Would you be willing to stand around in a branded t-shirt at an event? Or post a Facebook status about a product that you enjoy? If you would, then you could make some serious side-hustle cash if you become a brand ambassador or social influencer.
In today’s tech-obsessed age, brands are more eager than ever to connect on the ground level with their customers. Word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful. And brands want to harness that by encouraging their customers to talk about their products to friends. But first, the definitions.
What Is a Brand Ambassador?
A brand ambassador is someone who a company hires to represent their brand in a positive light. The goal is to raise brand awareness and provide consumers with an enjoyable experience.
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What Is a Social Influencer?
A social influencer is a consumer who has the potential to “influence” their social media followers’ purchase decisions by posting about certain brands or products. It can be on a mega scale (think Kardashian) or a micro scale (think your best friend posting about her favorite smoothie), but the point is the same: You harness your social media following to send a message.
As such, you can get paid in any number of ways (from cash to swag) just for advertising your favorite brands and products.
Here are a few tips on how to become a brand ambassador or social influencer:
How to Become a Social Influencer
If you want to become an online social influencer, start following your favorite brands and products on all the big social media channels. Companies often offer sweepstakes and influencer packages via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
For most customers, being an influencer translates into free swag rather than cash. You post something on social media like “I can’t believe how much I love my new razor from Brand X!” and then, in return, that company might send you 10 free razors.
Just beware of multi-level marketing schemes and “earn extra cash online” scams.
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How to Become a Brand Ambassador
Being a brand ambassador, on the other hand, can often lead to cold, hard cash.
One way to become a brand ambassador for a national company is to keep an eye out for up-and-coming businesses. Ones that are still young and growing in popularity. Those are usually the companies that are looking to spread the word through grassroots methods.
Companies like Tom’s, Lululemon, and theSkimm all have various types of brand ambassadors, but some of them are more involved in partnerships than others.
Another, easier way to become a brand ambassador? Apply to work at local events.
If you search “brand ambassador” on Facebook, you’ll see a whole bunch of local and national brands looking for ambassadors to help them at events, fairs, festivals — you name it. Craigslist is another great venue for finding brand ambassador opportunities.
The average brand ambassador gig could include any of the following:
- Giving away free samples, swag, or products.
- Setting up and breaking down events, pop-up stands, etc.
- Helping people test out a product.
- Walking around and starting conversations to increase brand awareness.
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Final Tips on How to Become a Brand Ambassador or Social Influencer
By now, you’re probably getting the idea of whether this is something that you would love or absolutely hate. The job definitely requires that you like talking to people (strangers especially), are good at making small talk, and have a low embarrassment quotient. I know I would be an awful ambassador. I’d probably end up eating a donut on the side and forgetting what I was even supposed to do. But that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize that it’s a serious side hustle opportunity for others.
Some brand ambassadors are making up to $1,000 extra a week with their side hustling. A few have even gone full-time. It’s basically as big of a job as you want to make it.
Bottom line? If you’re looking to find a side hustle that gives you the max amount of money for the least amount of time, becoming a weekend brand ambassador is definitely at the top of the list. Becoming a social influencer is trickier. Still, if you’re interested, all you have to do is keep your eye on your favorite brands’ social media accounts and wait for their offers.
So go out and start reppin’!
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