, basically ‘influence to buy’.
    Alas I think content creator is indeed the best way to define us!

    http://www.desiringsme.com/

  25. Emilie
    October 15, 2017 / 4:56 pm

    Totally agree Siffat! Although I have to admit that I am feeling very much influenced to go to Florence rn and eat my weight in pasta ๐Ÿ˜‰

    http://www.mes-dames.com

  26. November 3, 2017 / 7:48 am

    Good of you to touch on something this important that borders on one’s professional life. Cos on my CV its titled content creator. If i used influencer on my CV no one is going to take a look at it twice. I live in France so titles mean little to them. thanks for such an incentive

  27. November 7, 2017 / 1:03 am

    Wow I never really thought about that term, “influencer.” But I have similar thoughts to you! I would hate if someone went around calling themselves an influencer. It sounds way too pompous and not my style. I love the term “content creator” though. That sounds intelligent and like a true job!

    Kim
    simplylovebirds.com

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