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 Oxford-based influencers' books and try your hand at a bit of self-branding.

Sasha Gill

@thesashadiaries

38.2k followers

Cookbook author Sasha Gill is a vegan chef who is currently a medical student at the University of Oxford. 

Miss Gill said: “I’ve always loved photography and cooking so when I started out it was a way to share my passions. The momentum just grew from there really.”

The 23-year-old self-proclaimed "kooky vegan" released her first book last year, titled Jackfruit and Blue Ginger.

Studying at Oxford and writing two cookbooks didn’t seem to add any pressure to Miss Gill who said: “It was actually really fun and a way to unwind. I was already writing the recipes down so it wasn’t too hard.”

Inspired by her upbringing in Singapore, Miss Gill's recipes showcase an Asian vegan fusion that has brought in over 38,000 followers.

With a couple of years left before she graduates as a doctor, Miss Gill is looking to blend her medical career with her love for food and nutrition as they will “always go hand in hand”. 

Lubomba Munkuli

@lubomba

599k followers

Fitness influencer Lubomba Munkuli has amassed more than half a million followers on Instagram and more than 20,000 on Youtube.

Mr Munkuli's personal brand is based on building his physique through an all-natural route, something rare on social media these days.

Sponsored by Gymshark, MyProtein and Muscle Food, this 24-year-old fitness fanatic has a huge following which doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Vee Kativhu

@veekativhu

190.1k followers

Vee Kativhu is a study and empowerment Youtuber with more than 159,000 followers on her channel and more than 40,000 on Instagram.

The Youtuber recently graduated from Oxford University with a 2:1 in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.

Born in Zimbabwe, Miss Kativhu has won many awards for her work as an ambassador for young people. She makes Youtube videos about her experience at university and studying, and offers help and advice on these topics.

Laura Kate

@laurakateloves

77.2k followers

Fragrance saleswoman and fashion blogger Laura Kate shares posts and stories on her Instagram of outfit inspiration.  She also sells designer perfume dupes for the FM Fragrance brand.

Diagnosed with ADHD, Laura Kate uses her platform to speak out about life as a woman with the condition.

But Laura Kate does more than just post rose-tinted images around the gorgeous city of Oxford. She is also keen on transparency with her followers. For instance, she has recently detailed her experience of having a nose job on her social channels.

Tilly Rose

@thatoxfordgirl

35.1k followers

A graduate from the University of Oxford, Tilly Rose found her niche offering a student perspective on the application process and lifestyle at the prestigious university.

Since graduating from her English Literature and Language course, Miss Rose has continued with her passion for helping students.

As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Miss Rose created a new Instagram and Youtube account called @thatuniversitystudent, in which she seeks to give a voice to students across the country during this time.

However, Miss Rose’s journey was not an easy one.

She was originally advised not to take her GCSEs due to living with a debilitating health condition.

Going to university seemed out of the question at the time, but she has built a stunning career as a global graduate guru nonetheless.

Always on the lookout for a challenge, That Oxford Girl's journey seems far from slowing down yet.

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