How To Become an Instagram Brand Ambassador Ultimate Guide

Being an Instagram brand ambassador can be a great way to boost your social media profile, get free products, and discover new interests. However, many businesses are looking for promoters right now, and it can take some work to stand out from the crowd. Here is our ultimate guide on how to become an Instagram brand ambassador, as well as tips on being a great advocate.

It’s no secret that brands and influencers are collaborating more than ever. Even though the rise of collaborations may seem sudden, it’s not a new idea by any means. In today’s digital world, partnerships have evolved from ads in magazines and window displays to photos and videos on Instagram. As a result, more and more companies are working directly with influential people to help boost their awareness and sales. 

The realm of advocacy marketing occurs through a variety of channels, both online and offline. However, if you’re specifically interested in learning how to become a brand ambassador on social platforms like Instagram, then this guide is for you.

Defining an Instagram brand ambassador

In today’s world, many companies turn to individuals who embody their ethos to advocate for their products and services. One such role is that of brand ambassadors, an enthusiastic individual who promotes a specific products across their personal networks of friends, family, and followers.

Instagram, a popular social media platform, provides an ideal space for word of mouth to operate. These people, known as Instagram promoters, use their large followings to extend the reach of the organizations they represent. As a result, they expose a company’s products and services to a wider audience.

Ultimate guide for aspiring Instagrammers

If you’re intrigued by the idea and harnessing your social influence, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to embark on your journey.

Instagram has grown into a powerhouse platform. Today, the photo-centric app is home to over one billion monthly active users and continues to be a top destination for millennials. This strong presence on the social media landscape makes it easier than ever to market your company through sponsored posts and partnerships with influencers. 

Becoming an on Instagram can expand your business’s reach, introduce you to new audiences, and help you build lasting relationships with key industry players.

The role 

When it comes to Instagram, evangelists have a unique role. They not only advocate for a company’s products and services but also embody the company’s image through their online interactions and daily lifestyle. It’s about spreading the word authentically and genuinely to their social connections.

To illustrate, aspiring to become a brand ambassador for Nike, would require a demonstrated passion for sports, fitness, and, importantly, the Nike brand itself. This would entail promoting Nike products, tagging the company in posts, and upholding a positive image in line with the company’s values.

A significant part of the role involves creating content that showcases the items. They do this by posting photos or videos of themselves using or wearing the products, and crafting compelling captions that subtly promote the product.

For instance, an advocate might post a photo of themselves wearing a new lip gloss, with a caption like,

“Just tried this new lip gloss and can’t stop wearing it!”

While this is a simple example, the person will usually tag the company they’re working with and include additional hashtags related to the product or company they represent. 

 

 

What you’ll do

The opportunity often involves a few primary roles. However, the duties may change from one business to the next. The following are key things they do. And that being said, these are the same things you need to do as an ambassador on Instagram.

Build your tribe

Instagram is your realm, your platform, and those who follow you are your tribe. It’s not just about the numbers though, but about the bond you share with them. Engage, respond, and share parts of your life that align with your brand affiliation. Just as a tree grows from a seed, your follower base needs to be nurtured and cared for. This social media site isn’t just about posting; it’s about connecting and growing together. Without an active, engaged following, your impact is limited. Your tribe is your greatest asset, treat them as such.

Increase brand awareness

Alright, my friend, becoming an Instagram brand ambassador is like hosting a lively party for a brand. It’s all about dialing up the brand’s presence through your genuine connections.

Think of product seeding as giving out exclusive party favors. Brands give you products early; you share them with your audience, creating a buzz. This excites your followers, fostering positive, memorable associations with the brand, sparking word-of-mouth chatter. So, ready to make some noise?

Product show-and-tell

Once you’ve nurtured your tribe, it’s time to let them in on the secrets you hold. New products are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Your role is to reveal these gems to your followers. 

83% of users find new products and services on Instagram. (SocialPilot) 

Remember, though, to keep it authentic. Your followers can smell a fake from a mile away, so make sure you’re sharing genuine love for the products.

User-generated Content

The beauty of Instagram is its ability to paint a picture. Your followers aren’t just looking for professional brand photos; they’re seeking genuine user experiences. They want UGC. Snap a photo of you using the product. Create a Reel of your unboxing experience. Share your real thoughts. These raw moments create a bond of trust that’s stronger than any ad campaign.

Compared to branded images or videos, 85% of people have more trust in UGC. (Adweek)

Consistent posting

Picture your Instagram feed as a TV series, and each post is an episode. Regularly scheduled posts keep your followers eagerly anticipating the next “episode.” When working with brands, maintain a consistent posting schedule that aligns with their structured programs and campaigns.

Campaigns

As an advocate, you’re not just a poster, you’re a player. Brands will send you on quests, actions that may include product reviews, storefront visits, or even personal purchases. It’s all part of the game. Participate, engage, fulfill these campaigns, and share your journey with your tribe. Your involvement can make a massive difference to the brands you represent.

Two examples of campaigns:

– Thanksgiving Social Media Posts Stuffed With Goodness
– Black Friday Campaigns Perfect for Brand Community.

If you need some marketing inspiration (and let’s be real-we all do) check our Social Media Campaigns: 2023 templates.

Tag and mention the brand!

You’ll also need to tag the brand in your post and link back to their website in your caption, where appropriate. This will help the brand gain more exposure and can lead to potential sales with each post you make.

Social listening and social feed software, like Roster, capture your posts and mentions for the brand.

Types of Instagram ambassadors

Think of Instagram as an art exhibition, an eclectic and vibrant showcase of talent. In this gallery, it’s not just about the magnitude of spectators at each exhibit, but the number of those who stop, appreciate, and interact with the artwork. This interaction, or engagement as we call it, is what turns casual spectators into devoted patrons.

Now, Instagram isn’t just a platform for product endorsement. Many of our beloved Instagram personalities are akin to digital autobiographers, unfolding chapters of their lives that subtly highlight the brands they collaborate with. They aren’t so much commercial promoters, but enchanting narrators who engage audiences with their intriguing tales.

Let’s not underestimate the micro-influencer. They might not attract the biggest audience, but their followers are fiercely loyal, eagerly anticipating each new post. Their reach might not span as wide, but their influence within their circle is substantial.

In the Instagram gallery of influencers, we’ve got four principal exhibiters:

Mega influencers
These are the high-profile masterpieces, the ones with staggering follower counts. They can amplify your brand’s visibility but bear in mind, the price for their exposure matches their fame.

Macro influencers
Slightly less prominent but still significant. They usually have a solid authority within a certain industry or lifestyle, capable of sparking high levels of engagement.

Micro influencers
These are like the hidden gems of the art world. They may not be in the limelight, but their closely-knit follower community highly values their views. They’re ideal for precise niche marketing.

Nano influencers
The most modest in terms of following, but by no means insignificant. Their tight-knit community of followers is perfect for highly personalized or local campaigns.

Oh,  do take some time to check out our “32 Top Paid Influencers“. It’s a collection of the most lucrative advocates and a showcase of the power of authentic engagement in our increasingly virtual world. The amount of money these people get paid is crazy!

Benefits 

If you’re looking for a way to earn extra money, this could be a great option. You’ll likely be offered a fee per post or a flat rate for the entire duration of your contract. More established bloggers, affiliates, and influencers may be able to negotiate a percentage of sales or a fee per post, but this is less common. 

Many Instagram ambassadors and creators receive personal discounts for completing campaigns. You can use the discount coupons for the products you desire the most. And the cycle continues. They are more loyal, more inclined to buy additional products, and more likely to tell others about the product. 

 

Apart from earning a brand ambassador salary, taking on the role of an Instagram spokesperson provides the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most prominent brands in the industry. Plus, you’ll have the chance to promote products that you genuinely like and believe in, meaning you’ll be happier and more likely to create content your followers appreciate.

Steps to become a brand ambassador on Instagram

Finally! The nuts and bolts. If you’re set on earning money by posting on Instagram, you’ll need to be determined and have some awesome content within your chosen niche. It won’t be a walk in the park, but with the help of this guide, you’ll be on the right track in no time.

Step 1 – Know yourself

Knowing yourself is the first step to creating a unique identity. Take the time to get clear about who you are and what makes you stand out. Your personality and values are the foundation of your brand, so make sure that you show your true self to the public and potential sponsors. After all, no one else can be you – so be sure to flaunt it!

Step 2 – Build a following

Create an Instagram account and consistently post. Fill it with relevant, high-quality content. You can create posts inspired by what you love and what your followers would enjoy seeing. Focus on a niche or specialty. (See step #3.)

The goal of being active is the build an audience that trusts you. It’s essential to have a significant and engaged following on the platform. This means that you should focus on building a community of loyal followers who are interested in your content, and who are likely to engage with it.

You can achieve this by consistently posting high-quality content, interacting with your followers, and using Instagram’s features, such as hashtags, stories, and live videos.

Step 3 – Specialize

It’s key to develop a niche or specialty. Brands often look for people who specialize in a specific area, such as fashion, beauty, or fitness. Also, an important aspect is knowing your target demographic and your strengths (and weaknesses) as a marketer.

You’ll want to focus your content and outreach on the largest group within your specialty. By researching local events and talking to stores that match your niche, you can grow your network and become known for something specific. Establishing yourself in a small but passionate group of people can open up many opportunities for further success, so be sure to know yourself and your audience niche and stick to it!

Step 4 – Create content

Instagram is a very visual platform. So naturally, you need to excel at producing high-quality content.

Consistently post high-quality, visually appealing content that aligns with your niche or specialty. This means that you should focus on creating content that is visually appealing, engaging, and relevant to your followers. This can be achieved by using high-quality images and videos, and by using Instagram’s editing tools to enhance the visual appeal of your content.

Step 5 – Engage with followers

People follow you because they like you and want to stay in touch. Remember this! Don’t ignore your audience or leave them handing. Engage with them and interact with your followers often. Treat them like friends because the truth is, they are.

This means that you should focus on building a community of loyal followers who are interested in your content, and who are likely to engage with it. This can be achieved by responding to comments and messages, answering questions, and engaging in conversations with your followers.

Step 6 – Collaborate

You can build your community and value by collaborating with other influencers and brands. Reach out to other influencers and brands in your niche and see if they would be interested in working together.

If you need to jumpstart some partnerships consider attending events, networking, and reaching out to other influencers and brands through social media.

Step 6 – Be authentic

Be honest and transparent with your followers about any sponsored content, and always make sure to disclose any financial compensation you receive. This will help you build trust and credibility with your followers, and ensure that you stay true to yourself.

Step 7 – Connect with brands

This final step is the most exciting. Once you have a large following and a niche, reach out to brands that align with your interests, and see if they are looking for ambassadors.

Network with companies that fit into your expertise and approach them to learn about any available positions. Visit the company website and look for a program or recruitment form.

You may also physically going to events and contact brands through social media or email. A great approach is to direct message the company on Instagram.

How to find the perfect brands 

If you want to find brands looking for an ambassador on Instagram, the best place to start is with the hashtag #ad or #sponsored. While not all posts with these hashtags are advertisements, they’re a great indicator of which brands are currently working with influencers. 

From here, you can do a few different things. You can visit the Instagram pages of specific brands and scroll through their feed to see if they have any posts marked as being sponsored. 

Another option is to go directly to the brand’s website. Many companies with a brand ambassador program have a link to their recruitment form in their footer. 

Brand partnerships

Before you sign a partnership with a brand, make sure you know the expectations. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you before moving forward. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and communication issues further down the road. 

As with any working relationship, it’s crucial to maintain a positive environment with the brands you represent. Be kind and constructive with any feedback you give the brands. 

When the brand makes a request, respond promptly and always try to overdeliver. This mindset will forge a strong relationship for both. 

If you have an issue with the company, try to take a step back and talk to them one-on-one about it.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional forms of advertising, advocacy partnerships are relatively inexpensive for brands. Also, they are much more effective. For these reasons, marketing programs like this are booming.

Becoming an Instagram brand ambassador may be a good choice if you’re seeking an additional income opportunity. More brands are turning to Instagram influencers for these types of partnerships, and it’s easy to get started if you have an active Instagram account. 

Be sure to look into potential partners and locate businesses that you can get behind wholeheartedly. From there, it’s just a matter of sending them a message and joining their community!

When all is said and done, you’ll acts as an extension of the firm and, most importantly, a trusted partner over the long run.

 

Feature image: Photo by Josh Rose on Unsplash