The Millennial generation is said to be one of the most tech comfortable generations thus far. Which means that instead of using the Yellow Pages and watching billboards to get referrals for amazing products and services, Millennials are heading straight to the internet to find out what is trending. There is no reason to second guess if a product fits into your niche lifestyle because chances are, your favorite blogger or Youtube star has already given you the deets on what you should be using. From an outsider's point of view, it may look like these individuals are just sharing their favorite items with you. If the Digital Influencer is doing their job correctly, this is exactly what it should look like. That is why top beauty influencers, like Michelle Phan and Ingrid Nilsen are making annual incomes higher than some of their high paid male CEO counterparts. 
Companies are not just using Digital Influencers to grow their businesses, they are paying them....and paying them well. Seasoned brands, start ups, and franchises understand that in a tech driven society, why Influencers are really important. Here are Three Reasons Companies Are Using Digital Influencers To Grow Their Businesses.
Personal Testimonies
Businesses thrive by heartfelt feedback emails and testimonies. As a business owner, we need the testimony as much as we need the sell because technically, they are one in the same. A great Digital Influencer is not just telling their audience to go buy a product, the Influencer is telling their audience why they should purchase this product and how it is making their lives better.
Engaging Imagery
The average professional photography session can cost a business anywhere from $500-$1,000 for a one hour photoshoot. For a small business, this price may not be feasible especially when they have to factor in other production costs. Digital Influencers are like walking, talking, photographers who not only tell people about your product but also produce AMAZING photos. A company can take that same grand and pay an Influencer for a blog post, beautiful photos they can re-use, and word of mouth. It is literally a win-win.
"Digital Influencers are like walking, talking, photographers who not only tell people about your product but also produce AMAZING photos"
Digital Billboards
As a member of the Millennial generation, I will humbly admit that we do not party as much as Generation X think we do. On Saturday nights most Millennials are likely catching up on our favorite Netflix episodes or scrolling through social media. 
There is no longer the need to place ads on physical billboards but makes much more sense to put them right in with where 78% of Americans alone are looking everyday. If you guessed social media, then you are correct. Digital Influencers have now become Digital Billboards.
In today's tech driven world, Digital Influencers are here to stay. They are walking and talking billboards, who produce beautiful imagery, and have tons of loyal followers who are just waiting to purchase products being promoted on their favorite blogger, vlogger, or Instafamous celebrity's page. Companies are slowly starting to see the big picture. Are you?
-Shanicia
Shanicia Boswell is a freelance writer, Creator and Content Curator at Black Moms Blog, Social Media Influencer, and Mommy Extraordinaire. See what she is currently influencing on her Instagram page!