The Evolution of Influencers, From the 1700s to Today (Infographic) – Entrepreneur

Free Webinar | August 16th

Find out how to optimize your website to give your customers experiences that will have the biggest ROI for your business. Register Now

Influencer marketing is a great way for companies to boost their reach and get their name out to the world. Tapping into the social followings of celebrities and social media icons is an effective way to get new fans and customers, and while it may feel like its at its height right now, influencer marketing actually has an old history. In fact, it dates all the way back to the 1700s.

Related:How to Create a SuccessfulInfluencer MarketingCampaign

The famous potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood tapped into royalty, getting kings, queens and other nobles to endorse his pottery line. Later, in 1905, Fatty Arbuckle, an American silent film actor, comedian, director and screenwriter, became the first recorded celebrity to endorse a product, which was Murad Cigarettes.

But today, when we think of celebrity or influencer, stars such as Selena Gomez, Cristiano Ronaldo and DJ Khaled come to mind. And thats because these celebrities have followings so massive, an endorsement or ad by them is sure to get customers swayed to buy a product or try a service.

Related:Coca-Cola, Dell and PayPal Share TheirInfluencerMarketing Secrets

While influencer marketing may have started long ago, with the help of social media, its reaching new heights today -- and it has created an entirely new genre of celebrity. There are a number of famous individuals today who found their fame only because of social media, such as YouTuber Lilly Singh and Vine star Andrew Bachelor. These influencers may be even more effective than celebrities when it comes to endorsing a product -- 70 percent of teenage YouTube subscribers say that these influencers are more relatable than celebrities.

To learn more about the evolution of influencers, check out NoGRE.coms infographic below.

Rose Leadem is an online editorial assistant at Entrepreneur Media Inc.

View post:

The Evolution of Influencers, From the 1700s to Today (Infographic) - Entrepreneur