The internet and social media have transformed the marketing landscape for organizations across the globe. Sports companies, franchises and teams are also taking advantage of the new wave of online tools and apps, which are a key competitive differentiator in the digital age. Social media can be used to sell your products and services via targeted messaging, to showcase your position as an industry leader through informative and regular updates, improving customer feedback channels.
Define a strategy, choose the right social platforms
Defining a strategy and selecting the right platforms and practices is the first step towards social media success. Facebook and Twitter are the largest sites, it’s important to consider which outlets could benefit your business the most.
Here’s an example: The Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world (since 1877,) effectively used a Facebook campaign to engage more fans and followers by doing regular off-court updates, real-time live content, creative collaborations with tennis players, as well as on-site social activities, which result in a social audience growth of 83%.
Indeed, a strong social media campaign could help your business to achieve goals, such as increasing traffic to your corporate site, and generate leads.
Be content-driven
You can improve your social media output immediately by focusing on quality content. It is important that the content is concise and worthwhile; it must add value to a follower’s experience, and encourage other people to follow your business. This content could include interesting pictures, using apps like Flickr, or videos and news articles or promotions, polls, free giveaways and links to other social media channels.
You can also establish a news feed or hub, which will keep track of all of your updates in one easy-to-view location. Quality content will ensure followers are digitally immersed on a daily basis, which will improve the connection they have with your brand, increasing loyalty and sales. It will also increase the visibility of your business on search engine sites such as Google.
Engage followers – in the cloud
Smart business leaders are using social media tools to market their products and services to the right people at the right time. Milwaukee Bucks owners Wesley Edens has almost two decades of business experience and is a co-founder of leading global investment management firm, Fortress Investment Group. Eden’s NBA franchise has been using Facebook and Twitter to connect with fans in meaningful ways.
In 2011, the Bucks offered free tickets to Facebook fans that “liked” its Facebook page and agreed to complete an online survey. The Bucks now have almost 1 million likes on their official Facebook page.
Takeaway
Leveraging the cloud and social media is vital to the continuity of a modern business. You must establish an online presence and increase the reach of your brand to stay ahead of competitors.
