There may not have been a lot of traditional “celebrities” in the 1700s, nor a particularly efficient way of communicating with customers as a business. However, several sources indicate that celebrity endorsement goes back to the 1700s with Josiah Wedgwood founder of the pottery company. There may be even earlier instances.

Let’s explore the various distinctions between Celebrity Endorsement, Spokesperson and Influencer. We’ll start in chronological order and explore the overlapping elements which tend to be really important as one thinks about structuring deals with influencers, or celebrities.

Celebrity Endorsement:

The celebrity endorsement can range from using thee celebrity as an actor in advertising and social media to active participation of that celebrity in product use (for example an athlete using a particular shoe, golf clubs, or wearing logo merch (merchandise).