5 Tips to Book the Right Celebrity

Nothing sells like "celebrity" and booking the right celebrity/influencer for your campaign, event or show can make all the difference. Celebrities can really help your project to stand out and make an impact! They can also strengthen the connection with your audience, add value and, most importantly, get results - whether it's increasing sales of a product, views on a channel or guests to an event. But trying to book a celebrity yourself is not always as straightforward as it might seem.


Here are our 5 simple tips to help you book the right celebrity:



1. Who fits?

Not just any celebrity can endorse any product or turn up to any event. The right fit is important. Think about your target audience and start by coming up with a list of celebrity names that match your project. Think outside the box, but keep it relevant. The celebrity should be:

  • well known (recognition among your target audience increases enjoyment and the intention to buy)
  • well liked (likability can greatly affect the emotional response to your project)
  • a good fit (echoing and reinforcing brand values). Your message becomes more powerful too if the celebrity carries ‘expert’ authority or relevance for the brand

Do your homework and know your celebrity!


2. What’s the offer?

Work out the details of the celebrity "offer". If you're not used to dealing with agents (or even if you are!) the process can be a little daunting. Decide on:

  • the celebrity's contribution (what you want them to do, why, where, when, for how long, etc)
  • usage (where, how, when and for how long their contribution will be used)
  • any extras or stipulations
  • the budget (have an idea of the kind of fee you can offer before you approach agents, as they will no doubt ask. Negotiating celebrity fees can be one of the more difficult areas if you're not aware of the usual celebrity rates, which can help prevent offering too little or too much)

If the offer is accepted, these details will form the basis of a legal agreement between you.


3. Where to go?

Celebrities can be represented by managers, agents, publicists - as well as bookers or promoters. Approaching the right person will avoid being passed from one person to another or, more frustratingly, receiving no response at all. Sadly, all the planning and information gathering in the world won’t help, unless you're in touch with the decision maker who can approve your request.


4. Why should they listen?

Ask yourself "what’s in it for them?” then make your offer clear, concise and well-formatted, focusing on the type of details that agents need. It’s no secret that agents are more likely to listen (and respond) to people they know, so if you already have a working relationship with the agent or manager, you’re half way there. For those that don't have a foot-in-the-door, having the right approach and knowing what to say will increase your chances.


5. When to be flexible?

If initially you don’t receive the response you hoped, it may be worth considering how you can tweak your offer. As they say “be committed to the vision but flexible in the approach”. Often this can make all the difference.

Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that booking a celebrity can be a little time-consuming, with a bit of back and forth and waiting involved, but often this is all just part of the process and will hopefully lead to that all important "YES!".



Best of luck!