Sports events attract a wide range of people, especially raving fans who are ambassadors of their favorite teams. This year, however, sports events have the potential to engage more people than ever. With fewer teams playing for fans in venues this year, people are more likely to watch sports on TV. For your business, that means increased opportunities to reach consumers with your sports marketing strategy.
Sports marketing has the potential to capture a broader consumer base, including the elusive male audience, who often prove the hardest to reach with TV ads.
Sports typically has a large following. It has an engaged, loyal, and live, not recorded, audience. Televised events are often DVR proof, too. Consumers are more likely to watch in the moment rather than coming back later, or worse, forgetting about the content that they've recorded altogether.
Overall, sports marketing offers an excellent opportunity to introduce your brand to new consumers. Different sports can help you reach different people, which means that you have ever-changing opportunities to connect with your target audience as sports seasons change. More than 154 million viewers across the U.S. connected with sports content in 2020. While that was a slight dip from 2019, 2021 is expected to see a massive bounce back up to 156 million viewers.
Sports marketing can help you increase your following. It allows you to introduce your business to potential new consumers, raising your brand's overall awareness. Aligning your brand with local sports teams can help you connect with loyal sports fans and ultimately increase your marketing ROI. Many sports fans feel a powerful sense of connection to their favorite teams. When you align yourself with them, it can increase consumer loyalty to you as well.
The game day experience is huge for many sports fans, from the foods they eat to the traditions they enjoy. Connect with fans by putting together digital ads that share how your brand contributes to the experience. For example, restaurants might want to offer game-day food options to either take home or eat while watching there.
You might offer a dollar off for each goal scored or provide a special deal if your team wins.
Show how consumers can use your products to make gameday better from home. This year is an excellent opportunity to provide insights that can help consumers better connect with your brand, even when they do so from home. For example, you might show off some of your favorite recipes and dishes, display your sports-themed decor, or show how your goods and services can spice up a game day party and make it even more exciting.