Yes, you've read it right -"How to become an instant internet celebrity". Most of you might be wondering why anyone would wish to become an internet star in the first place... virtual fans in cyberspace, millions of likes, views and re-tweets that don't even pay your bills and rent... it's not really worth the time or the effort... the web is full of crap anyway...
Well, to those of you thinking on similar lines, I'll only say four things:
Firstly, not everyone in this whole wide world does everything only for money. Secondly, most people out there are ready to risk anything for their fifteen minutes of fame. Thirdly, the thousands of virtual fans out there in cyber world actually translate to thousands of fans in the real world too. And lastly, internet stardom lasts longer than mere fifteen minutes, and it pays too, I am talking about real hard cash here!
Lots of companies, bands and people have successfully used this kind of branding to popularize themselves or their products beyond boundaries, cashing checks and earning huge revenues in the process. I presume that after reading the last statement, most of you would like to take your own shots at internet fame. Here's how you can vault yourself to a celebrity status in the internet multi-verse, and carve out your own niche in the cyberspace 'Hall of fame', but remember that these tips will only help you get started, the rest of the journey depends on how YOU drive.
Host your own channel:
Make your own unique channel on video uploading sites, especially YouTube. Keep updating your videos and interacting with your audience. You need to have your own unique style and new, compelling content to offer. Remember that the audience should be connecting with the real "You", and that you are promoting "Yourself" as a brand. The content you upload must be captivating for the viewers, or they can easily move on to other videos leaving yours midway. You certainly don't want that, do you? Avoid celebrity bashing, insulting a particular cult or sounding too desperate for attention. The kind of image you project decides the kind of viewership and fan following you will generate. This medium is best for artistes to promote their talents or for endorsing new products online. Upcoming bands won't have to run behind record companies, as they can nurture their own fan base through this medium.
Remember Chris Crocker, the "Leave Britney Alone" guy, or iJustine, or the famous Blendtec ad, "Will it blend" videos? Think on these lines, and create unique, interesting videos that have the potential to go viral.
Network, network and network:
You will have to expand your reach far and wide. Start networking through all means possible, creating Facebook pages, uploading stuff on MySpace, tweeting, buzzing on Buzznet, the list goes on. Make as many friends as you can on social networks and promote yourself indiscriminately.
Get blogging:
Create blogs and forums and cultivate the right kind of content and discussions there.
Get your own website:
It is imperative to have a website of your own. Those interested in you will try to find you on the web, and if they are directed to your own website, it gives your persona certain credibility. This is where you can showcase your achievements and host discussions with your fans. Upload original photos of yourself because you are promoting "Yourself" as a person, and being famous is no use when people don't recognize you by your face!
Do you Digg?
If you don't, start 'Digg-ing' right away. Digg.com is a great way to get noticed as it is the biggest social bookmarking site. Upload your news and stories regularly, and make sure you are getting noticed by actively taking part in other's stories as well.
Follow the big fish:
Study the styles of other internet celebrates and how they were catapulted to fame. This will be helpful in chalking out your own game plan. You may try doing a case study on Julia Allison in particular, as she is apparently the most successful internet celebrity, branded as the poster child for personal branding by the Laptop magazine, making hundreds of appearances on major television networks.
Now that you are good to go, here are a few tips and pointers that will be helpful for starters:
Define your purpose: What is it that you have to share with the millions of netizens out there? Is it your talent as an artist, singer, comedian etc, or a product that you have designed, a service that you want to advertize, or simply a bunch of advice and demonstrations in your area of expertise that others may learn from?
Craft out a time plan and be persistent in your endeavor: Remember that branding yourself on the internet doesn't take money, but takes an awful lot of your valuable time. Scrutinize the time at hand, and make sure you put in the right amount of effort. Once you've got a decent fan base, don't stop your efforts, as now your new challenge would be to retain your fans, and believe me, this is the part where many lose heart! You shouldn't.
Be smart compelling and original: Whatever you do, remember that you have just over a second or two, to capture people's interest.
Integrate all your networks: Make sure that all your networks, blogs and videos are interconnected through links. Don't forget to add links directing others to your own website.
Stay in touch with your fans: Once you have garnered a decent fan following, stay in touch with them.
The idea is to go viral on the internet, making an appearance at every possible avenue. Once you have generated the right kind of interest and curiosity among fellow netizens, you are seconds away from instant internet stardom, as the viral nature of the web may fetch you your big break anytime soon! So go on and show the world what you've got. Rock on!
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—About our writer:
A microbiologist by profession and a writer by intention, Humera is originally a medical content writer. Yet, her exploits as a writer explore far beyond the medical realm. She has tasted success with hundreds of published articles relating to gadget and technology news, marketing, SEO, technical, web content and creative writing.
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