For the sake of transparency, I feel the need to mention that this article is entirely written by Ieva Laicane, our first brand ambassador. We had a three-months collaboration where we experimented a lot in order to find the best approach to promote our WordPress themes in a way that resonates with both her and our crew. What follows is a story about her first-hand experience. Enjoy it!
Hi! My name is Ieva, I’m a freelance graphic designer, online course creation and blogger. I’ve been working while traveling for several years as a digital nomad. I’m the author of The Random Passion project and Nomad Mondays – inspiring others to get into location independent income and build their own successful online businesses!
My very first encounter with Pixelgrade was a lot like a meant-to-be coincidence and I’m happy it lead to an unexpected but a very pleasant cooperation. Here’s an insight into my experience with Pixelgrade’s ambassador program!
While I do appreciate a good partnership, I’ve never really been the one who’s seeking opportunities to work with brands — it’s just not something I’m focusing on with my business. But when Pixelgrade gave me this chance, I literally grabbed it with a feeling of YES, this must be an amazing experience!
I had the freedom to choose my own marketing strategies – I wasn’t obligated to go through a must-do list that doesn’t align with my business.
There were several factors that made me think this will work out for good:
- I liked their brand and WordPress themes, it was something I could relate to.
- I enjoyed the communication we had, it felt really open and honest from the very beginning.
- Since the very first moment, I noticed how Pixelgrade have a really personal and unique approach to all they do.
What where my favorite benefits of being a brand ambassador?
#1 — Getting paid for doing what I love
This might be obvious but one of the best benefits really is the fact of getting paid for doing what I love. In my case, it’s writing and sharing tips for aspiring bloggers and online business owners, as well as building websites. And with this program, I had the freedom to choose my own marketing strategies – I wasn’t obligated to go through a must-do list that doesn’t align with my business.
At the same time, Pixelgrade’s team was very helpful regarding any ideas to work with. For example, they gave me an inspiration to write a blog post about my theme transfer and rebranding. It was not only a great option to share more about my experience with Pixelgrade but also turned out to be very helpful for my audience. And their advice and support was nearby the whole journey!
#2 —Having first-hand access to the latest products
As a WordPress theme junkie, I absolutely enjoyed having access to the latest themes and becoming a part of the development process with my reviews and tips. With the unlimited access to all the latest themes, I’ve had a chance to test them on my own and my client websites and now I’m able to share my honest opinion and tips with my audience.
People on the other side of the screen are just as compassionate and willing to do the best for their customers just as you are.
Besides that, this chance has given me an insight how theme development works in companies like Pixelgrade. Which is a valuable information not only for me as a website creator but also as a blogger.
#3 —Having a good partnership record
Even if you’ve successfully cooperated with other brands, each brand ambassador program is unique. And Pixelgrade definitely gave a great insight into how such program should work providing me with a powerful partnership record.
Many brand ambassador programs would prefer working with bloggers who have some experience in a similar journey and after working with Pixelgrade, you’ll sure have some great experience to show them.
Now, when other brand might ask “so… do you know what you’re doing?!”, I can say in all honesty – yes, I do!
What cooperation with Pixelgrade taught me
#1 — There are people just like us behind every business
While this might feel like an obvious fact, very often we forget to see companies as they are – a group of humans.
What cooperation with Pixelgrade taught me is that when you speak from your heart and are honest about your expectations, your assets and your possible investment – you’ll get the same right back. And that’s what makes any cooperation worthwhile.
To make a cooperation work, it’s important to understand that people on the other side of the screen are just as compassionate and willing to do the best for their customers just as you are! The real job behind the scenes is to align both of your goals and make them work together.
#2—Great brand cooperations are possible
While many new bloggers are doubtful about whether or not successful blog monetization with brand cooperations is possible, I can say for sure – yes, it is!
As long as you stay true to your own passion and goals, and don’t do things just for the sake of money, it is absolutely possible to have a positive experience with brand cooperations.
If you’re seeking an option to cooperate with a brand, you have to be open to opportunities.
We’re living in a world where sometimes all that seems to matter are big numbers, whether in your social media profiles or bank account. When, in reality, all that makes our world better is the honesty and simplicity of sharing things we really enjoy.
As long as you keep that in mind, any cooperation can turn out into an amazing adventure and nonetheless – a great deal.
#3—Always be open to opportunities
As said, my encounter with Pixelgrade fell from blue skies. I was researching WordPress themes for my clients when I found their website. I signed up for their affiliate program and eventually, it led to some further e-mail exchange which then turned out into an offer to become their ambassador.
Pixelgrade’s ambassador program works, makes you really want to hold on to them and give all your support and good intentions
Even for the most eager planners, it’s hard to plan for good things to happen. If you’re seeking an option to cooperate with a brand, you have to be open to opportunities.
Trust your instincts when they tell you to act on something, to take an unplanned move. It can be absolutely worth it or, at least, turn out into a good lesson.
Would I suggest becoming a Pixelgrade’s ambassador?
In all honesty – yes. Companies like Pixelgrade is what makes brand cooperations worthwhile!
In the online world, it’s very easy to get lost in all the lies and fake “positive reviews” people give just to get something in return. But the way Pixelgrade’s ambassador program works, makes you really want to hold on to them and give all your support and good intentions.
Don’t expect for it to be easy tho! While working on your own terms can be seen as a great way to expand your creativity, sometimes it’s even harder to work without clear guidelines on what or how to do. So don’t dive head first into this if you don’t feel like getting the job done and investing your creativity and energy into this.
After all, you get what you give.
A few takeaways for the next Pixelgrade’s ambassador
- Choose this program if you have a dose of creativity you want to invest in this kind of a partnership
- Don’t forget to follow the principle – you get what you give!
- Be ready to stay honest and transparent, that’s also what you’ll receive in return
- Make sure your brand’s goals and direction are aligned with Pixelgrade’s ideology and your audience will be interested to learn more about them!
We thank Ieva for being brave enough to embrace this adventure and accept the unknown of being our first brand ambassador. We will definitely continue to work together to find creative ways to promote our WordPress themes to the right kind of people. Meanwhile, if her story inspired you to work with us, feel free to reach us out at [email protected], and maybe the next ambassadorship article will be written by you. Cheers! 🍷
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