Brand Ambassador: A digital influencer who is in a partnership with a brand and works with them as an extension and advocate for their company. You may be contracted for a specific period of time to promote the brand online through blog content, media/press events and social shares. Some blog ambassador programs can be monthly, three months, six months or go year to year and renew on an annual basis. Your time in the program depends on the contract you agreed upon and signed. Being a Brand Ambassador for a company positions you to be exposed to other brand opportunities.
I always get questions about how I started working with certain brands and for a while I really didn’t have an answer except they reached out to me. But why did they reach out to me? Just to give you a little background information, I love to post pictures on Instagram and engage on Twitter in general. If I feel something is worth sharing, I will share it on my social channels. There have been many “non-sponsored†posts that I have shared because I loved the product or service. I share certain moments of my life and won’t think about how it may be beneficial in the long run. Brands pay attention! Remember That! I’ve been direct messaged on Instagram & Twitter after innocently posting on social media.
I am currently in eight different brand ambassador programs for a variety of brands. Out of those eight I applied for four of those opportunities and was approached for the others. I have already been invited for a 2017 brand ambassador opportunity that I’m really excited about. I will tell you that I stick to my brand topics so it doesn’t seem like I am all over the place. I do have a life & style blog however my sub niche topics always remain the same. My blog topics include Food, Fashion, Life, Style, Travel, Technology, Arts & Entertainment. There may be an occasional post with branding, blogging and social media tips. You won’t see me stray away from these topics, it’s my lifestyle!
Side Note: Half of my Brand Ambassador Campaigns are paid and the other half I receive products, press trips, comped events, being hosted at resorts and theme parks etc.
The brands that I advocate for didn’t have to sell me on anything because I was already a loyal user or consumer before I became a brand ambassador. I can authentically write about the products or post on social media from a very personal perspective in a natural way. You never want to come across like a sales rep when sharing your brand content. The key is to offer personal and engaging sponsored content to your audience in an authentic way. Know who your audience is and connect with them in a special way. They want to know you and get to know them! I’ve made so many friends through social media.
Be Unique, Be You & Be Authentic! There is no need to fabricate anything or take on something that doesn’t fit into your brand message. You want to speak to your audience in a way they can relate. You don’t want your audience to question anything you are sharing negatively. If there is consistency you can own what you are an authority or expert on. What is it that people always come to you about? I had to do a mini survey the other day to see what other people saw me as an authority on and the answers surprised me. Tip: Don’t overdo it when trying to get a brands attention. That can be a turn off!
Lastly: Once you’ve secured your position within the Brand Ambassador Program of your choice, Rock It! You want to be dependable and meet your scheduled deadlines. Be prepared to under promise and over deliver with anything you do. It’s always good to exceed someone’s expectations. Get creative with your content and if there is corporate brand messaging that needs to be mentioned, do it in your brand voice that resonates with your readers. I love a brand that gives me creative control as long as I stay within their guidelines. Make “Real” Friends!!!!! Some programs are referral based and will only accept referrals from existing campaign members if they’re not handpicked by their staff.