INFLUENCER MARKETING
Mar 20, 2024
By
10 MIN READ
New and better products are launched every day, but the popular ones stay atop, always. Ever wondered how? It's the power of celebrity endorsement.
We have heard brands like L'Oreal, Nike, Adidas, etc., so often and through influential persons to not forget them. That's the power of branding, of endorsements.
What was confined to just television has now a broader reach through social media platforms. And it's not just the A-list celebrities that are doing the endorsement anymore. Other players have risen as well.
In this blog, we'll explore the magic behind celebrity endorsements, why they work, how to find celebrities to endorse your product and more.
Here are key highlights of the blog -
Two out of every ten consumers bought products endorsed by influencers and celebrities.
Celebrities make brands more noticeable, reaching a broader audience.
There are various types of celebrity endorsement, including ads, event appearances, and spokesperson roles, each targeting specific audience interests.
Businesses seeking celebrity endorsements should consider their budget, target audience, and brand alignment.
Some big celebrity deals include Messi and Beckham for Adidas and Micheal Jordan and Tiger Woods for Nike.
Let’s discuss this further.
So, What Is Celebrity Endorsement?
Celebrity endorsement is when a famous person (celebrity) promotes a product or service. It can be a movie star, athlete, or even a social media influencer. People tend to trust celebrities they admire. So, when a celebrity says they like a product, it makes people more likely to believe that the product is good.
A study by Statista found that two out of every ten consumers bought products endorsed by influencers and celebrities. This influence was particularly pronounced among Gen Z shoppers
Some of the key benefits of using celebrity endorsement are as follows -
Celebrities make brands more noticeable, reaching a broader audience.
Brand credibility improves when endorsed by a trusted celebrity.
Celebrities attract diverse fan bases, opening doors to new demographics.
Brands stand out from competitors with celebrity endorsements.
Endorsements drive consumer purchases, leading to increased revenue.
Now that we have understood what celebrity endorsement is, let's discuss its types.
What Are the Types of Celebrity Endorsements?
As you may have already understood, celebrity endorsements are a powerful marketing strategy. This strategy can take various forms, each suited to different goals and target audiences.
Here's a closer look at the types of celebrity endorsements:
Celebrity Ads and Commercials:
Imagine seeing your favorite star in an ad for a product. That's what this is about. Companies use famous people in their ads, which you might see on the internet, social media, or TV. The idea is that seeing someone famous promoting a product makes it more appealing to you.
Celebrity Appearances at Events:
Sometimes, at big events or shows, you'll see celebrities. They might give a speech, host the event, or just be there to add some star power. This makes the event more exciting and draws more attention.
Celebrity Product Lines:
This is when a product has a celebrity’s name or face on it. For example, there are shoes known as Air Jordans, named after the basketball player Michael Jordan. These products are special because they are associated with someone famous, which can make people more interested in buying them.
Celebrity Spokesperson:
In this case, a celebrity speaks on behalf of a company or a cause, especially for charities or social issues. They use their fame to get people to listen and care about the message they are sharing.
Also, some companies give celebrities special titles, like "Creative Director", which means they get to help decide how the company's products are designed or presented. This shows that the company values the celebrity's ideas and believes their involvement can make the brand more attractive to consumers.
Each way of using celebrity endorsements has its own purpose. From making ads more interesting to drawing attention to important causes, all using the influence and popularity of celebrities.
Top Celebrity Endorsement Examples
The following are some standout examples of celebrity endorsements. These examples showcase how famous personalities help brands shine, making products more relatable and appealing.
Jameson and Regina Hall team up for St. Patrick's Day:
Image Source: PR Newswire
Imagine celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Regina Hall! Jameson Irish Whiskey did just that. They created a funny video with Regina using a "Desk Decoy" to enjoy the festivities while pretending to work.
This cool idea plus a donation to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Fund made everyone love Jameson even more.
2. Rihanna Rocks Louis Vuitton's Menswear:
Image Source: CNN
Yes, you heard right. Rihanna, a music and fashion icon, teamed up with Louis Vuitton for their menswear campaign. While pregnant, she showed off bold, beautiful looks that challenged traditional maternity fashion.
It was all about breaking norms and embracing individuality.
3. Timothée Chalamet Becomes the Face of Chanel:
Image Source: wallpaper magazine
Chanel chose Timothée Chalamet for its men's fragrance, Bleu, to reflect a modern view of masculinity. His unique style and roles that challenge gender norms made him the perfect match for Chanel, showing that beauty and fragrance are for everyone.
4. Dua Lipa Designs With Versace:
Image Source: Versace YouTube Channel
Imagine combining pop music and high fashion. Dua Lipa did just that with Versace, co-designing a summer collection that was all about holiday vibes. Her global influence brought new fans to Versace, showing how powerful a celebrity can be when they truly love the brand.
Here’s a BTS video on the collaboration between the two.
5. Steph Curry Creates with Under Armour:
Image Source: Under Armour
More than just an endorsement, Steph Curry got to design his own shoe line with Under Armour. This collaboration is a win-win: Curry brings his cool ideas, and Under Armour enjoys the spotlight in the competitive sportswear market.
6. Michael Jordan and Nike:
Image Source: The SportRush
This is a classic example of celebrity endorsements. Michael Jordan's deal with Nike for Air Jordans changed the game for sports marketing and sneakers. It's a testament to how a great partnership can become iconic.
7. Kim Kardashian x SKIMS:
Image Source: InStyle
Kim Kardashian not just endorsed but co-founded SKIMS, making it a huge success. Her influence and dedication to body positivity align perfectly with SKIMS, proving that the right celebrity can boost a brand's identity and reach.
8. Amy Schumer Champions Tampax:
Image Source: New York Post
With humor and honesty, Amy Schumer partnered with Tampax to talk about menstruation, a topic often avoided. Their campaign was all about education and making everyone feel comfortable about tampons.
9. Ryan Reynolds Gets Involved With Mint Mobile:
Image Source: Muse by Clio
Ryan Reynolds didn't just endorse Mint Mobile; he bought a stake in the company. His unique approach to marketing, filled with wit and charm, has made Mint Mobile stand out in the crowded mobile market.
10. Selena Gomez and Coca-Cola:
Image Source: Truth in Advertising
Selena Gomez's post for Coca-Cola's 'Share a Coke' campaign became one of Instagram's most-liked photos. This shows the power of combining a beloved celebrity with a simple, heartfelt campaign.
11. Beyoncé and Pepsi's Long-term Relationship:
Image Source: The New York Times
Beyoncé has been with Pepsi for over a decade, in a deal that’s one of the most lucrative in celebrity endorsement history. It’s a prime example of how enduring partnerships can be incredibly successful.
These celebrity endorsement examples highlight the magic that happens when stars align with brands they genuinely love or connect with. It's not just about putting a famous face on a product; it's about creating meaningful, engaging stories that resonate with us all.
How to Get Celebrities to Endorse My Business or Product?
Getting celebrities to endorse your business or product might seem tough, but it's definitely doable with the right approach. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started.
Figure Out Your Budget First:
Before dreaming big, know what you can afford. Celebrity endorsements can range from a few thousand to millions of dollars. Sticking to your budget is key to making smart decisions without breaking the bank.
Know Who You're Trying to Reach:
Think about your customers. What do they like? Where do they spend their time online? Knowing this will help you decide which celebrity might be the best fit for your brand.
Look for a Celebrity Who Cares About Your Product:
It’s not just about getting any celebrity but finding one who actually likes what you sell. This makes the endorsement more genuine and appealing to customers.
Consider Micro-Influencers:
Micro-influencers are people with fewer followers but a strong connection to their audience. They're often more affordable and can be just as effective, if not more so, than big stars.
Suggested Read: 9 Easy Ways to Find Micro-Influencers
Use Social Media to Your Advantage:
A lot of celebrities are active on social media. This can be a less expensive way to get their attention and possibly their endorsement. Plus, social media endorsements can reach a lot of people quickly.
Make Sure the Celebrity Matches Your Brand:
You want someone who shares your brand's values and appeals to your audience. This helps ensure the partnership feels right and resonates with your customers.
Reach Out Thoughtfully:
Once you've picked a potential celebrity, contact them or their agent with a clear, professional pitch. Explain why you think they're a great fit for your brand and what you're offering in return. Be concise and compelling to catch their interest.
Remember, getting a celebrity to endorse your product is about making a connection and offering something that's mutually beneficial. It's not just about fame but about building a partnership that aligns with your brand's goals and values.
Here's something to help you find some top-class influencers in NYC.
Where Can You Find Celebrities and Influencers for Endorsement?
Be it a large or small business, finding a celebrity or micro-influencer to endorse can be tough. But, that's exactly why influencer marketing tools like impulze.ai exist. It simplifies the search with a comprehensive influencer database and insightful analytics.
You can monitor your campaign's success in real-time and even generate live reports. impulze.ai's advanced search lets you filter influencers by niche, follower count, engagement rate, and more, ensuring a perfect fit for your brand's needs.
Ready to elevate your brand with the perfect influencer? Explore how impulze.ai can transform your influencer marketing strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrity Endorsements
What Are Some Celebrity-Endorsed Products?
Tonal by LeBron James
Coach by Jennifer Lopez
Dior by Robert Pattinson
L’Oreal by Eva Longoria
Living Proof by Jennifer Aniston
Which Celebrity Endorsement Earned the Most Money Last Year?
David Beckham reportedly got $160 million for endorsing Adidas, and the same company did a lifetime partnership with Leonel Messi for $1 billion.
What Is the Most Popular Celebrity Endorsement?
The term "popular" can vary based on criteria like social media engagement, sales impact, or public awareness. But endorsements like Rihanna for Louis Vuitton and Ryan Reynolds for Mint Mobile have been highlighted for their effectiveness and widespread recognition in 2023.
Why Is Celebrity Endorsement Important?
Celebrity endorsements can significantly boost a brand's visibility, add credibility, and tap into the celebrity's fan base, leading to increased sales and brand awareness. They connect the brand with consumers on a more personal level through the celebrity's influence.
What Is the Highest Paid Celebrity Endorsement?
Among the highest-paid celebrity endorsements are
David Beckham x Adidas - $160 million
George Foreman x Salton Inc - $138 million
Tiger Woods x Nike - $100 million
However, it should be noted that specific figures for the highest-paid endorsements vary every year. Two factors that affect this are the celebrity's influence and the brand's marketing budget.
