The Perks of Being a Brand Ambassador

Brand ambassadors help businesses prosper. Working together in grassroots marketing, advocates cultivate trust through personal connections. The outcomes are valuable and tough to replicate.

Case in point, Solomon reached 23 million people without buying advertising, and ambassadors drive 10% of all ecommerce sales for Blendtec from their ambassador program.

Companies compensate ambassadors who help produce these results.

Brand ambassadors get a variety of rewards, many of which fall into 14 major categories. However, the reality is that there are a limitless number of incentives.

This article will detail the most common perks of being a brand ambassador. We will update the possibilities to keep a running idea board of brand ambassador rewards.

Incentives for Being a Brand Ambassador

Product Discounts

For someone who loves a product, discounts are perfect. Brands almost always give their advocates discounts on their purchases. The amount of reduction varies, but some companies even reward ambassadors with deep discounts that only cover their costs.

Beyond personal discounts, advocates get personalized discount codes to share. You know that feeling when you get a good deal? The only thing better is giving your family and friends a special discount they can’t get anywhere else.

Also, some companies give account credit.

Product Discount Possibilities

• Discount codes for product
• Personal discount codes to share with family and friends
• Unique links to share with family and friends
• Store credit

Free Stuff

Now we’re talking. People adore free stuff, especially from a company they like. It may not be anything extravagant, but a little branded swag is always appreciated. Hats, mugs, and t-shirts are all potential perks.

Possibilities for Free Stuff

• Branded swag
• T-shirts
• Hats
• Mugs
• Discontinued items
• Stock overruns
• Anything free

Gift Cards

Ambassador programs can have milestone activities that reward gift cards at certain levels. Even better than discount products is free money that you get to spend on a product you have been wanting.

Remember to post about the product you get with your gift card.

Gift Card Possibilities

• A gift card (simple as that)

Win Prizes

Companies sponsor a contest, raffle, or giveaway. You get opportunities to win perks and prizes. This one is fun for everyone and frequently rewards engagement.

Contests don’t need to be elaborate. Simply asking ambassadors to post a specific type of picture works. Just remember that participation is what counts.

We usually see campaigns that involve things such as posting and telling stories that connect to the brand. Also, referring your friends to a brand is super popular.

Possibilities for Winning Prizes

• Contest
• Raffle
• Giveaway
• Games

Special Offers

Keep things fresh and enjoyable. Brands may give special offers and discounts in conjunction with events. Birthday discounts and holiday gifts are fantastic.

A bit of science behind special offers — a random perk can spark more endorphins than expected rewards. It’s true. In the 1950s, B.F. Skinner documented that a variable schedule of rewards is more captivating and pleasurable than constant, predictable perks.

Possibilities for Special Offers

• Birthday discounts
• Holiday gifts
• Pre-release items
• Early access to sales

Chance to Be Featured

Keeping a partnership mentality in mind, being recognized by brands is an outstanding benefit for everyone. It’s exhilarating for people trying to increase their followers to have their stories and posts highlighted by brands. At the same time, advocates’ commitment and love for brands deepen. You’re definitely helping each other build social currency.

Brands can highlight their ambassadors and creators in many ways. Some companies include pictures and individual stories on their websites.

Also, people may appear in blogs and social media. We just published an article explaining the ins and outs of what does an ambassador do. (This is a must-read for everyone who is planning on rewards and perks. There are some clear expectations and requests.) We highlighted three ambassadors with reposts and links.

Beyond featuring people, some companies use advocates in photoshoots.

Possibilities for Featuring Ambassadors

• Brand website
• Social media
• Events
• Brand emails
• Photoshoots

Sponsorships

Discounted and free merch is fantastic, but sponsorships are the ultimate perk. Many developing athletes align with brands via sponsorships. The compensation can range from a pair of shoes and warmups to thousands of dollars.

Companies will also sponsor youth groups and athletic teams by giving them discounts and free supplies. Team members function as ambassadors if the sponsorship is public, such as a logo on uniforms.

Sponsorship Possibilities

• Financial sponsorship
• Promotional products
• In-kind good and services
• Media features
• Competitions, tournaments, races, games
• Events, dinners, performances, exhibitions, galas
• Support for ambassadors’ charities

New and Exclusive Products

Sometimes brands let advocates have an exclusive first look at new products. Similarly, they may also get the opportunity to test and use new items before they release them to the general public.

Early access is exciting, and ambassadors love being an “insider.” They get something unique and rare, only available to VIPs.

New and Exclusive Product Possibilities

• Product launch – ambassadors use new items and share them with their communities, creating buzz surrounding the product kickoff
• Links and discount codes to promote new and exclusive products
• Signature product
• Limited supply items

Insider Access and Product Development

For someone who is an extension of the brand, ambassadors truly care about new products. Their assessment of a new product isn’t tainted by months of investment or job security. Rather, it is in their best interest to help with the product pipeline. They genuinely want to ensure brands keep creating great things that benefit consumers like themselves.

The community of advocates is a great resource at every stage of the product development process.

Ambassadors make superb focus group members. R&D feedback and direction are not only a perk but also really constructive for brands. Again, a win-win for the partnership.

Brands may send ambassadors surveys about future products and designs. Smart companies have an open relationship where ambassadors can share ideas and give feedback.

Possibilities to Help with Product Development

• R&D feedback
• Focus groups
• Surveys
• Open relationships to share ideas and feedback

Live Events

Organizations may invite brand ambassadors to company parties and special functions. Some people get VIP access to events companies sponsor, like NBA games and concerts.

Product launch celebrations are an ideal time to have ambassadors join. After all, these people are probably the same individuals who shaped the new product line.

Occasionally, brands host events just for ambassadors. Dell Computers does not pay its ambassadors, nor do they give free computers. However, they do invite top ambassadors to meet with Dell executives, including the CEO. Dell enthusiasts love to talk with top leaders and consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If participation in events involves travel, some businesses will reimburse for travel expenses.

Possibilities for In-person Events

• Parties
• Special functions
• VIP access
• Games
• Concerts
• Product launches

Virtual Events

Right now, numerous companies have shifted from live events to virtual meetups on Zoom and Facebook Live. Brands can use online gatherings to review and promote upcoming campaigns, highlight extraordinary advocates, get product feedback and brainstorm new ideas.

You can also play games and have raffles. Since brand ambassadors are usually a fun and enthusiastic bunch, virtual events are anything but boring.

Virtual Event Possibilities

• Facebook Live
• Zoom Meetups
• Monthly check-ins
• Quarterly gathers
• Contests, raffles, giveaways
• Games
• Highlight ambassadors
• Review campaigns and plans

Our mindset has changed with the rise of telecommuting. Interacting on a virtual basis can strengthen teams and communities.. Learn all the steps and best practices for excellent virtual meetings that unite everyone.

‍Employment

A brand ambassador can be more than a marketing spokesperson or affiliate. Companies hire ambassadors in many positions, such as retail and college programs. However, the amount of money you can make as a brand ambassador varies depending on the job and the company you work for. Some people may work in this role simply because they love a particular brand or enjoy gaining more attention on social media.

For paid ambassadorships, individuals will receive a set hourly or annual wage. According to Roster first-party data, the average brand ambassador salary in the United States is $49,390. Also, paid positions may include many other rewards such as free products and insider access.

Employment Possibilities

• Hourly compensation
• Commission
• Brand swag
• Samples
• Reimbursement for travel expenses
• Events
• New friends
• Promotions

Compensation may come in the form of status, such as a brand insider. Also, companies often pay referral commissions. Additionally, influencers with mega audiences demand thousands of dollars for Instagram posts and endorsements.

OmnicoreAgency published data on the fees brands pay. Nano-influencers with 500 to 5,000 followers make an average of $114 per video post on Instagram. In comparison, they earn $100 for an image post and $43 for a story.

Power users are those ambassadors who have between 30k to 500k followers. These people make an average of $775 for an Instagram video, $507 for an image post, and $210 for a story.

‍Long-term Partnership

The very heart of a brand ambassador program is connecting organizations with their devoted followers. Ambassadors are often loyal customers and promoters who generate content, awareness, and sales for a company.

The partnership has a ton of perks for both the ambassadors and the company. Several of the advantages were discussed already, such as discounts, joint campaigns, events, and sponsorships.

According to some of the best businesses, there are universal advantages to being in a brand ambassador community.‍

Possibilities for Partnerships

• Content designed especially for you
• Access to tips and insights
• Training tools
• Forums
• Endorsements and recommendations
• Business connections
• VIP access
• Special treatment

No surprise, people relish being a brand ambassador for companies.

In the end, a brand partner or ambassador is a perpetual collaborator and ally.

Being a Brand Ambassador

Collectively, brands and ambassadors form strong ties and lasting relationships as they work together. Over the months and years, this partnership benefits both parties.

Most often, application forms for ambassador programs will indicate the significant bonuses of participating in the program.

Although not an exhaustive list, the brand ambassador’s privileges include free and discounted merchandise, gift cards, referral rewards, and possible hourly wages. Organizations will hold events, contests, giveaways, and early access to product launches. Ambassadors can appear on websites, on social media, and in photoshoots.