Your organisational strategy is in place for your event. You’ve developed a killer advertising campaign. You even have a marketing analytics team at the ready. The business world is your oyster now, right?
Not so fast. You’re missing one key element: brand ambassadors. Brand ambassadors are trained sales people who can represent a company at events, trade shows, parties, or other activations. Using a blend of charisma and sales expertise, a good ambassador turns attendees into customers and creates a memorable experience for those interacting with your brand.
Having brand ambassadors for events is essential for connecting with your audience, representing your brand values, and amplifying the message you want to deliver. Essentially, they’re a temporary, strategic face for your company at crucial moments.
So how do you get started finding brand ambassadors? Today, we go over key benefits, plus reveal some effective methods on how to choose the right event marketing ambassadors for your next event.
What makes a brand ambassador effective?
A great brand ambassador is more than just a face. They embody your brand’s identity and resonate with your target audience. Here are some key traits:
1. Authenticity: A great ambassador isn’t just faking it. Authenticity increases credibility and relatability, ensuring their message feels natural. If an ambassador genuinely supports the brand’s mission, it creates a compelling narrative that truly reflects your brand’s values. In turn, you’ll gain trust and connection with your audience.
2. Relevance: Ambassadors should fit not only your brand, but your target demographic, too. In other words, their lifestyle, content, and message must align with your event’s theme. For instance, an influencer promoting a healthy lifestyle would be ideal for a wellness event. Choosing ambassadors with similar values to your audience means better engagement and message delivery.
3. Engagement Skills: Some ambassadors may seem great on paper, but it’s a different story in person. At events, ambassadors should excel at interacting with attendees and forging personal connections that make the day truly memorable—so people skills are a must. Whether it’s through their live sessions, in-person presence, or relatable online content, effective ambassadors can transform event attendees into loyal customers.
4. Professionalism: The world may be changing, but some old rules still apply. For that reason, punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude are essential. As representatives of your brand, ambassadors must conduct themselves professionally—since their behaviour reflects directly on your brand’s image.
How do brand ambassadors improve event marketing?
Event marketing ambassadors are pivotal in boosting your event’s visibility and credibility.
Here’s how they contribute:
1. Audience Engagement: On-site, ambassadors directly engage attendees, building interest and anticipation. Interactive elements like Q&A sessions, contests, or product presentations make attendees feel valued, increase loyalty, and ensure everyone leaves with a positive impression.
2. Credibility and Trust: Ambassadors lend their reputation to your brand, so credibility is important. For example, a food blogger advocating a culinary event brings their track record of proven expertise, encouraging potential attendees to trust your event. This endorsement can significantly influence audience perception and drive attendance.
3. Enhanced Visibility: Ambassadors promote your event by creating a social media-worthy buzz. Providing a memorable experience encourages attendees to share it on their social media platforms—broadening your event’s reach and creating organic engagement that enhances visibility and attracts attendees.
4. Stronger Connections: Ambassadors bridge the gap between your brand and audience—and when done correctly, their presence leaves a lasting impression. Engaged attendees are more likely to associate with your brand, make purchases, and come to future events. Therefore, by fostering meaningful connections, ambassadors can turn attendees into advocates for your brand.
How to choose the right brand ambassador for your event
Selecting the right ambassador requires careful planning and research. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Understand your event’s needs:
Is your goal to…
○ Increase attendance?
○ Promote a new product?
○ Engage a specific demographic?
Knowing what you need is the first step in finding the right person to help you succeed.
2. Identify your objectives:
○ What kind of audience will attend?
○ What message do you want to convey?
○ What type of personality aligns with your event?
Understanding these factors will help align your ambassador’s role with your event’s success.
3. Research potential ambassadors:
Look for individuals who align with your brand values and audience, like local influencers, professionals, industry leaders, or even loyal brand users. Evaluate their past successes, reputation, and authenticity to make sure it’s a strong match.
4. Assess their personality and professionalism:
Choose ambassadors who are positive, adaptable, and enthusiastic. They should be able to represent your brand assertively and effectively, and have a personality that aligns with the tone of your event. This ensures they create a welcoming and memorable experience for attendees.
5. Measure success metrics:
Evaluate the ambassador’s performance post-event through metrics that showcase their impact on your event’s success, such as:
○ Attendee feedback
○ Sales data
○ Social media influence (if applicable)
6. Use the insights:
Optimise future strategies and build long-term ambassador relationships using the data you’ve acquired. By measuring success, you can refine your approach and ensure continued event marketing excellence.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing brand ambassadors
● Poor audience alignment: Ensure the ambassador resonates with your target audience to maximise engagement. Misaligned ambassadors can dilute your brand’s message and reduce event impact.
● Focusing solely on popularity: Although it’s easy to conflate influencers and brand ambassadors, it’s important to know the difference. Avoid selecting ambassadors based on the size of their online following, and instead focus on finding someone who can effectively represent your brand in-person.
● Undefined roles and expectations: Clearly outline the ambassador’s responsibilities to prevent miscommunication and maximise effectiveness. A well-defined role ensures both parties understand their contributions to the event’s success.
Conclusion
Selecting the right brand ambassadors for events is a critical step in achieving your event goals. Focus on authenticity, audience alignment, and engagement skills to create meaningful connections and amplify your event’s impact.
Ready to add a human element to your marketing? Contact D2MS today to plan your direct marketing and lead generation strategy. Let’s make your next campaign a resounding success.