#8 Alyssa Ramos 'Getting paid to post on Social Media? I was one of the people who created the idea'

The Sixth Power is a new column dedicated to emerging or established influencers. Each week we give you a new interview with an influencer. This eighth post is dedicated to Alyssa Ramos.

Hostelsclub's blog is hosting a new column dedicated to influencers, entitled 'The Sixth Power'. We are going to hear what they have to say, listen to their stories and discover their way of life. Many people would love to be like them, and influencers are one of the latest and most coveted professions. Their following, in some cases, exceeds the influence of the Heads of State. The Californian Kourtney Kardashian with 67.3 million followers has more followers than the number of votes that led Donald Trump to the post of President of the United States of America in 2016. The Italian Chiara Ferragni, before getting 15 million followers on Instagram and a worldwide fame, was just a beautiful blonde girl. They're millionaires, but what exactly do they do? We'll find out, giving a voice to travel bloggers in particular. It is certain that their ability to influence is such that international brands rely on them by showering them with gold. Ten years ago, brands turned to televisions and newspapers, columns of modern media power. Now they rely on Influencers. Television was called the fifth power, but are influencers the sixth power? From this question, the title of this column was born. There will be many good tips for those with attentive ears. On the other hand, it seems that it doesn't take much to become an influencer: a social profile, a little work and lots of imagination.

#8 Alyssa Ramos 'Getting paid to post on Social Media? I was one of the people who created the idea'

The blue eyes of Alyssa Ramos have seen the world. Antarctica, Iceland, Japan, Svalbard, India, and the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. A woman who travels alone, without fear, beautiful, with the world that flows behind her. She hasn't had an apartment for two and a half years, she tells us, because she wouldn't have any time to spend there. At thirty years old, she has been to more than 85 countries and 7 continents. Her life seems to be an endless film, as her blog title suggests. Her blog was started six years ago, and is a place where she shares travel information - later using her Instagram channel to promote the blog. Then, as we all know, social networks became a huge success and she found herself on the track before many others. We are dedicating this eighth post of the Sixth Power to Alyssa Ramos because she has advice for the many following in her steps. It not enough to just publish beautiful photos, she warns, you must know, above all, how to do business to become influential.

Credits @mylifesatravelmovie

Let's go from the beginning, how did you start?

Well, I once had this very big idea that I could create a career that would get me paid to travel, so I'd say my profile portrays the idea that it's possible to create something from nothing in order to chase your dreams.

What do you choose to show your followers?

I'm often told that I'm one of the few very "real" and honest influencers because I do tell all. I don't want people to just see pretty pictures and think travelling (or my life for that matter) is easy when it's really not. I'll show the nice photo, but I'll also tell the story of what it took to get there.

For example?

Like when I wore a flowy dress at the freezing basecamp of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Credits @mylifesatravelmovie

Where do you get the inspiration for your pictures?

I've developed an eye for photos based on what I know will perform well on Instagram. I always look for colours, unique designs, and great framing, and also always wear clothing that will pop or contrast with what I'm shooting.

Have you been an influencer for a long time?

I would honestly say I was one of the people who created the idea of getting paid to use social media.

One of the first, yes, so how did you get the idea?

It started with my blog which I launched about 6 years ago, and I was using social media to promote my blog because I knew the more traffic I got, the more I could get paid. Then once Instagram started getting popular, I realized I could also post things that would create publicity for the brand, and could use that to leverage getting free trips and products, and later I could also charge money for it. I without question put myself out there because I knew it was the best way to promote my blog initially.

Credits @mylifesatravelmovie

And you haven't looked back.

Now, I'm proud to say that I travel full-time and I haven't had an apartment for 2.5 years because I'm constantly booked on destination projects.

How do you feel about your popularity?

In all honesty, I don't see myself as "popular" as I believe others see me. To me, I'm just a crazy girl with too many ideas and severe wanderlust.

Credits @mylifesatravelmovie

What is the most common mistake made my influencers?

Not thinking about their audience, and thinking you can just easily start getting paid by starting an Instagram. I feel like many think they'll just start taking good pics, use some growth hacking tricks to get their likes/comments up, and get paid, but they don't think of the business back end of being an influencer. If you're not business savvy it'll be hard to succeed.

Any ideas for the future?

I'm planning on working on expanding my brand in the future. I'm hoping to get a few books published, start a web-series, and a podcast, and then also launch a product/clothing line. I'm also starting to hire staff writers, videographers, editors, etc. since I can actually afford to now and it will help my expansion and growth.

Credits @mylifesatravelmovie

Do you ever stay in hostels when you travel and what do you think about them?

The best thing about hostels, in my opinion, is how easy it is to meet other travellers. Since I do and promote solo travel, I get a lot of questions about how to meet people since many don't want to actually be alone, and I always say staying at a hostel is a great way to do that.

And finally, what was the last trip you went on that surprised you?

Recently I went to Tunisia and had no idea what to expect except your typical stereotypes of Northern Africa, and when I got there it felt like I was in a fancy European Mediterranean city! Well, besides the random camel that would walk around the beach. I also recently randomly went to Serbia and was surprised with how trendy and chic Belgrade was!

This section will be translated into the main languages among the 26 of our blog. If you are an influencer you want to tell us your story then write to us, we will evaluate your proposal and perhaps The Sixth Power will talk about you!