The 5 Secrets We Use to Find Trusted Influencers and Ambassadors (And How You Can Too)
When you think about brand partnerships with influencers and ambassadors, you might imagine complicated contracts, huge marketing budgets, and endless outreach campaigns. But honestly? At SHBA MOVEMENT, most of the amazing collaborations we’ve built happened through something way simpler: a genuine message.
You’d be surprised how powerful a simple DM can be when you have strong branding and an elegant, professional profile. And no—you don’t need millions of followers to get noticed. Let’s dive into how we’ve connected with influencers, and share some tips for how you can do the same for your brand.
It All Starts With a Simple Message
Nearly every influencer and ambassador we work with today started with a friendly, thoughtful DM or email. No corporate speak. No pushy offers. Just a genuine message about why we love their work, how we see them aligning with our brand, and what we could do together.
And you know what? Most of them said yes! Why? Because we approached them like real people—not just marketing tools.
Why Branding Matters More Than Follower Count
Here’s the truth: influencers care about your brand’s image just as much as you care about theirs. Before they agree to partner with you, they’ll check out your website, your Instagram page, your TikTok feed.
If your branding is on point—clean, consistent, and professional—it shows that you’re serious about what you do. Good branding gives you instant credibility, no matter if you have 500 or 500,000 followers.
Think about it this way:
- Would you trust a messy, inconsistent page with blurry photos and no clear mission?
- Or would you trust a clean, inspiring brand that clearly knows who it is?
Good branding opens doors. It’s your first impression—and it matters.
Tips for Connecting with Influencers and Ambassadors
If you’re a brand owner wondering how to start building genuine collaborations, here’s what’s worked for us at SHBA MOVEMENT:
1. Perfect Your Profile First
Before reaching out to anyone, make sure your brand’s social media profile and website reflect your identity.
- Clear bio with your mission.
- High-quality photos/videos.
- Consistent visual style (colors, fonts, vibe).
- Highlight your best products/services.
When your profile tells a strong story, influencers will take you more seriously right from the start.
2. Start Small and Genuine
Don’t immediately chase the biggest influencers. Start with micro or nano-influencers who already align with your niche and vibe.
- Micro-influencers (10k–50k followers) often have highly engaged audiences.
- They’re usually more open to collaborations and easier to build genuine relationships with.
Bonus: Many will even become long-term brand ambassadors because you connected authentically, not transactionally.
3. Craft a Personalized Message
Forget copy-paste DMs.
- Mention something specific you love about their content.
- Explain how you see them fitting into your brand’s mission.
- Offer genuine value—whether that’s free product, exposure, or long-term collaboration.
- Keep it short, friendly, and real.
Example DM:
“What's up [Name]! We love your [fitness journey / style / content]. It perfectly matches our vibe—confidence, strength, and authenticity. If you're up for it, we’d love to send you some gear to try out and maybe collaborate in the future. Let us know if you’re interested!”
4. Be Patient and Respectful
Not everyone will reply, and that’s okay! Influencers get tons of messages. If they don’t respond, don’t spam them with follow-ups. Respect their time and move on to the next potential partner.
The ones who are truly aligned with your brand will find you too.
5. Build Real Relationships, Not Transactions
Think long-term.
- Check in with your ambassadors.
- Engage with their posts.
- Celebrate their wins.
When influencers feel supported and valued, they’ll naturally become louder advocates for your brand—even outside of paid campaigns.
Our Secret at SHBA MOVEMENT
Honestly? The influencers and ambassadors who rep SHBA MOVEMENT didn’t fall into our lap because we had millions of followers or threw huge budgets at them.
They said yes because they saw a brand that cared about quality, style, authenticity—and treated them like people, not just marketing strategies.
It really can be that simple: Good branding + Genuine outreach = Powerful partnerships.
Conclusion: It’s All About Connection
Building an influencer network doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on building real relationships. Lead with authenticity. Show up with a brand you’re proud of. A simple message can open doors you never thought possible.
If you’re just starting out—trust us—you don’t need to wait until you’re “big enough.” Start today. One genuine message at a time.
Want to learn more about how we grow SHBA MOVEMENT? Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes tips and stories!