Find your Dream Job

Work in an Influencer Agency: Step-by-Step Guide

We may earn a commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Last Updated on May 7, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Experience Matters More Than Degrees: While formal education helps, hands-on freelancing and real-world projects are often the quickest path into influencer marketing roles.
  • Personal Branding Is Essential: Building an authentic digital presence across platforms helps demonstrate your credibility, creativity, and understanding of influencer engagement.
  • Tech Skills Provide a Competitive Edge: Familiarity with analytics tools, content platforms, and campaign software makes you a more attractive and versatile candidate to agencies.
  • Industry Knowledge Drives Career Growth: Understanding platform trends, audience behavior, and agency dynamics positions you as a proactive and informed professional in a fast-moving field.
  • Relationships Unlock Opportunities: Networking, staying involved in digital communities, and offering value to others often lead to mentorships, job referrals, and lasting collaborations.

Many people are drawn to the prospect of working in an influencer agency, viewing it as a lucrative entry point into marketing or blogging. However, what does it truly take to excel in influencer marketing, and is the career path as straightforward as it appears?

Want to break into influencer marketing? It takes more than a good resume. Learn how to build your personal brand, grow key skills, and stand out to top agencies in a competitive field. Start building your path to success today. #influencermarketingClick To Tweet

Gaining Experience Beyond the Classroom

Getting a degree is unnecessary, but an online master’s in marketing degree can help. Many marketing degrees focus on influencer marketing and social media marketing. It will look great on your resume. But it’s also important to realize that experience is crucial. You can start by getting involved as a freelancer. But these days, most people work as freelancers, which means you need to get relevant experience.

Sometimes the best way to break into your desired field is to immerse yourself in the environment, even if you’re not initially doing your dream job. You could start as a freelancer or learn influencer marketing through less conventional avenues. Agencies like Unruly, for instance, see a diverse array of talent coming through their doors. Networking within such settings offers a significant advantage over simply sending a resume; in many industries, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

SEO 2025: Learn search engine optimization with smart internet marketing strategies
$4.99

No matter your background, SEO 2025 will walk you through search engine optimization techniques used to grow countless websites online, exact steps to rank high in Google.

Buy on Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/06/2025 10:00 pm GMT

The Importance of Your Portfolio

Breaking into influencer marketing doesn’t always require a direct path. Whether you start as a model or excel as an active social media user, leveraging your unique skills is crucial. Make the most of platforms like LinkedIn by ensuring your portfolio is polished and compelling. One approach is to promote local events or aspiring influencers within your network. However, don’t forget that self-promotion, when done tactfully, is equally important in establishing your career.

Crafting a compelling resume doesn’t mean listing every job you’ve ever had; instead, focus on showcasing your most relevant experience. LinkedIn offers an excellent platform for this, allowing you to create a comprehensive portfolio that can include a variety of media, from video reels to podcasts. This multidimensional approach helps you present a more complete picture of your capabilities.

The Infographic Resume: How to Create a Visual Portfolio that Showcases Your Skills
$28.00

Dr. Diane Hodges presents an invaluable life-enhancing guide to help you achieve your career goals. 

Buy on Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/06/2025 10:06 pm GMT

The State of the Industry

When applying for a role in influencer marketing, it’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the industry. Breaking into a top-level position at a digital agency right after college is unlikely. Knowing why you’re interested in a particular company and what you can bring is essential. Plenty of resources can help you prepare for standard interview questions. Still, it’s equally vital to understand the job role, the company’s mission, and how both fit into the larger industry landscape.

Understanding Agency Culture

Before stepping into the world of influencer agencies, it’s essential to understand how these organizations operate internally. The culture of an agency can significantly impact your career satisfaction and growth. Some agencies are fast-paced and numbers-driven, while others emphasize creativity and collaboration. Researching a company’s ethos, leadership style, and client portfolio can help determine whether you will thrive there. Ask about team dynamics, performance expectations, and work-life balance during interviews to gauge fit.

Developing a Personal Brand

In influencer marketing, your brand speaks louder than your resume. Whether behind the scenes or client-facing, cultivating a distinct and authentic digital presence can elevate your credibility. A strong brand shows you understand how content performs, what resonates with audiences, and how to build trust. It’s essential to be consistent across platforms and strategically communicate your expertise and values. This helps agencies view you as a valuable asset, not just a job applicant.

  • Define Your Voice: Establish a tone and style that reflects your goals and personality.
  • Be Consistent: Align your content and messaging across platforms to build trust.
  • Engage Authentically: Respond to comments and connect meaningfully with your followers.
  • Use Visual Identity: Create recognizable elements like logos, color schemes, or taglines.

Keeping Up With Emerging Platforms

Influencer marketing constantly evolves, and agencies value candidates who stay current with trends and new platforms. If you’re only familiar with Instagram and TikTok, consider exploring platforms like Threads, Lemon8, or niche podcast communities. Familiarity with new spaces shows adaptability and forward-thinking, two qualities prized in fast-changing digital environments. Make it a habit to explore emerging networks, analyze what works, and consider how brands might engage there. Staying ahead of the curve gives you a strategic edge.

Building Technical Proficiency

While creativity is key in influencer marketing, technical skills can set you apart from the competition. Many agencies use analytics tools, campaign management platforms, and automation software to drive results. Familiarity with these tools makes onboarding easier and more valuable from day one. If you’re not already comfortable with these systems, there are plenty of accessible learning ways. Self-guided courses, certifications, and YouTube tutorials can quickly build your confidence and capability.

  • Google Analytics: Learn how to track traffic and conversion metrics for influencer campaigns.
  • Meta Business Suite: Use Facebook and Instagram’s backend to manage and monitor ad performance.
  • Canva & Adobe Express: Create quick, engaging visuals without a whole design team.
  • Airtable & Trello: Organize influencer outreach and campaign tasks efficiently.
Learn the Latest Tech Skills; Advance Your Career

Prove Mastery Through Hands-On Projects

Our open-ended projects are modeled after real-world workplace scenarios, and require in-depth critical thinking and creative solutions.


Succeed with Personalized Feedback

Every project receives personalized feedback from industry experts, and our mentors are available to answer questions whenever you're feeling stuck.

Learn New Skills
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Working in influencer marketing also involves understanding legal and ethical boundaries. From FTC disclosure rules to platform-specific guidelines, staying compliant is crucial to maintaining trust and protecting your agency’s reputation. Influencers must disclose paid partnerships, and marketers are responsible for ensuring transparency in every campaign. Familiarize yourself with disclosure requirements, contracts, and intellectual property considerations. This knowledge protects your agency and shows you’re a responsible, well-rounded candidate.

Nurturing Long-Term Industry Relationships

Success in influencer marketing often comes from building and maintaining strong relationships—not just with influencers, but also with brand clients, media contacts, and fellow professionals. Cultivating genuine connections can lead to mentorships, collaborations, and future job leads. Attend industry events, participate in webinars, and stay active in online communities where professionals share insights and opportunities. By showing up consistently and offering value, you become someone others want to work with and recommend.

  • Join Industry Forums: Engage in marketing communities like Adweek, AMA, or relevant LinkedIn groups.
  • Attend Events: Network at conferences, virtual summits, or local meetups.
  • Stay in Touch: Follow up with contacts and check in periodically, even if no immediate opportunity exists.
  • Offer Help First: Be a resource—share helpful content, make intros, or offer feedback when appropriate.
Strategic Connections: The New Face of Networking in a Collaborative World
$22.03

Unveiling eight indispensable competencies for the new Network-Oriented Workforce, Strategic Connections provides practical advice anyone can use for building better, more productive business relationships.

Buy from Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/07/2025 07:49 pm GMT

Next Steps

  • Polish Your Online Presence: Audit your social media and LinkedIn profiles to ensure consistency, professionalism, and alignment with your influencer marketing goals.
  • Build a Targeted Portfolio: Create a small portfolio showcasing your best content, campaign ideas, or mock projects to demonstrate creativity and strategic thinking.
  • Learn Key Tools and Platforms: Gain hands-on experience with analytics, scheduling tools, and design apps commonly used in influencer agencies to improve your marketability.
  • Engage With Industry Communities: Join marketing forums, LinkedIn groups, or webinars to expand your network and stay updated on trends and job opportunities.
  • Pitch Yourself Strategically: Reach out to micro-influencers or local brands offering collaboration or freelance help to gain experience and strengthen your resume.

Final Words

Starting a career in influencer marketing requires more than digital savvy—it demands initiative, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the industry’s operations. Whether you’re building your personal brand, learning new tools, or pitching your first collaboration, each step brings you closer to the agency role you’re aiming for. Embrace the learning curve, stay current with trends, and actively seek opportunities to demonstrate your value. With the right mindset and consistent effort, your place in the industry is well within reach.

Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself
$24.99 $6.29

Want a new job or career? Need to demonstrate more value to customers or employers? Use today's hottest social media platforms to build the powerful personal brand that gets you what you want! 

Buy on Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/07/2025 07:14 pm GMT


What's next?

home popular resources subscribe search

You cannot copy content of this page