Imagine this: you’re a small business owner with a fantastic product, but you’re struggling to get it in front of the right audience. You’ve heard that celebrity endorsements can work wonders (it does! – One of our clients was almost bankrupt and ready to give up until Khloe Kardashian posted her desserts on Instagram — and she sold over $2M in product that year), but how do you even begin to approach someone in the limelight? I’m a Publicist at Overnight Publicity www.overnightpublicity.com , and I’m here to spill the beans on how anyone… even YOU can catch the eye of the actor or athlete you’ve been a fan of for decades. We’ve helped countless clients navigate this challenge, and I’m here to share some insights.
Picture this scenario: one of our clients, a 65-year-old mother with no podcasting experience, had a dream of starting a podcast. She had the content, the passion, and the drive, but she knew she needed a skilled, well-known host with camera and storytelling knowledge to fully pull off an engaging podcast. That’s where we came in. I was on the team at Overnight Publicity www.overnightpublicity.com that worked tirelessly to connect her with the perfect celebrity – a renowned comedian who not only flew out to Chicago to co-host the entire podcast but also helped promote it to their massive fan base. The podcast took off, and our client’s dream became a reality.
But how did we make it happen? The truth is, celebrities are just like us – they appreciate a compelling story and a genuine connection. When reaching out to a celebrity or their agent, it’s crucial to craft a pitch that resonates with their preferences. Show them how your product aligns with their values and how it can benefit their audience.
Do celebrities ever organically reach out to brands themselves? Yes! One of our clients was struggling to keep the business office lights on. She unexpectedly went viral on Instagram, sold out of her product overnight, spent 5 weeks packing and fulfilling orders 20 hours a day, and had her first 7 figure year. The agent of one of the top NBA players of the last 5 years reached out to her and said, “He loves your product and wanted to give you a shout-out on IG. Interested?” She enthusiastically said yes and sent over a payment.
Yes, let’s talk about payment so you’re prepared. Even though this NBA player’s rate is in the high 5 figures for a social media shout-out, he did a 30 second commercial for a 4-figure paycheck.
It’s important to acknowledge that celebrities are often compensated for their endorsements, even when they’re doing a favor for a fellow industry or celebrity friend. One of our high-profile clients, a well-known name in the music industry, charges a “friends and family” rate of half a million dollars when lending their talents to a friend’s track.
But don’t let that discourage you. Every celebrity is different, and there are ways to make a partnership work within your budget. Start by identifying how much you can realistically afford to spend, and then get creative with your offer. Can you provide them with a lifetime supply of your product in addition to the payment? Can you offer them an exclusive experience that money can’t buy? Think outside the box and show them that you value their time and influence.
Once you’ve crafted your pitch and identified your budget, it’s time to take the leap and reach out to their agent or manager, keeping your message brief but impactful. If you don’t hear back right away, don’t give up – persistence can pay off.
And if you need a little extra help along the way, that’s where PR agencies like Overnight Publicity www.overnightpublicity.com come in. We’ve got the connections and the expertise to help you navigate the world of celebrity endorsements, no matter how big or small your business may be. If you’d like to know which celebrities will be in your budget, or want pointers on your cold outreach pitch, give Overnight Publicity www.overnightpublicity.com a call, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Remember, every success story starts somewhere. With a little creativity, a lot of heart, and maybe a helping hand from the right people, you can turn your celebrity endorsement dreams into a reality. So go ahead, take that first step – your business (and your future customers) will thank you for it.
Published by: Holy Minoza
