1. Getting started

2. The App

3. Onboarding

4. Profile and account management

5. Creating Content

6. Maps and Sharing

7. Final Notes

8. Paid Campaigns

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1. GETTING STARTED 

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I’ve seen WEST Ambassadors on social media. How do I become one? ​

Great that you’ve found us! WEST Ambassadors are content creators, locals, and community members who are passionate about food, travel, and culture in their region. As a WEST Ambassador, you’ll create and share content that showcases the places you love, and in doing so help build the WEST online community. 

When the WEST App launches, your content will also live on the platform, extending your reach through interactive maps and a growing community of local explorers. 

To express your interest, email us at ambassador@thewestjournal.com.au. We’ll send you the Ambassador Brief so you can see exactly what’s involved before committing. 

 

I don’t live in Western Sydney — can I still be an Ambassador? ​

Yes. The WEST App is launching across NSW and will expand nationwide. You do not need to be based in Greater Western Sydney. 

 

I’m interested but don’t have capacity right now — is there a deadline? ​

No hard deadline. The programme runs throughout 2026. Let us know your preferred timing and we can schedule your campaign for the next 3–6 months.

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1.1 WHAT’S INVOLVED 
 

What does a WEST Ambassador actually do? 

As a WEST Ambassador, you’ll: 

• Share genuine local recommendations across your social channels, tagging the venues and businesses you visit 

• Create posts, photos, reels, and stories that reflect your local knowledge and personality 

• Help grow the WEST community by encouraging your audience to discover local experiences 

• When the WEST App launches, publish your content on the platform to extend its reach and discoverability 

There are no mandatory posting schedules or deadlines for WEST Ambassadors. You create content in your own time and in your own style. 

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What kind of content should I create? 

Your genuine local recommendations, shared in your own style. Show where you love to eat, what’s worth discovering in your area, and the experiences that make your community special. This is a campaign built around curiosity and connection. As a WEST Ambassador. your authentic content lives on in the APP through imagery, your words and through your Ambassador Personal Itineraries that create your individual recommendations. This is about local places, what you love and want to share for others to discover. Please follow your own unique style and flavour, it’s all about sharing your favourite hidden and local gems via your content on the WEST App and inviting your audience to join you on the WEST App.

In the WEST App, the same content will also be discoverable on interactive maps, ensuring your content reaches a broader audience well beyond your social channels. 

 

Do I need to follow specific brand guidelines or approvals? 

Please review the Ambassador Guidelines and Community Standards before creating content. You’re free to create in your own voice and style — WEST doesn’t script your content. However, as an Ambassador representing the WEST community, your content should reflect the values of the platform: authentic, locally proud, and positive. 

 

How long does my content need to stay active on my social channels? 

Your social media content should remain publicly visible for a minimum of one month from the date of posting. 

Within the WEST App (when it is launched), your content has longevity by design — it lives on as part of an interactive map that users can discover, engage with and share well beyond that initial one month. 

 

How many locations do I need to feature? 

It’s entirely up to you. We want you to showcase some of your favourite locations — in your style, in your way. There is no minimum or maximum number of venues required. 

 

I have multiple social media accounts across different interests — is that a problem? 

Not at all. Past campaigns have featured creators posting across META, TikTok, and YouTube simultaneously and across dual or multiple accounts at the same time. Content being shared across all your active channels is welcomed. 

If you also have a LinkedIn presence, WEST has a LinkedIn profile and you are welcome to share and cross-post content there too. 

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1.2 THE AMBASSADOR BENEFITS 

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What are the benefits of being a WEST Ambassador? 

As a WEST Ambassador:

• Content longevity — your posts stay discoverable well beyond the typical 72-hour social media window 

• Discoverability — your content will appear on interactive maps in the WEST App, reaching new audiences 

• Audience growth — users can follow you and link through to your social channels 

• Community — be part of a growing network of local content creators and businesses 

• Future opportunities — strong Ambassadors may be invited to participate in paid campaigns with WEST and partner brands 
   

Each ambassador receives a unique code:

• Businesses using the code may receive rewards

• Ambassadors also benefit when their code is used

• Referrals can be direct or indirect through West
   

1.3 CONTENT, USAGE & PAID ADS 

 

Is the one post just for the Ambassador section in the app (imagery only) — are you seeking usage rights? 

No. WEST is requesting content creation. The deliverables are one post and one reel, shared across your social media channels. The one post image can also be used by you within the WEST App (when it is launched). 

The WEST App is a discovery platform that creates a permanent, engaging home for your content. You can be followed by users, and they can engage with your past and present content. WEST provides a platform for social media longevity and longer engagement with the businesses, events, and locations you are already profiling. 

 

 

How long do you want my posts and images to stay live? Is website usage forever? 

The Service Agreement outlines the specific usage terms for your content. For social media, your content should remain visible for a minimum of one month from the date of posting. 

Within the WEST App, your content is designed to have longevity — it remains discoverable on interactive maps and can be engaged with by users over time. This is a core benefit of the platform, not a limitation. 

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1.4 NEXT STEPS 

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I’m ready to join — what are the next steps? 

Step:

1. Express your interest: Reach out to the WEST team at ambassador@thewestjournal.com.au and we’ll send you the Ambassador Brief. 

2. Review and confirm: Review the brief and confirm you’re happy to proceed. 

3. Get creating: Start sharing content across your social channels. The WEST team will also be in touch to set up your Ambassador profile ahead of the app launch. 

 

2. The App

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What is the West Ambassador Program?
The West Ambassador Program is a community of local content creators who share authentic stories about places they love. The platform is designed around location, discovery, and local knowledge, allowing content to live as interactive, shareable maps.

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Why was the program created?
West was created to solve a common problem: great local content was getting lost on traditional platforms that prioritize trends and reach over relevance and trust. West focuses on meaningful, location-based discovery instead.

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What makes West different from other platforms?
Unlike traditional social media platforms:

• Content is tied to real locations

• Posts become interactive maps

• Discovery is based on local relevance, not algorithms

• Content is easier to explore, save, and share

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What is an ambassador post?
An ambassador post is a curated collection of places (locations) that are mentioned in an article. Once created and linked, it becomes a featured piece of content on the homepage, showcasing all referenced locations.

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Who can create an ambassador post?
Only users with West Super Admin permissions can create ambassador posts and link them to articles.

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Where do I start creating an ambassador post?
Begin by navigating to the Explore page or using the search bar from the homepage. From there, search for locations mentioned in your article.

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How do I add locations to a post?

• Search for a location using the search bar.

• Select the location from the results (pulled from Google Maps data).

• Click the camera button to start a new draft post.

• Continue searching and adding additional locations to the same draft.
   

What is the floating action button?
The floating action button represents your current draft post. It allows you to keep adding locations before finalizing the post.

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Can I add multiple locations to one post?
Yes. You can add multiple locations by repeating the search and selection process for each place mentioned in your article.

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What happens after I add all locations?
Click Continue to move to the next step, where you can:

• Upload photos for each location

• Add descriptions for each entry
   

Can I customize the order of locations?
Yes. You can rearrange locations by dragging and dropping them using the handle on the right side of each card.

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What should I include in the descriptions?
Descriptions should reflect the content of your article—highlighting key details or context about each location.

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Can I preview the post before publishing?
Yes. After adding photos and descriptions, you’ll see a preview screen where you can:

• Edit the post title

• Review the layout and swipeable format
   

How do I publish the post?
Once satisfied with the preview, click Post in the top-right corner.

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Where can I find my published post?
Your post will appear in:

• The Ambassadors page

• The West Ambassador Spotlight

• Your profile
   

How do I link the post to an article?
After publishing, simply go to the relevant article and link the ambassador post with a single click.

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Why is linking important?
Linking connects the curated post to the article, allowing users to easily explore all mentioned locations directly from the homepage feature.

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Do locations always appear in search?
If a location exists in the Google Maps database, it will appear in search results and can be added to your post.

If you need further clarification or run into issues, reach out to your team for support.

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Who should apply to become a West Ambassador?
Anyone who:

• Loves their local area

• Creates content about places (food, travel, culture)

• Wants their content to have more purpose and visibility
   

Do I keep ownership of my content?
Yes. You retain full ownership of everything you create. Your content simply lives within the West app in a more interactive format.​

 

3. Application & Onboarding

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How do I apply?

• Go to your profile in the West App

• Click “Apply to become a West Ambassador”

• Complete the onboarding form
   

What information is required in the application?
You’ll need to provide:

• Basic personal details

• Social media links

• Combined follower count

• Content categories (e.g., food, travel, culture)

• Your primary location(s)
   

Can I select multiple content categories?
Yes. You can choose more than one category depending on your focus.
 

What is the “primary area” field for?
It helps West understand:

• Where you create content

• Regional coverage of ambassadors

• Opportunities for local collaboration
   

What happens after I submit my application?

• Your application will be reviewed

• Status will show as pending

• You’ll be notified once approved
   

What happens when I’m approved?
You’ll:

• Receive a notification

• Gain access to your Ambassador profile

• Unlock posting features

 

4. Profile & Account Management

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Can I edit my profile?
Yes. You can:

• Change your username

• Update your bio

• Upload a profile photo
   

What stats can I track?
Your dashboard shows:

• Post likes

• Profile views

• Saved itineraries

• Shared maps

 

5. Creating Content
 

How is posting on West different?
Instead of traditional posts:

• You add locations to a post

• Each post becomes a map + list experience

• Users can explore your recommendations visually
   

How do I create a post?

• Search for a location

• Click the camera/post button

• Add it to a draft post

• Repeat for multiple locations
   

What is the floating action button?
It’s a shortcut that lets you continue editing your draft post while browsing the map.

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What can I add to a post?

• Multiple locations

• Photos for each place

• Captions/descriptions

• A custom title
   

Can I edit my post before publishing?
Yes. You’ll see a preview screen where you can:

• Update the title

• Review layout

• Make final edits
   

Where does my post appear after publishing?

• Homepage (Ambassador Spotlight)

• Your profile

• Discoverable via maps and search
   

6. Maps & Sharing
 

What makes the map feature special?
Each post:

• Displays locations on an interactive map

• Can be viewed as both a list and map

• Helps users easily explore your recommendations
   

Can users share my posts?
Yes. Posts can be:

• Shared via link

• Opened directly in the app

• Saved by others for later use
   

What happens if someone doesn’t have the app?
They’ll be prompted to download the app, after which they can view and save your content.

 

7. Final Notes

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What is the goal of West?
West aims to:

• Spark curiosity

• Build local connections

• Highlight hidden gems

• Help people “live like a local”
   

What does being a West Ambassador mean?
It means representing your local area, sharing authentic experiences, and building a personal brand through meaningful, location-based content.

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Is the program flexible?
Yes. Participation, including paid opportunities, is always optional and aligned with your interests.

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How can I succeed as a West Ambassador?

• Share genuine local recommendations

• Stay consistent with posting

• Engage with your community

• Focus on quality over trends
   

What’s next after joining?
Start creating posts, explore your area, and build your presence as a trusted local voice on West.

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8. Paid Campaigns

At times, The WEST Journal will reach out to our WEST Ambassadors and invite them to participate in paid marketing campaigns. ​

 

8.1 RATE CARD, APPROVAL & SERVICE AGREEMENT

 

What is a rate card and why do I need to submit one?
A rate card is your quoted fee (incl. GST) for the full set of campaign deliverables. WEST requires one from every paid Ambassador before work begins. Your quote should be one total rate covering:

• One photo post/carousel (1–10 images) shared across your social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) in collaboration with WEST and tagging venues featured. You will also add this post/carousel in the WEST App as a post in your ambassador profile.

• One reel shared across your social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) in collaboration with WEST and tagging venues featured.

• Include the CTA in all content: “Join me on the WEST App, it’s a free download” (words in your own style) and provide a link: https://www.thewestjournal.com.au/app-waitlist

If you’re not active on all platforms, specify which ones you’ll use. Agency-managed creators must submit through their manager.

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What happens after I submit my rate card?

WEST will review and respond within 3–5 business days to either:

• Approve the rate (then proceed to Invoice and Service Agreement), or

• Discuss/negotiate if needed. Approved rates are valid for 12 months from the date the Service Agreement is signed. Important: Do not begin any content creation until confirmed by WEST

Important: Do not begin any content creation until confirmed by WEST

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What is the Service Agreement?
Yes. Participation, including paid opportunities, is always optional and aligned with your interests.

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It is the formal contract outlining deliverables, approved rate, payment terms, usage rights, and content standards. You must sign and return it before creating or publishing any WEST-related content. WEST will send the Service Agreement once your rate card has been approved. Please review it carefully, sign it, and return it to the WEST team to proceed. If anything in the agreement is unclear, please ask before signing - do not assume.

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Can I suggest changes to the Service Agreement?

The agreement is standard for all Ambassadors and aligns with our Terms of Service and Guidelines. WEST does not offer bespoke agreements. This is consistent for engagement with the WEST Brand and with all clients.

 

How long does the approval process take?

Rate approval is typically confirmed within 3–5 business days. The Service Agreement to sign will follow once approved. To avoid delays, please ensure your rate card is complete. An invoice and the signed Service Agreement must be returned before any work starts.

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8.2 CAMPAIGN DELIVERABLES

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What are my deliverables for the paid launch campaign?

Your rate card should quote one total rate (incl. GST) to cover all three deliverables:

• One photo post/carousel (1–10 images) shared across your social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) in collaboration with WEST and tagging venues featured. You will also add this post/carousel in the WEST App as a post in your ambassador profile.

• One reel shared across your social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) in collaboration with WEST and tagging venues featured.

• Include the CTA in all content: “Join me on the WEST App, it’s a free download” (words in your own style) and provide a link: https://www.thewestjournal.com.au/app-waitlist If you're not active on all platforms, confirm which channels you'll use in your rate card submission.

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What kind of content am I creating?

Your genuine local recommendations, shared in your own style — similar to other WEST content campaigns, but this time highlighting the WEST App. Show how you use it, where your audience can find your content within the app and in interactive maps, and how it keeps your content discoverable long after you post.

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What exactly do I need to deliver?

One total rate covers the three deliverables listed above. Content must be in your authentic style while including venue tags and the required WEST App CTA.

 

How many venues do I have to visit for this campaign?

There is no set number of venues required to visit. You can select your favourite one or few that you would love to showcase to your audience

 

Can I create content in my own style?

Yes - creative freedom is yours. All content is reviewed for compliance with Ambassador Guidelines and Community Standards before going live.

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How many images per post/location in the WEST APP?

Minimum 1 image per location. Maximum 10 location images per WEST App post

 

How long do you require the content be active for on socials and WEST App?
On your external social channels: Minimum 1 month. In the WEST App: Content has permanent longevity — it remains searchable, mappable, and engaging indefinitely.

Do you pay for in-store spending credit at the venue?

No. Your quoted rate is the total fee (incl. GST) and must cover everything.

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8.3 THE WEST APP & CREATOR PROFILE

 

Do I need to set up a creator profile in the WEST App?

Yes – you are being invited to download the WEST App now and create your ambassador profile.

Can I upload old content to my WEST App profile?

Yes, and we strongly encourage it. More content = greater discoverability and earnings potential.

Why build out my WEST profile?

Unlike regular social media (where engagement drops after ~72 hours), your WEST content stays searchable on interactive maps, shareable, and followable. It drives long-term audience growth, referrals, and stronger paid opportunities.

The explainer video link isn't working - can you resend it?

Try opening directly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWI7ommeRIM. If it still doesn't work, try a private/incognito browser window - it may be a YouTube settings issue.

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8.4 AMBASSADOR BENEFITS & EARNINGS

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What are the benefits beyond the campaign fee?

• Longevity of content and higher ongoing discoverability
• New audience reaches via WEST maps
• Ability for users to follow you and click through to your socials
• Stronger negotiating power for future brand deals
• Priority invites to future paid campaigns

 

How do referrals work?

You don’t need to “sell”. Tag venues, share your Ambassador Code (which will be provided to you when you are confirmed as a WEST Ambassador), or pass contact details to WEST. We handle follow-up. A referral payment will be made for each business that activates their profile in the WEST App referred by your Ambassador Code.

How do I earn the referral rebate, and how much is it?

 A referral is triggered in three ways:

• A business enters your Ambassador Code in the Promotional Code field at https://business.thewestjournal.com.au
• You tag a venue in the WEST App — WEST follows up with that business directly if we have their email
• You share a venue's contact details with WEST, and we reach out on your behalf

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8.5 FOCUS & SCOPE

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Are you only focused on Western Sydney?

Currently focused on NSW, with national expansion planned. You may promote within this scope.

Can I post on multiple platforms / accounts?

Yes. Many Ambassadors successfully post across multiple accounts and platforms (META, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.).

 

Do I need permits for filming/photography?

This is your responsibility as the creator. For commercial use (including app content), public venues, National Parks, and Council land often require permission or permits. Always check relevant rules. Key Considerations: Disclaimer: This information is based on general legal principles found and does not constitute legal advice. Yes, if you are filming or taking photographs for a business purpose - including for a commercial app, monetization, or promotion - you generally need to obtain a permit or written permission from the relevant authority, even for small-scale activities. This applies to both National Parks and Council-owned land, with requirements focusing on whether the content will be used for commercial gain.

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Here is a breakdown of the requirements:

 

1. National Parks (NSW Example) Commercial vs. Personal Use: Approval is required if the content is used for financial reward, commercial gain, or to promote a product, service, or business. Small-Scale Filming Application: If you are a small team (e.g., one camera operator, no heavy equipment, no drones), you must apply for a "Small-Scale Filming and Photography Application". Drones: Drone use requires separate, strict approval, even for commercial use. Approval Times: Applications should be submitted well in advance (typically at least 7–10 business days for low impact).

2. Council-Owned Land Permit Requirement: Commercial filming/photography on land managed by local councils generally requires a permit. Ultra-Low Impact: Some councils have an "ultra-low impact" category (e.g., fewer than 10 people, no set construction, handheld equipment). While there may be no fee for this, you often still need to submit an application or notify the council. Process: You must contact the specific council’s Film Liaison Officer to obtain permission.

3. Key Considerations Public Liability Insurance: For commercial activities, you will almost certainly be required to have public liability insurance, often with a minimum of $10 million or $20 million cover. Promoting Parks: Sometimes, if your content specifically promotes the national park, fees may be waived, but you still need to apply for written permission. Penalties: Operating without a permit can lead to being banned from operating in those areas.

Recommendation: Check the website of the specific national park or local council where you intend to film. For NSW National Parks, you can use the "Small-scale filming application".

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8.6 BUSINESS SIGN-UP & PRICING

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What does it cost a business to join the WEST App?

Full details and sign-up: https://business.thewestjournal.com.au

 

Do you offer businesses or brands discounts?

We do have advertising packages available, please provide your contact details (name, phone, email and type of business you have) and our someone from our friendly sales team will contact you.

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8.7 NEXT STEPS AND ONBOARDING

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Next Steps and Onboarding:

Complete these 7 steps:

1. DOWNLOAD THE WEST APP NOW

2. Apply to be a WEST Ambassador within the WEST App. Approval process typically takes 24-48 hours.

3. Submit your rate card: Reply with your quoted total rate (incl. GST) including all three deliverables. Confirm which social platforms you post to.

4. Rate approval: WEST will review and confirm approval in writing, typically within 3–5 business days. If we need to discuss your rate, we'll be in touch.

5. Service Agreement: Once approved, WEST will send our Service Agreement. Review, sign and return it before commencing any work.

6. Tax Invoice: Submit your Tax invoice including GST.

7. Start your content creating once WEST confirms. Important: Do not create or publish any campaign content until Step 7 is complete and you have received the WEST final confirmation

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My account is managed by an agency/manager

Reply with their contact details. All rate cards and agreements must go through them.

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8.8 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

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The 1 x Post is for the brand ambassador section that lives in the APP (imagery only) - so you are seeking usage as an ambassadorship.
NO, we are requesting content creation to include one post and one reel, across all your social media channels. The One post image/s needs to be added by you into the WEST App within your Ambassador profile.
 

So, you are asking for usage for their image on your website - is this forever also? What about the posts? How long do you want these to be active for?

You can refer to the terms of service agreement, the WEST App is a discovery platform that creates a place for your content to have longevity, you can be followed by users, they can engage with your past and present content. WEST provides a platform for you to have social media longevity and longer engagement with businesses, events and locations you are currently profiling. On your external social channels: Minimum 1 month. In the WEST App: Content has permanent longevity - it remains searchable, mappable, and engaging indefinitely.
 

How long will the paid ads run for? And where? Insta / Facebook etc?

The Service Agreement outlines the usage of content and typically we may elect to share your content in META as part of our awareness campaign for launch. TikTok and YouTube are other platforms that we may run paid campaigns across.
 

What is a WEST Ambassador?

Empowering discovery through authentic storytelling. At the heart of WEST is a growing network of content creators known as WEST Ambassadors. People who actively explore, capture and share the places they genuinely love. A local voice that can guide you to local hidden gems and experiences. The WEST App gives creators a new kind of platform, a place where their content lives beyond the short lifecycle of social media, where they can build curated, shareable itineraries using past, present and future content, and where audiences can follow, save and explore recommendations in their own time. Every recommendation becomes part of an interactive, searchable, saveable map - allowing you to engage with content and discover WEST Ambassadors you connect with. Creating longevity, discoverability and meaningful connection, helping to shape weekend plans.
 

When it comes to travel and promotion. Are you focusing on Western Sydney or travel interstate, Australia or overseas?

We are focusing on NSW only currently, with plans to launch nationally.
 

How many images can I upload to my WEST App profile in the One Post deliverable?

The WEST App is geolocated, so each location you visit would require one image per location, Up to 10 locations.
 

Reading the ambassador terms and conditions does The WEST Journal have access to all media posted on my socials or is it only what’s posted in the WEST App?
It is only what is within the WEST App.
 

When is the content due?

Content is created once the WEST App is live. There is no fixed posting deadline beyond the minimum 1-month visibility on socials. Campaigns run throughout 2026 (at least one Ambassador per week).
 

Would you like me to post it on a particular day before the launch? Or on the day of the launch?

You can start curating your content once your invoice has been submitted and confirmed, along with your signed service agreement. Please send your content draft post/carousel and reel to WEST for review, feedback and scheduling.
 

Would you like to see the content or script before I post it?

Yes- all WEST-related content is reviewed before going live. WEST reviews final content before publishing. You may send drafts if you’d like early feedback.
 

Do you have example reels/posts for reference?

You can view The WEST Journal’s social media channels for guidance on previous campaign reels and posts from WEST Ambassadors. Once you have downloaded the WEST App, you will be able to view ambassador posts within the app.
 

Where it says one post, does this mean photo carousel? Along with a post/image on the WEST App, so images and a reel all up? Including a post/ image on the app?

One post = photo carousel? Yes- one single photo post or a carousel post (up to 10 location images). Shared to your social media channels and in your WEST App ambassador profile.
 

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Last updated: May 2026