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Social Media Influencers vs Social Media Ambassadors: What is Their True Value?

by Raymond Morin

August 1, 2012 By Raymond Morin 16 Comments

 

Social-Media-Influencers-vs-Social-Media-Ambassadors-What-is-Their-True-Value-V3 copy

At a time when the biggest social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest) are starting to make a move towards e-commerce, the subject of influence marketing is more than ever a major issue for most companies. Traditional advertising barely has an impact on purchasing and word of mouth and peer recommendations (P2P) have emerged as the new determinants for the connected, Generation C consumers.

Brands are realizing that in order to have return customers, they need to change tactics and adopt a more “social” approach before promoting their products and services. Marketing agencies now recognize the impact of social media influencers and seek, through any means necessary, a way to integrate them into their marketing strategies.

However, an increasing number of experts are questioning how to calculate the monetary value of influence. Tools used to measure social media influence continue to be controversial and influencers prefer to regard themselves as brand advocates. And this is not only a question of rhetoric. (See: Social Media Influence : Understanding the new Generation C – Ambassadors or Sponsors?)

Who Are the Real Ambassadors?

Even if they don’t reach as broad an audience as the reputed social media influencers, digital marketers are beginning to realize that social media brand ambassadors have more value for brands than previously thought. Unlike influencers, their actions are free and spontaneous, and therefore more authentic and trustworthy in the eyes of other users.

This is what has become apparent through research conducted by Dr. Kathleen R. Ferris-Costa from the College of Business Administration at the University of Rhode Island. A study analyzed in the “Field Guide to Brand Advocates” from the agency BzzAgent.

According to the study, brand advocates comment spontaneously and regularly on 10 to 15 brands per week and contact up to 500 social network subscribers. Using their communication tools, they publish up to two times more content (with comments, reviews, recommendations, “likes”, etc.) on brands than the companies themselves do. Three-quarters won’t hesitate to share a positive brand experience, especially when personal, domestic or children’s products are in question.

Another study (and infographic) from the agency Zuberance called Three Surprising Facts About Brand Advocates further details the areas where ambassadors are most active: nearly a quarter commented on technological products, 15% on restaurants, 14% on entertainment events and more than two-thirds (67%) recommended as many consumer products as they did professional services.

What motivates their level of engagement?

Brand advocates have a natural impact on consumers because they are independent and therefore more authentic. According to the study conducted by Dr. Ferris-Costa, true ambassadors are primarily motivated by the opportunity to contribute to their community by providing relevant information.

By commenting on brands, ambassadors prioritize the relationship they have with their community and their influence as social consumers on the Web. These super users feel it’s important their expertise is recognized and that their voices be heard by companies. And, to ensure they can effectively fulfill this role within their community, they defend their integrity; hardly 1% of respondents to the study admitted to having considered company rewards when they made their recommendations.

What motivates brand advocates is beyond the control of marketing agencies. Although they represent the most direct influence on consumption, they can’t be monetized or sponsored. The true value of the commitment (or disengagement) of ambassadors is based precisely on their independence and their authenticity. Companies must therefore stop the constant, relentless search for an ROI, and become understanding through listening and treating their fans more like VIP’s, rather than attempting to simply be more “social”. They have a lot more to gain by doing so.

With the emergence of social networks over the past decade, we’ve witnessed the loss of several major brands who couldn’t adapt to changes imposed by new consumers. Some observers are already predicting the death of several other major brands proving to be slow to go in the direction of the social Web. And you, what do you think? Do companies have to give up their ROI value in favour of ambassadors?

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Raymond Morin

Raymond Morin

Raymond Morin is an expert on Influencer Marketing. Raymond is a francophone author and speaker who has 20 years experience acting as a senior strategic consultant and coach for organizations, SMBs and independent professionals. Author of the books «Culture Web à la portée des PME» (2001) and «Comment entreprendre le virage 2.0» (2010), he has also contributed to several magazines and bloggers platforms over the years. His upcoming new book in French, entitled «Generation C et l’influence des consommateurs branchés», is prefaced by Neal Schaffer, and will be also published in English and Spanish during the next year.
Raymond Morin

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  • 6 Influencer Marketing Myths Debunked in 2017 - August 10, 2017

About Raymond Morin

Raymond Morin is an expert on Influencer Marketing. Raymond is a francophone author and speaker who has 20 years experience acting as a senior strategic consultant and coach for organizations, SMBs and independent professionals. Author of the books «Culture Web à la portée des PME» (2001) and «Comment entreprendre le virage 2.0» (2010), he has also contributed to several magazines and bloggers platforms over the years. His upcoming new book in French, entitled «Generation C et l’influence des consommateurs branchés», is prefaced by Neal Schaffer, and will be also published in English and Spanish during the next year.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. alex van pelter (@alexvanpelter) says

    June 20, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Insightful and well researched.

    Reply
  2. Dirk says

    June 15, 2013 at 3:41 am

    Good article. Yea this is a fast moving age we are in and who not adapt will get lost.

    Reply
  3. Charles Slang says

    June 14, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    I think that while traditional advertising will continue to be more effective in the short term, already, influencers with good credibility are becoming more and more effective, as people, especially younger generations, get more of their news and information from social media! Eventually, the SM influencers will have the larger effect in advertising!

    Reply
  4. Sunish Sebastian says

    June 14, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I think at some point of time, Yes, the companies have to compromise on the ROI for the sake of Ambassadors

    Reply
  5. shakthi2013 says

    June 10, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    While I would not write off traditional ads yet! I agree that the Social Component is climbing up. Finally they will compliment each other and definitely run in parallel

    Reply
  6. Stephanie says

    June 10, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    I’m in limbo, not sure which ad to choose, good post!

    Reply
  7. Harold Gardner says

    June 10, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    I am a bit surprised by the assertion “Traditional advertising barely has an impact on purchasing.” Even the oft cited Cadillac ATS example has had most of its reach through traditional ads. My notion is that Social Media and traditional advertising need to work together hand in glove to have the most impact.

    Reply
  8. Hollis Tibbetts says

    June 10, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    nice article. ultimately, people almost always trust other people.

    Reply
  9. Miriam Slozberg (@msmir) says

    June 10, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Yes it is moving so rapidly if we do not adapt to changes, we will be out!

    Reply
  10. Walter Wässa (@wwaessa) says

    June 10, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Thx a great article, I can agree Nicolai and Mithu. It’s moving very fast and if you close your eyes you have to hurry up to catch the train. Sometimes it’s not easy to follow all new things, so you have to make your decision.

    Reply
  11. zemety says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

    Wow This is a great article

    Reply
  12. mithuhassan2013 says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:43 am

    I do agree with TZARUL NICOLAI :- World is moving fast and we have to learn to adapt to changes

    Reply
  13. Wayne Eaton (@Wayne_WEaton) says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:34 am

    This is so true..Wom is the best..people who know like and trust you first..great post

    Reply
  14. Christina says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:32 am

    oh amazing this one. those words was eye opener.

    Reply
  15. -Kee says

    June 10, 2013 at 9:31 am

    awesome article! Word of mouth will always be my number 1 referrer!

    Reply
  16. TZARUL NICOLAI says

    August 31, 2012 at 2:26 am

    Wonderful article, enlightened me a lot. World is moving fast and we have to learn to adapt to changes! :)

    Reply

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