Working on social media marketing with former Essendon footballer

Lovethegv's Social Fusion 2024 brought together Goulburn Valley business owners to learn how to improve their online presence.

As an influencer with over 70,000 followers and millions of views, Zaharakis shared his expertise on social media marketing.

He shared tips on marketing, leveraging algorithms, and the mutual value that companies and influencers can achieve by working together.

While the transition from AFL star to social media ambassador may sound incredible, Zaharakis says it has been smooth and rewarding.

“For me, the transition from AFL wasn't that difficult simply because I'd already done it during my playing days,” he said.

When Instagram and other platforms were in their infancy, football clubs encouraged their players to get involved on social media.

Zaharakis said he was grateful that the advice was followed and urged business owners to do the same.

“There's a saying that goes, 'The best time to create your social media profile was yesterday,'” Zaharakis said.

“Working as a social media influencer isn't about getting rich. It's definitely a lifestyle and a source of income that's part of a lot of things.”

“These days, everyone has a mobile phone and we find ourselves spending a lot of time either surfing the web on laptops or sitting at home on our mobile phones.

“If you're not doing (advertising) online, you're falling behind these days.

“So I think it’s really important for[companies]to do that, but it’s important to tailor the strategy to their target market.

“If you're working with influencers or brands, it has to be aligned with some kind of strategy. It's not something that can be tossed anywhere.”

Zaharakis is now focused on triathlon content as he prepares to take on challenges around the world.

As his fanbase continues to grow with him, it has grown as well, and now he has over 70,000 dedicated fans all over the world excited to follow his journey.

“For me, it's fun. It gives me a lifestyle where I don't have to get up in the morning and work a nine-to-five.”

“Influence and that lifestyle are very fluid, so you can train and compete.”

Among the many anecdotes and tips, one that stood out to me was Zaharakis' advice emphasizing loyalty to your personal brand and sincerity in “pursuing what you love.”

“Find what you love, what brings you joy, and pursue that,” he said.

For a business, it could be a product or service that is the result of years of hard work and dedication.

“Put out as much content as you can. Sometimes it takes 12 months to grow, sometimes it takes two years, and sometimes you start very slow, but it pays off with compound interest.”