How to Find Work as a Brand Ambassador: Get More Than Just Free Gear

Finding a Job as A Brand Ambassador or Influencer

 

Interested in finding a job as a brand ambassador or influencer?  And getting more than just free gear?  Here are some thoughts as to why you would want to represent an outdoor brand:

• Get paid to do what you love
• Be part of the team or club
• Meet awesome people who share the same passion
• Adding ‘Patagonia Brand Ambassador’ to your resume makes you more attractive to recruiters!
• You want free stuff, discounted gear, and equipment

 

If any of these sound like you, read more about how to best present yourself for brand ambassador jobs!  However, if you are here as a brand and seeking ambassadors to create more brand awareness, check out our last blog: Finding the Right Brand Ambassadors!

 

 

5 Things to Consider to Become a Great Brand Ambassador

 

First, finding a job as a brand ambassador or influencer should not start by simply applying for the brands you want to work with.  Here are a few things to think about before you scour the web:

 

1. Are you an expert?

 

To be a great brand ambassador you need knowledge.  Presentation skills.  Personal experience.  And, the capability to deliver.  It doesn’t mean you have to be as good as Kelly Slater when you paddle out to surf!  But, you should know enough about the industry trends, and come prepared with ideas on how to help a brand generate revenue.  

 

2. Are you active on social media?

 

You don’t have to be active on every channel.  But, you should have a strong presence on at least one.  YouTube. TikTok.  Instagram.  Bonus if you’re active on a few!  Your number of followers and views are important metrics, but they quake at the sight of the almighty engagement.  Be sure to create content that encourages your followers to like, share, and comment.

 

3. Are you good at creating content?

 

At its root, finding a job as a brand ambassador or influencer is about being a good content creator.  Yes, there’s more to it than just creating content.  You want to be available for in-person events, provide the brand with ideas on how to best reach their audience, etc. However, at its core, being a great ambassador does mean creating good, authentic content.  Here are tips on how to get started if you are not yet creating content:

 

• Creating Videos for Social Media
• How to Take Good Photos

 

4. Can you stick to a schedule?

 

One of the perks of being a brand ambassador full-time is freedom from the cubicle!  However, you still have to be responsible and submit your content on time.  Even Patagonia ambassadors need to submit photos, videos, or write blogs regularly! 

Failing to follow through with your agreement with a brand can get your brand ambassador contract canceled.  In addition, it can give you a bad rap with the brand and its other ambassadors. 

 

5. Do you have the right attitude to be a brand ambassador?

 

Most brands, especially in the outdoor space, have positive vibes as a cornerstone of their brand identity.  But don’t fret if you’re not a naturally cheerful, bubbly person.  It means you may have to work a little harder!  Or, pitch them on your sarcastic, dry humor instead.  Either way, authenticity is key.  You do not want to enter into an agreement with a brand where you cannot be yourself.

 

 

 

The Journey to Finding a Job as a Brand Ambassador

 

So you’ve found the trailhead to the brand ambassador wilderness.  Consider this your trail guide!  If you need extra help and want a sherpa on this trek, send up a signal. For now, here are the action items you should focus on. 

 

1. Find Your Passion

 

What are you truly passionate about?  When seeking a job as an influencer or brand ambassador for your favorite brand, make sure there’s PASSION behind it.

If you’re not passionate about the brands you work with and what they represent, it will be extremely tough to fake it.  Plus, brands want expertise and experience.  And, if you’re passionate you’re more likely to put in the work to get the experience in the industry you’re targeting!

 

2. Learn the Best Digital Marketing Practices

 

Are you really good at creating content?  Being active on social media?  What about supporting brands you love?  Take time to learn everything you can about the best digital marketing best practices.   

 

Got this down already?  Already demonstrating it in your YouTube videos, Instagram Stories, on Tiktok, or Facebook?  Well, then you are much more knowledgeable than your competitors!

 

 

3. Niche Down

 

This piggybacks off the first step but has some majorly important distinctions.  Take your knowledge and experience and translate it into a niche within the outdoor industry.  We often try to cast a large net to catch the most fish, but with a more targeted approach, you can bring home a tastier catch!

 

Brand Ambassador Example: Camping

 

Let’s use camping as an example of a brand ambassador’s niche.  Niching down may mean focusing on glamping, cold weather camping, or just good old-fashioned backpacking.  By choosing one of these areas and becoming an expert, you’ll be a more trusted specialist.

 

Spending in the camping sector is growing strong!  7 out of 10 millennials are going camping.  You can bet all people are researching online before making a purchase.  Show a brand how you can help also support them on YouTube or Instagram!

 

Niching down doesn’t mean you can’t broaden your scope or go outside your niche from time to time.  But, by proving your worth in that niche market, you make yourself a great ambassador for brands.  Plus, by niching down, you’re much more likely to get a paying gig rather than just free gear!

 

4. Start Networking

 

How do you start developing more contacts at outdoor brands within your brand ambassador niche?  Follow them on social media.  And, not just passively following.  But liking, commenting, and engaging with them!  

Another one of our favorite activities?  Hanging out with our favorite brands and their amazing employees.  Joining them in the sport you both enjoy!

 

Example: CABDA Show Networking

 

For example, at the CABDA West Show (all things bike-related) there was an Industry Ride.  This is a pretty common occurrence in the cycling world.  But, it was cold, rainy, and gloomy all week.  Rare in Southern California.  Therefore, I wanted to sleep in and stay warm. 

But instead, I set my alarm for 5:30am.  Drove in rush hour traffic. And pedaled out of the parking lot in Del Mar in the misty rain.  But, with a great group of cycling industry peeps.  And, a surprise guest appearance by pro cyclist Mark Cavendish!

Documenting these events from your perspective allows your followers to walk a mile in your boots.  And, shows brands you know what you’re doing.  Need more reason to be at these events?  Read our top 5 reasons why you should attend adventure sports festivals!

 

 

5. Develop Impactful Content And Offer Your Services

 

With your niche chosen, and some connections in your industry, build a portfolio of high-quality content.  In other words, start by creating impactful content today, and leverage that into a paying gig tomorrow.  Read more about how you can use great photos and videos to market yourself or your business.

 

Brand Ambassador Example: Becoming a Tiny Home Expert

 

For example, do you live in a small space?  If so, share your story about being a minimalist and living in a tiny home.  Or, what storage hacks work best for small spaces?  In addition, you might create how-to videos for how to build and outfit a tiny home.  Or, stunning photos with your favorite gear in that tiny space.  Climbing and skiing videos of people in their homes during the COVID-19 lockdown went viral!

 

Remember, you serve as a resource for those in the industry.  Give them vital feedback on what is trending!  Get to know existing ambassadors at your favorite brands.  But, remember not to be the guy or girl who’s always asking for handouts.  Reach out and see how you can help them.  Ask what types of content they are looking for.  What comes around, truly goes around.

 

6. Stay True To Yourself

 

Think of brand ambassadorship like dating.  And, as your mom always told you, “Just be yourself.”  Altering your interests and core values may pay off in the short term.  But, if you want a long-term gig representing the brands and values you really care about, make sure to stay true to what you believe in.

If you are that bubbly, energetic person… let your personality shine through!  Yes, Black Diamond pays Alex Honnold to be a brand ambassador because he is constantly pushing the limits of rock climbing.  But, they also hire him because he’s a goofy, laidback, and fun-loving human.  In other words, he represents what they’re looking for in a customer.

 

 

 

How to Kickstart Your Brand Ambassador Career

 

With all your provisions in place and a map in your pocket, howl to the wide wilderness that you’re open for business!  How do you do it? Below are just a few of the ways to send smoke signals:

 

express yourself through a website

 

Having a website will benefit you in many ways.  A good website will add credibility, save you time explaining who you are, and showcase exactly what you do. Need help with yours?  Howl at us today. 

 

Create a slide deck, media kit or press kit

 

We help athletes build out a media kit to take with them to events and to better pitch to the companies they’d like to work with.  Here’s more from our Shopify partners about how to create a great press kit! 

 

Learn how to take great photographs and create engaging videos

 

One of the best ways to share your content is through photos and videos.  And there are so many tools and apps that can help!  Here’s our latest blog on taking better photos and how to create videos for social media!

In addition, YouTube is also a great resource for how-to videos.  Or try a Masterclasses: Adventure Photography with pro climber and photographer Jimmy Chin

 

 

Target the brands you love

 

One of the perks of being a brand ambassador is working with brands you already love.  Take stock of what products and equipment you already use.  Make sure you are using their hashtags and tagging them in photos.

 

Use a BRAND AMBASSADOR PLATFORM

 

Today there are dozens of platforms out there to help you be a better brand ambassador.  These platforms often feature brand RFPs or a request for a proposal from a brand ambassador interested in participating in their upcoming campaign.  They’re a great way to be more strategic in helping you find paid gigs!  In addition, ambassador platforms will also help you increase visibility as a more established brand ambassador.

Here’s a great list of the Top 12 Brand Ambassador Programs and the pros and cons of each!  What else can these platforms assist with?

• Easier to find brands seeking ambassadors or content creators
• Helps brands find you
• Earning rewards and getting paid!

 

What You Don’t See from brand ambassadors

 

Whatever your reasons, the truth is, becoming a good brand ambassador takes time, knowledge, and a bit of skill.  Sure, it seems easy.  You see an abundance of ambassadors on Instagram with thousands of followers.  All out there sending perfect jumps on a mountain bike. Cruising through fresh pow on a snowboard.  Or sitting on their longboard, waiting to catch that perfect wave.  What you don’t see is the time and effort they’ve put into creating that video or photo! 

 

 

Final Thoughts: Finding a Job As A Brand Ambassador

 

Here’s a quick review for you of what we’ve covered:

1. Pick your passion and niche (or get one)
2. Learn best digital marketing practices
3. Start creating useful content
4. Network, network, network
5. Be true to yourself
6. Create a website, YouTube page, or somewhere people can find you
7. Take a class or brush up on your photography and videography skills

 

Thanks for reading!  If you want more of Top Rope Media’s adventures on the regular, subscribe with your email below, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

   

– Meredith McConvill