The role of a social media influencer used to sound like a made-up job. How could anyone other than the likes of Kylie Jenner, Lewis Hamilton or a Love Island contestant make money from it? 

Well, the realm of influencer marketing is a multi-billion-dollar industry used by millions across the world as their main source of income.

You don’t need to be ultra-famous to make a good wage from social media influencing as the average UK salary for someone with more than 42,575 followers is £29,009.  

What is a social media influencer?

A social media influencer is someone who has created an online identity that they use to market products or businesses for money.

Much like an entrepreneur, influencers use their platforms to find and exploit a niche.

With more people than ever working from home, perhaps it's time to take a page out of these Bournemouth-based influencers' books and try your hand at a bit of self-branding.

Luke Stones 

@lukestonesuk

52.6k followers 

Luke Stones is a 20 year old parkour demon who is also enjoying a career as a stuntman. 

The Bournemouth bred legend has travelled across the globe in search of the best stunts and jumps to challenge himself on. 

Followers of Stones can watch in awe as he traverses some of the craziest, hair-raising scenes. 

Evelyn Ruszkin 

@evelynruszkin

27.0k followers

Evelyn Ruszkin is an acting student from Poland who is currently studying at Arts University Bournemouth. 

Ruszkin is a self-proclaimed lifestyle, fashion and beauty blogger. Her most recent collaborations include the likes of Abbott Lyon and Note Cosmetics.

Dexter and Roxy Pugs

@dexterandroxypugs

15.5k followers

Not all influencers are human, oh no! 

Four year old Dexter and  five year old Roxy are two precious pugs who seem to enjoy dressing up in funny little outfits, even as teddy bears… 

This pair of pugs have over 15,000 followers on Instagram and endorse all things dogs, pet apparel and pet supplies. 

Liana Green

@lianaskitchen01

115k followers

Bournemouth based food blogger, Liana Green has over 115,000 followers on Pinterest where she posts pictures of her scrummy home cooked food and meal ideas.

As a home chef, Green is determined to make feeding her three sons easier and is a huge fan of gadgets that allow her to do this.

Green’s niche lies in making tasty, filling food with minimal effort and maximum output, some of her recipes include: soups, casseroles and cakes.

Milly Withers

@blinklettering

58.2k followers

Milly Withers is a calligraphy and graphic designer who offers workshops and runs her own small business. 

Not only does Milly hold her own courses, she also endorses a wide range of specialist brands including Royal Talens and Creative Peak. 

Have we missed off your favourite influencer? Let us know in the comments.