By: Maria Williams

In today’s far-reaching world of social media, where the lines between private and public lives blur, influencers stand at the forefront. What once was considered a hobby can now become a seven-figure career! That kind of income potential and influence can entice almost anyone. However, living a public life can be challenging, especially when you lose your privacy.

Influencers constantly participate in an intricate dance of sharing and safeguarding personal spaces. As they share glimpses into their lives, maintaining privacy becomes increasingly complex. We connected with Wes Anderson, Director of Operations at Reveille Advisors, a corporate intelligence firm. Their online privacy consultants work with high-net-worth individuals and families, celebrities, and executives to help them insulate their personal lives. 

Below are some strategies for influencers to protect their privacy without compromising their ability to connect with their followers.

The Significance of Controlled Exposure

A crucial aspect of managing one’s digital presence is controlling what is visible in the background of photos, videos, and livestreams. Personal items inadvertently caught on camera, such as exposed mail, family calendars, license plates, and home address plaques, can reveal more information than intended. While 99% of your followers are lovely fans, there is a chance that one in a million could be capable of cyberstalking and harassment. You don’t want that. 

“Influencers can mitigate this risk by establishing designated filming areas in their home and yard.” shares Anderson. “These spaces should be carefully curated to ensure that any too-personal items are kept out of view, thus maintaining privacy while inviting followers into their lives. You should also have a static background that’s either a wall or an area of the yard. This ensures you don’t have something unintended come into the frame on Livestream.” 

This approach protects sensitive information but also enhances the professionalism of your content by focusing on what truly matters to the audience without distractions.

The Art of Selective Sharing

The mantra “less is more” also holds true regarding sharing personal information. Influencers are encouraged to be strategic in what they share about their identity and backstory. This doesn’t necessitate fabricating details or crafting elaborate tales. Instead, it’s about being mindful of the information disclosed. 

For instance, instead of specifying educational backgrounds or current living arrangements, influencers might opt for broader descriptors like “LA born and bred.” This level of generality prevents unnecessary exposure while offering a personal touch to their narrative. 

Additionally, adopting a variation of one’s full name for public use can further obscure personal details, transforming “Elizabeth Sadie Jones” into “Sadie Jo” for the audience. It’s not lying or altering what you’re offering; it’s simply insulating you from unnecessary exposure.

Technological Guardians at Your Service

In today’s digital age, safeguarding personal contact information is paramount. Influencers should avoid using their personal email or phone number for public or business communications at all costs. This will reduce incoming spam and conceal critical pieces of your unique personally identifiable information (PII).

Technologies such as call-forwarding numbers and various email services can provide a secure alternative. Apps like MySudo allow influencers to manage different pseudonyms, each designed for specific purposes—business engagements, casual contacts, and even dealing with unsolicited communications. This ensures that their actual phone number remains private while routing all communications to their actual accounts.  

Similarly, features like iCloud’s Hide My Email offer an added layer of protection by generating random email addresses that are forwarded to the influencer’s inbox, effectively keeping their actual email address hidden from the public eye.

Tailoring Communication Channels

On the heels of leveraging technology, you can further enhance your control by implementing a nuanced approach to sharing information – segmenting contacts.

By segmenting contact information based on the nature of the relationship—be it business inquiries, new acquaintances, or personal contacts—influencers can create a strategic buffer against potential privacy invasions. This method allows them to carefully control who has access to their personal information, significantly reducing the risk of unwelcome interactions or overzealous fan engagements.

Implementing Recommended Practices for Privacy Maintenance

The journey of an influencer is uniquely challenging, requiring a delicate balance between sharing and privacy. In essence, the ability of influencers to maintain their privacy while showcasing their lives to the public hinges on a combination of mindful content creation, strategic information sharing, and the judicious use of technology. By adhering to these guidelines, influencers can continue to inspire and entertain, all while ensuring their privacy remains intact. This approach benefits the influencers and sets a positive example for their followers, highlighting the importance of privacy in the digital age.

Published by: Khy Talara