The word "influencer" was officially added to the English dictionary this week - and it's about time, too. Influencer marketing is far from a new concept. We’ve always learned from the experiences of our friends and family or looked to aspirational figures for inspiration on what to buy.
One of the first "influencer" collaborations dates back to 1760, when a potter by the name Wedgwood made a tea set for the Queen of England. Since the monarchy were the influencers of their time, his forward-thinking decision to market his brand as Royal-approved afforded it the luxury status the brand still enjoys today.
The big change in recent years has, of course, been social media, giving us a megaphone to share our recommendations and receive others from all over the world. Anyone has the power to cultivate a following; and we’re able to receive their recommendations instantly. This has transported the influencer marketing into the fast-growing billion-dollar industry we know today. So without further ado, enjoy this trip down memory lane: a brief timeline of the history of influencers.