I feel that there can be many kinds of "influencers" for instance take my own case. Started in June 2017, never bought a vote and worked my way up slowly with quality content. Now comes the influencing part.
Kindness and using nature as a teacher, or as a joke, has positively influenced many that visit my posts. Yes curators are scarce on my blog, but that has never deterred me from my concept of kindness.
This world is a tough place and many follow only rewards. Many of us also face tough issues in our own lives and just by bringing a smile to a troubled soul is more that enough influencing for me.
Just my own 2 cents worth here!
Blessings!