This document outlines what you can expect during the implementation process, designed to get you up and running smoothly. By understanding each step, you'll be better prepared to engage with the process and set your program up for success.
*Exact days will vary depending upon scheduling availability between both parties
Contacts to note: CSM (Customer Success Manager) + IS (Implementation Specialist)
Initial Contact & Platform Setup
Implementation Intro Email
Your Account Executive will reach out to you to present your Implementation Specialist (IS). The IS will:
Request the Admin user's information
Share the Implementation Questionnaire
Be sure to provide as much information as possible promptly, so we can create an implementation plan that aligns with your vision for the program.
Provide the brand assets list for platform customization
Provide a link to schedule the Kick-Off meeting
With this info, the IS will:
Create the SocialLadder Admin Area and share all credentials with the provided contacts.
Based on the Implementation Questionnaire's Answers, we will customize your Implementation Plan and Strategic Blueprint for your Ambassador Program.
Area Created Email
The IS will create the SocialLadder Area and notify you once the credentials for the Admin Portal and the Ambassador Dashboard are available.
The IS will also request you to prepare the Brand Assets for the Ambassador Dashboard.
Kick-Off Meeting
Duration: 30 minutes
In this meeting, we will introduce your dedicated team and walk you through what to expect during implementation.
You will get access to your Implementation Checklist with all tasks you must complete until Go-Live. The team will highlight the immediate next tasks, which include:
Create an Ambassador Landing Page
Create Ambassador Handbook
Create an Ambassador Contact Email
Share Integration* Documentation with Tech Teams
*Integration varies according to your Ambassador Program goals and contract.
Implementation Roadmap
Based on your responses in the questionnaire, your IS will strategize a plan that matches your goals and expectations.
The Implementation Checklist will include:
Ambassador Program Blueprint: We will share the recommended program blueprint based on your goals & successful ambassador program best practices.
Implementation Checklist: A clear roadmap of all tasks you need to complete until Go Live. This will be the central hub for implementation, containing tasks, tutorials, and best practices.
It is crucial that you fully review and complete all tasks from the Implementation Checklist through the implementation process to ensure you are building a strong foundational understanding for your ambassador program.
Meetings & Checkpoints
Every week, you will meet with your IS to discuss different aspects of the Implementation Checklist. Your IS will provide clarification on questions you may have and guide you through building a completely personalized ambassador program for your community.
Duration: 1 hour
Checkpoint 1 - Timeline, Blueprint, Branding
Checkpoint 2 – Application & Ambassador Onboarding
Checkpoint 3 – Challenges & Rewards
Checkpoint 4 – Community & Go-Live Preparation
Additionally, you will be given a scheduling link for On-Demand Meetings or any topic that appears between the checkpoints meeting. Duration: 30 minutes (per week).
Checkpoint 1 | Week 1
Our team will schedule the Checkpoint 1 on the Kick Off Meeting.
This session sets your program up for success. Your IS will walk you through:
Review your objectives & goals to ensure your SocialLadder team is aligned
Share Ambassador Program Blueprint
Overview of Implementation Roadmap and Branding Page Steps
Duration: 1 hour
Checkpoint 2 | Week 2
Objectives:
Address Any Questions Regarding Branding and Implementation Checklist
Review Ambassador Application & Onboarding Experience: Overview of the application and onboarding flow. Overview of steps for customizing each flow.
Duration: 1 hour
Checkpoint 3 | Week 3
Note:
All integration setups should be completed by this week to ensure ample time for testing of the integrations before your scheduled Go-Live.
Objectives:
Review Challenge Setup: Overview of challenge options and how to set them up within SocialLadder. Solidify the challenges your ambassadors will complete to earn rewards and compensation.
Review Compensation Options: Review how to set up rewards within SocialLadder. When applicable, we will review commission structure.
Duration: 1 hour
QA
This step involves testing and validating all areas of the program to identify and rectify any potential issues before Go-Live and recruitment stage. This is shared responsibility.
Internal QA - Your team must complete an internal QA of the Ambassador Program. This will give you a full comprehension of the Program from the Ambassador's Perspective and let you review all creatives - copy, images, call to actions.
You'll have a detailed checklist on what to test.
SocialLadder QA - Our team will conduct a comprehensive audit of your account and notify you by email if any rectification is required.
Checkpoint 4 | Week 4
Objectives:
Community: Overview of community and chat features. Validate all rooms are setup and guidelines are posted.
Review Ambassador Program: Based on the QA results, we will have a final review of your ambassador program to ensure readiness for launch. Confirm that the ambassador experience is smooth and engaging, reflecting the flow you envisioned.
Prepare for Recruiting Phase: We will discuss specific actions that will be needed to manage your program on a day-to-day basis and ensure you are comfortable with how to complete those actions. You will schedule the first meeting with your CSM within a week after Go-Live.
Duration: 1 hour
Go Live
At this stage, you have completed all checkpoints, and integrations have been installed and tested. You can expect at this stage:
The IS will remove your Ambassador Program from test mode
The IS will send the graduation e-mail informing you are officially set for launch!
The CSM will schedule a meeting with you within the first week after Go-Live to address any questions and concerns.
Completion of the Implementation Process will provide you with the foundational knowledge of running an ambassador program for your brand. Our team is here every step of your journey to provide support and ensure you are on track towards building a successful, strong, and loyal community.
Assets Needed for Integrations
Shopify
*If applicable to your program, follow the steps in BOTH articles below:
Gather the below information as you go through the installation process and be prepared to share this with your IS.
Shop URL: |
| API Key: |
|
Price Rule ID: |
| Secret Key: |
|
Admin API Access Token: |
| Default Shipping Method: |
|
Note: The default shipping method is typically your free shipping option as this would be the shipping method attached to any rewards redeemed by your ambassadors, this is NOT the shipping method connected to orders placed through ambassador links. Please copy and paste the exact method as this setting is case sensitive.
Klaviyo
*If applicable to your program, follow the steps in ALL articles below:
Gather the below information as you go through the installation process and be prepared to share this with your IS.
Public API Key: |
| Private API Key: |
|
SocialLadder Tracking Pixel
You will work with your IS to determine which of these options, if any, will apply to you. Please do not begin the installation until this conversation has occurred. If applicable to your program, follow the respective article below:
Assets for Branding
Use the following article as a guide for assets sizing:
Ambassador Experience
We have 3 options to choose from when it comes to the ambassador experience. Review the following article to determine which option fits your program:
If choosing Option 1, this cannot delay the 30 day implementation timeline, please discuss with your IS to review specifics.
Communicate to your IS which option you choose and they will provide you with step-by-step articles for the option of your choice.
Payment Methods
We have 3 options to choose from for paying your ambassadors for any cash/commission that is earned. SocialLadder Payouts and PayPal are integrated options to manage payments within the SocialLadder Admin Portal, the Manual option would be managed outside of SocialLadder.
Please review the following articles to determine which method you would like to move forward with:
Communicate to your IS which option you choose, and they will provide you with step-by-step articles for the option of your choice.