Micro-influencers: An emerging profession not yet recognized, with a tarnished reputation

Influencer marketing is a rapidly expanding industry. This qualitative study examines microinfluencers (those with up to 100,000 followers) through 30 in-depth interviews to understand their perceptions of their profession’s reputation, potential improvements, and the level of professionalization wi...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Marchán Sanz, Clara, Fernández Gómez, Erika, Feijoó Fernández, Beatriz
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Villanueva (UV)
Repositorio:DIGI-UV. Repositorio Digital de la Universidad Villanueva
OAI Identifier:oai:digiuv.villanueva.edu:20.500.12766/771
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12766/771
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Publicidad
Micro-influencers
Influencer marketing
Advertising
Emerging profession
Training
Reputation
Remuneration
Descripción
Sumario:Influencer marketing is a rapidly expanding industry. This qualitative study examines microinfluencers (those with up to 100,000 followers) through 30 in-depth interviews to understand their perceptions of their profession’s reputation, potential improvements, and the level of professionalization within the field. Excessive commercialization and the mismatch between advertised products and the micro-influencer’s profile are identified as the primary factors damaging their reputation. In terms of professionalization, it is common for compensation to be limited to products, which 60% of interviewees consider unfair. Despite these challenges, microinfluencers are eager learners, consistently striving to stay updated in various domains.