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In 2024, global affiliate marketing spend is expected to soar to $15.7 billion. Brands are becoming more reliant on this channel because it delivers 15-30% of eCommerce sales annually. 

Brands continue to shift more budgettowards influencer marketing, with the industry worth $21.1 Billion in 2023. 

However, there is also a growing trend emerging in the way these brands want to work with influencers, preferring to nurture longer-term partnerships with ‘Brand Ambassadors’ instead. 

It begs the question of why, and where the distinction between the two lies. Can other kinds of Brand Ambassadors be activated and channeled into a measurable, scalable, brand awareness engine?

The answer is yes - and this article tells you how. It breaks down: 

• What is a Brand Ambassador
• Brand Ambassador examples (+ the value each drives) including: 
  • Celebrities 
  • Influencers
  • Industry professionals & experts
  • Creators in your own customer base & case studies

‘Brand Ambassadors’ and ‘Social Affiliates’ are two different types of advocates a brand can activate, to drive awareness or revenue and thereby increase customer acquisition. They are both incredibly valuable, but their actions essentially fulfil distinct objectives. 

People believe in marketing less than any other time in history as customers continue to lose trust in many brands and trends. A recent study by media agency UM found only 4% of people trust influencers on social media, and paid acquisition costs are rising even as conversion rates drop. The harsh reality is that modern marketers are investing more in paid channels with less returns.