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Conclusion

Overall the findings of this study suggest hustling and hard work are the dominant factors utilized by aspiring influencers and perceived to be the most beneficial in the beginning stages of influencing. The influencers interviewed all relied on their ambition and ability to evolve with the industry in order to figure out what works for them and to gain and maintain a steady and loyal following. Though some of the influencers admitted to being more financially supported in the beginning stages of their career as an influencer, they also asserted their constant hustle that allowed them to find and create more opportunities for themselves. Overall, as influencing and influencer marketing has become a big business, it is easier to recognize, as supported by the influencers, that as in any business, money is a crucial aspect and having money to put into a brand or business is always going to give someone a leg up on the corporate ladder to success. 

A limitation that should first be discussed is the possibly of researcher bias. As the researcher was quite close to this topic prior to conducting any research there is the potential for an inherent bias. 

Another important limitation that should be discussed is a lack of external validity. The study aimed to look into the prior affordances in terms of economic and social capital and their impact on an influencers ease of gaining and maintaining Instafame. While results provided interesting and informative insights into these aspects and new perspectives, the influencers who agreed to participate in interviews ranged from having around 5,000 followers to about 43K. This shows a very evident lack of experiences that could be provided by influencers of the mega level. The results of this study cannot even be generalized toward influencers 50K and above because influencers about 50K could have vastly differing experiences and backgrounds than those interviewed for this research.

 

Perhaps insights into more Instafamous influencers’ lives and experiences would prompt a better and more comprehensive understanding of the themes explored through this study. Such influencers may have higher followers because they are utilizing prior affordances over the concept of hustling, and it is important that future research take extra time and effort to recruit influencers with followings above 50K. 

To view the full conclusion and limitations, please click here. If you wish to read the author's note or references they can be found in the header, please click the arrow to the right to be brought to the top of the page

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