Keeping your ambassadors motivated is just as important as recruiting and training them. Incentives, recognition, and regular communication all help ensure your team stays engaged and continues to represent your institution authentically.
1. Recognise intrinsic motivators
Research with ambassadors shows that many apply because they want to:
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Help prospective students make informed decisions
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Champion their institution
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Build transferable skills and experience
Highlight these intrinsic benefits clearly, so ambassadors see the bigger picture of their impact.
2. Use rewards and recognition
Not every institution pays ambassadors, and payment is rarely the only motivator. You can also:
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Run monthly competitions using TAP’s career points and leaderboards
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Reward top ambassadors with vouchers or prizes
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Create special awards (e.g. Best chat, Best video/photo)
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Share positive prospect feedback or screenshots to celebrate great work
👉 Rewards should feel like a thank you, not the main reason to join.
3. Communicate impact
Ambassadors are more motivated when they see the difference they’re making. Share:
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Monthly stats (e.g. number of prospects helped, content reach)
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Examples of strong chats or content in newsletters
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Stories of how ambassadors influenced a student’s decision
TAP also sends monthly impact reports you can share with your team.
4. Build community and development
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Hold regular catch-ups (online or in person) to share feedback and build team spirit — free pizza always helps!
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Involve ambassadors in content planning or campaign brainstorming.
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Use TAP content groups (or another channel) for quick updates and peer-to-peer interaction.
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Treat your ambassadors as a focus group — ask what content or information helped them when they were applying.
These activities not only keep ambassadors engaged but also develop their confidence, leadership, and communication skills.
Key takeaway
Ambassadors thrive when they feel valued, connected, and supported. Combine recognition, small rewards, and consistent communication to keep your team engaged and motivated.
👉 Next step: Learn how to highlight career benefits for your ambassadors.