How Much Does a Brand Ambassador Earn?

How much does a brand ambassador earn? With over 5 billion people worldwide using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, companies are increasingly relying on brand ambassadors to help market their products. According to one study, over 50% of brands run some type of brand ambassador program. But, how much money each brand ambassador earns can vary depending on several key factors. 

In this post, we’ll take you through the circumstances that influence brand ambassador pay. Plus, how Knowadays can help you become a brand ambassador and earn additional income from home promoting products you love.

What Factors Impact Brand Ambassadors Pay?

A brand ambassador is someone who’s paid to act as the “face” of a brand, such as by promoting products online or representing the company at industry events. You don’t need to be a celebrity to become a brand ambassador – anyone with an online presence and a genuine interest in a brand’s products or services can become one. 

However, not all brand ambassador salaries are equal; there are several factors that impact compensation:

• Experience level: Brand ambassadors with a proven track record of success tend to command higher pay. For example, someone who has previously worked with well-known brands and has a large following will likely earn more than a newcomer.
• Niche: If a brand ambassador has a loyal following and represents a very niche interest, they may earn a higher rate. This is due to their authority and potential to reach a more targeted audience. For instance, a coffee blogger representing a specific type of coffee maker. 
• Content complexity: The type of content a company requires can also impact pay. Creating long-form video content or hosting live events generally requires more time and effort than a single Instagram post, so they may receive higher compensation.
• Brand size and budget: Larger brands with bigger marketing budgets generally pay their ambassadors more than smaller companies. Some global brands, such as Nike or Gatorade, can afford to pay athletes in the millions to represent their brands. In contrast, a small local cafe or restaurant may start out by offering brand ambassadors discounts on products in exchange for representation. 

As a brand ambassador, it’s important to negotiate a fair rate and get a written contract. In your contract, in addition to compensation, outline the duration of your partnership, scope of work (e.g. five social media posts within a given timeframe), and exclusivity terms. 

How Are Brand Ambassadors Paid?

Brand ambassadors can be compensated in a variety of ways. Some common payment structures include:

• Commissions: A brand ambassador may receive a certain percentage of every sale they make, such as through a unique affiliate link or discount code posted on their website. 
• Flat fees: In some cases, ambassadors are paid a flat fee per marketing campaign or social media post.
• Salaries: Some brand ambassadors do receive monthly or yearly contracted salaries. This is more common for long-term partnerships or in cases where the ambassador is heavily involved in the brand’s marketing strategy (such as celebrity collaborations).

What Is the Average Brand Ambassador Salary?

As noted above, brand ambassador pay can vary widely, ranging from a small supplemental income stream to a full-time salary. While some brand ambassadors can earn millions of dollars a year (soccer star Christiano Ronaldo reportedly earns over $3 million per Instagram post), this is not the norm. Most brand ambassadors work on a smaller scale. They earn a modest, steady income by working with brands to promote products they already use.

According to Reed.co.uk, the average annual brand ambassador salary in the UK is £37,444. In the United States, according to Glassdoor, the average is $55,000 a year.

Other Types of Brand Ambassador Compensation

In addition to monetary payment, brand ambassadors can also be compensated in the following ways:

Free Products

Many brands offer their ambassadors free products or services as part of their compensation package. They may also receive new products to try before they are officially released. This serves as a form of payment and allows ambassadors to familiarize themselves with the products they are promoting. This makes their endorsement much more authentic. 

Discounts

Ambassadors may also receive exclusive discounts on the brand’s products. They can share them with their network, further incentivizing their followers to engage with the brand.

Event Invitations

Being invited to exclusive brand events is another common form of compensation. These events offer ambassadors the opportunity to network, create content, and network with other influencers. Examples of events brand ambassadors might attend are product launches, fundraisers, and in-store marketing events. 

Becoming A Brand Ambassador

Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be a brand ambassador? Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Brand Ambassador course. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to make money promoting products you love.

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How to Become a Brand Ambassador Brand Ambassador vs. Influencer: What’s the Difference? What Does a Brand Ambassador Do? 7 Well-Known Companies with Brand Ambassador Programs