Brand ambassadors vs. Promotional models

Promotion and brand models

META: Unravel the distinctions between brand ambassadors and promotional models, and learn how to choose the perfect fit for your event or marketing campaign.


In today's business world, promoting your brand through various platforms is essential, be it online or on-stage, at a trade show, or even in your hometown. When it comes to shaping people's perceptions of your brand, nothing is more important than selecting the right people to represent it.


The most common, and by far the most effective, is using a hired person or group to represent your business, but this raises a question.

Do you hire a brand ambassador or a promotional model?

To many, these are the same thing, but if you’re ready to elevate your marketing game, it’s time to take things seriously by learning the difference.

So, let’s dive into the exhilarating world of brand ambassadors and promotional models, where memorable experiences and captivating interactions take center stage.

In this guide, we’ll unveil the main differences between these two essential roles, spotlighting their unique responsibilities and how they can turbocharge your marketing strategy.

So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to embark on a journey that will help you select the ideal representative for your next event or campaign, ensuring success and a lasting impression.

Let the adventure begin!

Introducing the Brand Ambassador: Your Brand’s Cheerleader

A brand ambassador is someone who has nurtured a solid relationship with a brand and is often perceived as a direct extension of the brand’s presence and must remain exclusive, meaning they won’t advocate for another brand within the same field.

Brand ambassador staffing typically has a strong social media presence and actively promotes the brand across various channels.

Examples include:

  • Beyonce for Pepsi
  • George Clooney for Nespresso
  • David Beckham for Adidas

Duties of a Brand Ambassador:

  • Represent the brand positively in numerous mediums
  • Content creation via ads, social media content, or marketing materials
  • Sharing brand information on social media, including live event coverage
  • Being a thought or opinion leader in the community
  • Providing personal feedback and insight on new releases

Meet the Promotional Model: Your Event’s Showstopper

A promotional model, often referred to as a promo model, is someone who represents a product or service at an event, providing the audience with an experience that mirrors the product or service that is branded.

Unlike brand ambassadors, promotional models are not considered the ‘face of the brand’ and have more specific duties during an event and are commonly found at trade show exhibits or conventions.

They represent your brand and are there to create a good first impression.

It’s not the name of the model that’s being used, nor their reputation or personal audience. They create an experience for people to remember, ensuring your brand still remains front and center.

For example, a retail model in a clothing catalog or website would be a promotional model or the flag girls during motorsports and fighting events.

You’d also hire a promotional model from a promotional modeling agency, rather than contacting the individual directly.

Some other examples can include:

  • Automotive shows, where the latest vehicles and accessories are presented
  • Conventions where fans gather to celebrate their favorite subjects
  • Trade shows, where various businesses promote their offerings
  • Marketing events, where companies showcase their latest campaigns and strategies

Duties of a Promotional Model at an Event

  • Engaging with event attendees and creating a welcoming atmosphere
  • Demonstrating products or services to highlight their advantages
  • Handing out promotional materials, such as flyers and samples
  • Attracting attention to the brand, helping it stand out from competitors
  • Gathering contact information for potential leads

Differences Between Brand Ambassadors and Promotional Models

The main distinction between a brand ambassador and a promotional model is how they represent the product or service.

In most cases, brand ambassadors have a deeper relationship with the brand, as well as broader responsibilities that extend beyond specific events.

They also use their personal name, audience, and usually fame for marketing the product, using social proof and influencer marketing strategies that connect with people who say, “Hey, I know that person, and I like them, so what they’re selling must be good.”

On the other hand, promotional models focus on event-specific tasks and are not necessarily involved in long-term brand representation. They represent the brand positively and will drive customer demand through personal interactions.

Where to Hire Brand Ambassadors and Promotional Models

If you’re looking to hire brand ambassadors or promotional models, a reputable promotional modeling agency like Models In Tech can help.

We provide premier ambassador staffing services, with educated professionals available for events across the USA. With our expertise, we ensure the best talent in the industry represents your brand.

Advantages of Working with Models In Tech

  • All models are educated professionals, ensuring they can effectively communicate your brand’s message
  • Nationwide location availability, making it easy to find talent for events in any region
  • Experience working with a wide range of companies, from startups to Fortune 500 corporations
  • The customized selection process, ensuring that the promotional model or brand ambassador is the perfect fit for your specific needs and event requirements

How to Choose Between a Brand Ambassador and a Promotional Model

When deciding between a brand ambassador or a promotional model, consider the following factors:

Duration of the Campaign

Brand ambassadors are typically involved in long-term marketing campaigns, while promotional models are more event-specific. Determine how long you need someone to represent your brand and choose accordingly.

Type of Event

For trade shows and conventions, where the focus is on showcasing products or services, promotional models might be a better fit. However, if your event revolves around building brand awareness or connecting with your target audience on a deeper level, a brand ambassador might be more suitable.

Brand ambassador for hire

Level of Brand Representation

Brand ambassadors are often seen as an extension of the brand itself and may significantly impact your brand’s image. If you’re looking for someone to represent your brand in the long term and across various platforms, a brand ambassador might be the better choice.

Budget Constraints

Promotional models may be more cost-effective for short-term events, while brand ambassadors might require a more substantial investment due to their long-term commitment and a higher level of responsibility.

Summary

By understanding the differences between brand ambassadors and promotional models and considering your event’s unique needs, you can make informed decisions about which type of representative will provide the most value for your marketing efforts.

Remember, brand ambassadors stand for your business and work to contracts, using their fame and personal leverage to market your brand within certain marketing mediums.

When you’re interested in representing your brand everywhere else, including face-to-face and personal interactions, promotional models will always be best for you.

Get in contact with Models in Tech today and discover what we can do for you and your business; however, you plan to market and spread the word of your business next.

With experience working with brands like Samsung, Nokia, Ferrari, 20th Century Fox, and so many more, we’ve got you covered.

Read Also: THE BENEFITS OF HIRING PRODUCT DEMONSTRATORS FOR TRADE SHOWS