What is a brand ambassador?
A brand ambassador is someone who represents and promotes a company to get more people to know about it, buy its products, and stay loyal. They are like the face of the company, showing off what the company stands for in how they look, act, and what they believe in.
Brand ambassadors use cool marketing tricks to make people love the brand. They connect with fans and customers on social media and in person, showing off the products and talking about why they’re awesome.
Duties and responsibilities
- Show up at events to represent the company
- Talk to potential customers and introduce them to the products
- Share posts on social media about the products, special deals, and their own good experiences with the brand
- Make videos, take pictures, or write about the brand to grab people’s attention
- Listen to what people are saying about the brand and let the company know so they can make things even better
- Collect contact info from people who might want to buy something later
Work environment
Brand ambassadors might work at trade shows, big sales events, or stores, or they could just work from home if they’re reaching out to people online. Sometimes, they travel to different places for events. They must be energetic and look professional because they represent the brand’s style and values.
Typical work hours
Brand ambassadors’ work hours can change a lot. They might need to be at events in the evenings or on weekends. If they’re posting online, they can often set their own schedule but need to be online when their followers are most likely to see their posts.
How to become a brand ambassador
Becoming a brand ambassador means you get to represent a brand and show off its products or services. Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Finish high school
First things first, finish high school or get a GED. It’s good to have a strong grip on subjects like English, communications, and marketing because you’ll use these skills a lot.
Step 2: Gain some experience
Try to get some experience in jobs where you talk to people and promote stuff, like in customer service, marketing, or public relations. Internships are also a great way to learn the ropes.
Step 3: Brush up on your chatting skills
Being a good talker and listener is key. You’ll need to be great at both writing and speaking because you’ll be chatting with people a lot, both online and in person.
Step 4: Make your mark online
Build an impressive online presence. Set up profiles on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or any platform where you can connect with others. Share stuff that shows who you are and what you’re into.
Step 5: Know your brand inside out
Really get to know the brand you want to represent. Learn what they sell, what they stand for, and who they’re selling to. The more you know, the better you can talk about it.
Step 6: Start applying
Now that you’ve got experience and expertise, start applying for jobs as a brand ambassador. Make your resume pop with all the relevant stuff you’ve done. Be ready to talk about how you’ve promoted things before and share your online activity.
Step 7: Keep learning (optional)
If you want to keep getting better, consider doing some extra courses or workshops. There are loads of online options that can help you sharpen your skills and stay updated.
The following are some excellent options for continuing education:
- Udemy’s Personal Branding Master Course: Learn how to create a personal brand that attracts customers.
- MasterClass with Kris Jenner: Find out how to stand out with tips from the pro of personal branding.
- Coursera’s Branding: The Creative Journey: Improve your branding skills with a focus on what customers experience.
- Skillshare’s 7-Day Personal Branding Challenge: Discover how to use your passions and skills to build a brand and earn from it.
How much do brand ambassadors make?
A brand ambassador’s compensation depends on the amount and type of work. Those who work full-time promoting a brand might earn more than part-time or freelance ambassadors. A role that includes sales responsibilities or significant events may pay more.
The industry in which they work can also affect compensation. Higher-end luxury brands or technology companies might pay more than other industries. Their geographical location can play a role as well, with higher wages in areas with a high cost of living.
Highest paying industries
- Enterprise Management: $48,720
- General Merchandise Stores: $47,100
- Advertising and Public Relations: $45,720
- Clothing Stores: $44,910
- Grocery Stores: $44,240
Highest paying states
- District of Columbia: $55,566
- Vermont: $46,610
- Connecticut: $45,430
- California: $47,960
- Maryland: $45,730
The average national salary for a Brand Ambassador is:
$42,000
Types of brand ambassadors
Brand ambassadors can have different jobs based on what they’re promoting, where they work, and who they’re trying to reach. Here are some common types:
- Influencer brand ambassador: These are the cool people you see on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok with tons of followers. They share posts and videos to promote brands to their huge online audiences.
- Celebrity brand ambassador: When a famous person promotes a brand, it gets a lot of attention. Celebrities use their fame to help make a brand more popular and trustworthy.
- Retail brand ambassador: You’ll find these ambassadors in stores, showing how products work, answering questions, and giving out free samples to make shopping more fun and encourage people to buy.
- Corporate brand ambassador: These ambassadors represent a company’s brand at big events or online. They talk about how great the company is and try to attract new employees or customers.
- Event brand ambassador: These ambassadors work at events like trade shows or product launches. They demonstrate products, talk to people, and make sure everyone understands and likes the brand.
- Student brand ambassador: These are students who promote a brand on their college or university campus. They organize events, hand out promo stuff, and use social media to get other students interested in the brand.
Top skills for brand ambassadors
Brand ambassadors play a cool role in making people love and trust a brand. Here are the top skills they need to be awesome at their jobs:
- Great communication: Ambassadors need to talk clearly and persuasively, whether they’re chatting in person, posting on social media, or speaking at events. They have to explain things in a way that gets people excited about the brand.
- Charisma: Having charisma means you can grab people’s attention and make them remember you—and the brand. A charismatic ambassador makes a strong emotional connection with the audience, making the brand seem more appealing and trustworthy.
- Passion for the brand: Really loving the brand you represent makes a big difference. When you know a lot about the brand’s products, values, and the people who love these products, your promotions feel more real and honest, which makes people trust the brand more.
- Customer focus: Being all about the customer is key. Brand ambassadors should listen well and give helpful answers to questions. They should make customers feel valued and satisfied, which helps build loyalty to the brand.
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Brand ambassador career path
Start in marketing, sales, or customer service
Your first job might be in marketing, sales, or customer service. This is where you’ll learn how to chat with customers, promote products, and get a feel for what a brand stands for.
Become a brand ambassador
Next, you could become a brand ambassador. This job involves representing the brand at events, talking to potential customers, and using social media to spread the word about how great the brand is. To rock at this job, you must be a great communicator and really like the brand.
Move up to team lead or manager
If you do well, you might get promoted to be a team lead or manager. You’ll be in charge of other brand ambassadors, help plan events, and work on bigger marketing strategies.
Step up to marketing or PR roles
After that, you could move into more advanced roles like marketing coordinator, marketing manager, or public relations specialist. These jobs involve creating marketing campaigns and managing how the brand interacts with the public and the media.
Aim for the top jobs
The ultimate goal could be becoming a director of marketing or even a chief marketing officer (CMO). These big roles involve leading all of the company’s marketing efforts and making big decisions about the brand’s future.
Similar job titles
Brand ambassador position trends and outlook
The job of a brand ambassador has really changed with the boom of social media and influencer marketing. It used to be mostly celebrities promoting products, but now, anyone with a strong online following can become a brand ambassador.
- Authenticity is key: People nowadays can spot fake advertising a mile away; they prefer real and relatable people promoting products. Successful ambassadors are those who can genuinely connect with their followers and weave brand messages into their daily posts naturally.
- Data is big: More and more, brands are relying on data analytics to see how well their ambassadors are doing. They look at how many people are clicking, liking, sharing, and buying because of these promotions.
- More than just promoting: These ambassador do a lot more than just promote products. They might help develop products, gather customer feedback, and even manage crises for the brand.
Employment projections
Brand ambassadors are part of a larger group called “Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 10% through 2031, which is faster than average. Thanks to the ongoing popularity of social media and influencer marketing, they should see plenty of opportunities. The best prospects will go to those who can really engage with their audience and deeply understand the brand they represent.
Brand ambassador career tips
Know your brand
You need to really understand everything about the brand you represent—its mission, values, products, and who buys them. This helps you share the brand’s message clearly and passionately, making people more excited about it.
Master social media
Social media is your playground. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to spread the word, engage with fans, and promote the brand. Make sure your posts match the brand’s style and rules.
Boost your communication skills
Being good at talking and writing, listening well, and understanding others are super important. These skills let you connect with customers better, explain things clearly, and make everyone feel great about the brand.
Keep it real
Authenticity is everything. Really believe in what you’re promoting, use the products yourself, and keep your interactions genuine. This honesty builds trust and loyalty with your audience.
Never stop learning
To stay on top of your game, keep learning new things:
- Stay current with social media tools and trends
- Understand what customers want and how the market is changing
- Join brand training and product demos to learn more
Network like a pro
Connecting with others in the industry can open new doors for you. Check out groups like the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) or the Social Media Marketing Society (SMMS) to meet other pros and share ideas.
Drive brand engagement
Get people involved with the brand by running fun events, posting interactive content online, or asking for customer feedback.
Build strong customer relationships
Focus on knowing what customers need and want. Offer awesome service, respond quickly and thoughtfully to questions or problems, and always aim to make customers feel valued.
Where the brand ambassador jobs are
Top companies
- Coca-Cola
- L’Oréal
- Nike
- Apple
- Ford
Top states
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Texas
- Illinois
Top job sites
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Upwork
- SimplyHired
FAQs
What qualifications are typically required for a brand ambassador role?
Brand ambassadors often don’t require specific formal qualifications but must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A high school diploma is usually the minimum educational requirement. However, some companies prefer those with a degree or experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Depending on the brand and the product, relevant industry knowledge or experience may be beneficial.
What skills are important for a brand ambassador?
These professionals should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including being outgoing, engaging, and able to connect with various people. They also need to be reliable, well-organized, and able to work independently. Knowledge of marketing techniques and social media platforms is often beneficial, as is a genuine passion for the brand represented.
What are the typical duties of a brand ambassador?
A brand ambassador represents a company’s brand in a positive light, aiming to increase brand awareness and sales. They may engage with customers in person, online, or through social media, providing information about the product, answering questions, and creating a positive association with the brand. The role may also include attending promotional events, distributing samples or promotional items, or working with influencers or media outlets.
What is the role of a brand ambassador in a company’s marketing strategy?
Ambassadors help to humanize brands, engaging directly with potential customers and creating a positive image that drives brand loyalty and sales. They provide valuable insights into customer needs and preferences, help promote brands on social media or at events, and influence how brands are perceived in the marketplace.
How does a brand ambassador interact with other parts of the company?
These ambassadors often work closely with marketing and sales teams, receiving training and guidance on a brand’s values and messaging. They may also provide feedback to marketing and sales on customer responses and trends. Interaction with public relations or customer service teams is typical in larger organizations.
What’s the difference between a brand ambassador and a sales representative?
While both roles involve promoting a product or service, they accomplish this in different ways. A sales representative focuses on selling, often working directly with customers to persuade them to purchase a product or service. On the other hand, a brand ambassador focuses on raising awareness and creating a positive brand image. They may not be directly involved in sales but aim to influence potential customers and make a positive impression to drive future sales.
What challenges might a brand ambassador face?
Ambassadors can face various challenges, including connecting with different types of customers, maintaining enthusiasm even when met with skepticism, and staying updated on a brand’s products and messaging. They may also face challenges in managing their time and activities, especially when working independently or balancing their role with other responsibilities.
What role does a brand ambassador play in social media marketing?
In social media marketing, brand ambassadors promote a brand on their social media accounts, engage with followers, and respond to comments or messages. They can increase a brand’s visibility on social media, reach new potential customers, and create a sense of community around the brand. This also includes providing feedback to the company related to customer responses and trends.
What does being a brand ambassador for an ethical or sustainable brand mean?
Being an ethical or sustainable ambassador involves promoting the brand’s products, values, and commitments. This might include educating customers about issues like fair trade, sustainability, or ethical sourcing and explaining how the brand contributes to these goals. Ambassadors for ethical or sustainable brands often need a deep understanding of these issues and a genuine commitment to the brand’s values.
What opportunities for advancement are there for a brand ambassador?
Opportunities for advancement vary depending on the size and structure of a company. Professionals in this position can move into more senior marketing or promotional roles or related areas such as sales or customer service. They could also take on more responsibility as a brand representative, such as managing other ambassadors or coordinating promotional events. With further education or experience, they could move into marketing or brand manager roles.