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For marketers, collaborating with KOLs is common practice. However, many may wonder, what exactly is a KOL? Learn all about KOLs and how to become one in this article.
Here, Mytour shares insights into the concept of KOLs, knowledge about KOLs, and how to become one. Follow along to learn more.
What is KOL?
KOL or K.O.L is an abbreviation for Key Opinion Leader, referring to individuals who are well-known, widely recognized, and have influence over many people.
Individuals who are prominent on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are often invited to participate in advertising projects or product evaluations, earning them the title of KOLs. They could be business leaders, financial advisors, politicians, as well as models, singers, actors, comedians, sports stars, Instagram influencers, beauty bloggers, vloggers, etc., known to many.
Depending on their field of activity and the level of influence they have in the online community, KOLs engage in various advertising projects, both large and small.
KOLs are divided into 3 groups:
- Celeb (celebrity): Famous individuals such as singers, actors, sports stars, who influence a particular age group or industry. They may serve as brand ambassadors, spokespeople, or image representatives for specific brands.
- Influencer: These individuals could be singers, bloggers, comedians, entrepreneurs, etc., depending on their field of activity or social media purpose, leading to varying degrees of influence.
- Mass seeder: Belonging to those who have influence at the level of small customer groups, they can be utilized to disseminate content from celebrities/influencers—typically aimed at advertising or brand PR targeting these small customer groups.
How to become a KOL
Talent in a specific field
KOLs must stand out from the ordinary. To become a KOL, you need to have a particular talent or knack in a field such as singing, public speaking, skills, makeup, etc. Recognizing your strengths, you must then choose to leverage them effectively.
Identifying the target audience
Understanding your strengths helps you determine your field of activity, including your audience demographics. This way, you'll know if the product you're reviewing aligns with your audience and if it garners their attention.
Investing in a professional image
To attract more attention and gain the interest of many, you must continuously invest money, time, effort into your image, as well as the field you're pursuing.
Community-Friendly Attitude
To gain more affection from followers, you need to present yourself as friendly, kind-hearted, cheerful, and approachable. Show regular interest and inquire about your fans. New fans mean new friends, so earning the community's affection will lead them to trust the products you review.
Continuous Learning and Skill Enhancement
If you have a talent or expertise in a particular field, you must consistently hone your skills to enhance your expertise in that area. If you become complacent and refuse to improve, others will surpass you.
Working with Heart
Whatever you do, put in effort and dedication into your work. Those who care will pay close attention, and they can easily detect half-hearted efforts. Your credibility will diminish if you're careless. Therefore, provide objective and quality product reviews to satisfy businesses and earn viewers' trust.
Above, Mytour has shared insights into what KOLs are, knowledge about KOLs, and how to become one. We hope this article provides you with useful information about KOLs and encourages you to strive to become one. Best of luck on your journey to success!
