Gabby Epstein opens about how she makes money off her 1.8 million followers on Instagram
GABBY Epstein and her friends rake in thousands of dollars for doing something many would say barely counts as work.
GABBY Epstein refuses to tell strangers what she does for a career.
As one of Australia’s most influential faces on social media, the title doesn’t sit well with the Gold Coast model — who boasts more than 1.8 million followers on Instagram alone.
Epstein owns her own pad on the Gold Coast, travels the world for free “whenever” she wants and gets paid thousands for a single post. But the stigma around being an “influencer” has forced the 23-year-old to lie about her successful career.
“I tell people I work in advertising, and I’d never say I’m an influencer because it’s an awkward conversation,” Epstein told news.com.au.
“I feel like I’m not taken seriously ... and I do feel a bit uncomfortable about it.”
Epstein — who was given a scholarship to study Biomedical Science at Bond University — said despite the success of her personal brand, she didn’t intend on being an ‘influencer’ forever.
“No one knows how long this [social media] will be around,” she said.
“People need backup plans, so I’m starting to invest in property and I’m launching a jewellery line.
“I might even go back to university, because I’m very interested in Psychology.
“But you need to have plans in place ... because this isn’t for the rest of my life.
“But it’s been a great stepping stone to build a future.”
While Epstein remained tight lipped about how much money she charges for “personal reasons”, the Gold Coast local revealed how much other influencers in a similar position had reeled in.
“Instagrammers who have 50k followers can make a few hundred per post,” she said.
“Some of my friends who have 10 million followers receive $250k a post. It’s really incredible.
“The potential is there for influencers and brands to both make money. For example, brands can pay me and have a reach of 1.8 million people, so the investment is much more effective.”
Epstein, who said she receives between 60 — 100 emails a day from brands hoping to collaborate, said she take only works with endorsements she’d be happy to use herself, or recommend to a friend or family member.
“I’m my own boss ... and for me the biggest draw card is not working 9-5,” she said.
“It’s never been about the money — it’s about going where I want when I want.
“People think I sit around all day taking photos and go to the beach, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is really full on.”
Earlier this year, Epstein joined forces with an online platform selling courses on how to become a successful influencer.
The course, called Crushfame, covers tips and tricks on photography, the best apps and photo filters to use, when to post, how to build a following, managing negativity and body image and how to get perks and freebies.
Retailing at $96.55 — which includes 51 video lessons, a 16-page playbook, a media kit and access to the Crushfame academy for ongoing support — the course runs for 2.5 hours.
“I get asked all the time about how I got started,” Epstein said.
“So instead of answering each email individually, I thought it would be easier to make a course on how I got in to it, and how people can make money off it.”
Epstein, who has opened up in the past about being trolled online by strangers — and friends — said while she ignores majority of the negativity, she still gets hurt by some comments.
“It all comes with the territory,” she said.
“I dyed my hair red recently, and I got so many comments good and bad. Some people said I wasn’t attractive.
“People sending hateful messages have too much free time, and maybe they don’t think how hurtful it can be.
“They are very judgmental ... saying I’m a dumb blonde or posting really horrible things about my intelligence.
“Now, I’ve become pretty used to it and it takes a lot to upset me ... I find it quite comical.”
