How to Get an Endorsement Deal as an Artist

So, I know you guys might be wondering if this is even possible in the real sense. Well, I am here to inform you that it is very possible to get an endorsement deal with the right attitude and steps.

Now we know that artists are not limited to musicians alone. That why you sometimes hear of an on-air personality or comedian also getting mouthwatering endorsements.

People who identify themselves as being artists make use of their crafts to entertain a larger audience thus, getting endorsements has a way of significantly boosting your earning’s if you belong to this category.

I would be explaining in detail, ways by which you as an artist can get an endorsement deal. However, before I go into that, let me explain what the term endorsement really means.

What is an Endorsement?

An endorsement is a special form of advertising that uses famous personalities or celebrities. Endorsements are majorly for people who command a high degree of recognition, trust, respect or awareness amongst the people.

An artist who won an endorsement deal often advertises for a product lending their names or images to promote a product or services.

Advertisers and clients hope such approval, or endorsement by a celebrity, will influence buyers favourably. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo endorsing NIKE sportswear can influence young sportsmen who look to him as a role model.

Having said that, to get an endorsement deal, you must:

Know Your Worth

Knowing your worth is very important because companies are always on the lookout for artists who command respect from their crowd.

Knowing your worth as an artist involves you being totally honest about your style, what works for you and the work you might need to put in so as to be one of the best in your field.

Just as you know Tiger Woods, for example, would always be appealing to brands simply because he continues to evolve and put in the necessary work to improve his worth in the sports industry.

You have to be deliberate about how you want your audience to see you, and what comes into their mind.

Let Your Team Research About Companies Who Work with People in Your Field

For every company out there (from manufacturing to retail etc.) each company knows what kind of artist they want representing their brand. That’s why sometimes NIKE would prefer to work with athletes and VERA-WANG might prefer to work with an actress instead.

The reason is that each brand caters to a specific set of consumers, as such the need for an artist whose genre is in line with what their audience would be attracted to.

You need to devote plenty of time into your research about the companies so you won’t face rejections just because you simply approached the wrong company. Afterwards, you can now put effort into networking so you can get that big break.

Network

Remember the popular slogan “your network is your net worth” well it is very true. Networking is a skill that is important to have as an artist.

You should be nice and very approachable, always have the perfect pitch about your brand and always give people an audience to talk whenever you are at social gatherings.

Who knows the person who would recommend you to the board of directors for an endorsement could be sitting right next to you.

Put Things into Writing

Now, after you have been given an audience with the desired company, you would be offered a contract.

This is where it gets tricky as nothing makes brands and artists fall out more quickly than irregularities in a contract between both parties.

When you are given a seat at the table, before you even think of referring to yourself as a brand ambassador, you must first make sure that you are comfortable with the terms given to you by the company whilst stating your own terms and conditions for accepting the contract.

It is a very important step because it could lead to the company renewing your contracts in the nearest future which would be a good thing for you as an artist.

Conclusion

After successfully securing an endorsement deal, make sure that you always act according to what the contract states, appear in time for shows and press conferences, never put your client at a disadvantage due to inappropriate behaviour.

Also, avoid conflicts of interest especially when a competitor would like you to be their ambassador as it could lead to you losing your previous endorsement deal with the other company and this isn’t something you would want to happen.