Everything you need to know if you want to be a campus brand ambassador or a campus rep.
First, let me start by saying I’m so grateful for you all. Though I’ve been busy and haven’t always posted on the blog, I finally reached 1,000 followers. Thank you SO much.
This semester has been a whirlwind. From being a part of The Hilltop’s investigative debut to working on my school’s student council, I’ve had a lot on my plate lately. A big part of my time has also been serving as a campus brand ambassador for Samsung (which I actually wrapped up in December 2022) and Bartleby.
So what is a campus rep/brand ambassador?
When I initially received an email about applying to be a Samsung Campus Ambassador back in February 2022, I had the same question. Here’s what the job entails:
- Creating engaging social media content promoting a brand (usually through Instagram and TikTok)
- Interacting with students on your college campus about brand benefits
- Hosting interactive events to build brand awareness on your campus
- Staying up to date on social media trends so you can integrate them into your content creation
- So much more depending on the company!
It may sound like a lot but it boils down to two main tasks: event hosting/planning and content creation.
The Perks of Being a Brand Ambassador
Being a brand ambassador on your campus has so many perks.
First, you get paid (generously) with opportunities to earn bonuses. Sometimes, brands will pay you biweekly or weekly—which can range from $200 to $500 a month—while others pay you at the end of your contract—which may go into the thousands.
Aside from getting paid, you’ll receive the brand’s products at no charge. As a Samsung ambassador, I received Samsung devices for personal use whereas my program with Bartleby gave me a subscription of Bartleby to integrate into my college routine.
One of my favorite perks is the networking and training opportunities I have. I have the opportunity of learning from marketing and branding professionals and like-minded content creators who can help me elevate my brand and skills for future opportunities.
It’s like having $500k and dinner with Jay-Z.
So how do I become a brand ambassador at my campus? Below, I’ll share the tips that helped me stand out and get noticed by brands like Samsung and Bartleby.
Build Your Personal Brand
Before you can effectively represent a brand, you must first establish your personal brand. This means defining who you are and what you stand for. Start by identifying your passions and interests and then find ways to showcase them online through your social media accounts. Ensure that your online persona aligns with the brand you are representing. This will make it easier for you to connect with your audience and gain their trust.
One vital aspect of building your personal brand is being authentic. College students can easily spot a fake or inauthentic brand ambassador, and they will not engage with you or the brand you are representing.
Ensure that you stay true to yourself and your values when promoting the brand.
Another way to build your personal brand is by creating content that showcases your personality and values. This can be anything from Instagram posts to blog articles that relate to the brand you are representing. The key is to create engaging and relevant content that is authentic to your audience.
Pro tip: Start posting your everyday through mini vlogs, routines, and trending sounds that relate to your niche/audience.
Engage with Your Audience
As a campus brand ambassador, your primary role is to engage with your audience and promote the brand you represent. When creating content, ensure that it is authentic and resonates with your audience. Don’t just promote the brand but also educate your audience on its values and mission. You can achieve this by sharing personal stories and experiences that relate to the brand. Additionally, ensure that you respond promptly to any questions or comments from your followers. This will show that you are invested in their experience and value their opinions.
One effective way to engage with your audience is by hosting events or giveaways. This not only helps to increase brand awareness but also provides an opportunity for you to connect with your audience in person. You can use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to promote the event and encourage people to attend.
Collaborating with Other Ambassadors + Connect on Campus
Collaboration is key in any successful brand ambassador program. As a campus brand ambassador, you will work alongside other ambassadors to promote the brand. Take the time to get to know your fellow ambassadors and find ways to collaborate on content. This will not only help you build relationships but also increase the reach of your content.
When collaborating with other ambassadors, ensure that the content you create is consistent with the brand guidelines. This will ensure that the messaging is cohesive and aligned with the brand’s values. Additionally, if you are struggling with a particular aspect of the program, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your fellow ambassadors and program managers are there to support you.
Pro tip: Before applying for ambassador programs, ensure that you have connections on campus. For example, I’m a part of my campus’s newspaper, my school’s student council, and I also have connections from when I was a writer on Her Campus. For you, connecting with your peers can look like being an RA, being a part of a selective organization, or even being active in your classes.
Conclusion
Being a campus brand ambassador presents a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, build relationships, and make some extra money. However, it requires hard work and dedication to be successful. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can become a valuable asset to any brand ambassador program. Remember to stay true to yourself, engage with your audience, collaborate with your fellow ambassadors, and of course, have fun.
Your job will be much easier when you realize you’re getting paid to do something you love!
P.S, check out my latest blog post about Notion if you haven’t.
