GAME ON! How To Use Social Media To Score A Marketing TD

The team is in the huddle – are you ready to rock your social media marketing strategy and rally customers, fans and followers to take action this weekend? It’s Game On! Football connects fans of all ages and genders, and that’s especially true during the Super Bowl (even if you just watch for the commercials).  Here’s how I used Facebook to create a fun and profitable game day marketing promotion.

5 Tips To Using Social Media To Create A Winning Marketing Promotion!

1.  Post “Socially” not Sales-y: I did not use my company-supplied graphics for the sale promotion; instead, I used a photo of the team mascot…E-A-G-L-E-S! The less you use company logos and graphics on Facebook, the more you’ll engage and connect with friends and fans. Original content and verbiage also help to keep you out of Facebook Jail. Better yet, take a selfie of you in your game shirt or go LIVE in your Facebook Group wearing your fan gear. Include a web link in the post that takes a potential customer right to the Add to Cart page on your website, or use a comment call-to-action. Example: “Say, “I’m in” and I’ll message you the sale deets.”

2. Timing Is Everything: I shared this post just minutes before kickoff – when everyone was on Facebook posting about their home team. It created a limited time offer without me having to say it. Everyone knew when the offer started and when it ended because they were all tuning in to the game.

3. Offer incentives that get everyone rooting for their favorite team: For example, “Shop before the end of the first quarter to be in the first prize drawing, and get bonus tickets for the grand prize when your fave team scores a touchdown!” That’s an engagement post idea that is sure to score big. Watching the game has never been so much fun for your customers! I generated hundreds of dollars in sales in just a few hours while having a blast. When the Eagles lost I sent my virtual sale into OT, giving everyone an extended post-game shopportunity to get through the grieving process. #retailtherapy

4. Draft more players: If you create a game day event, ask everyone who RSVPed to personally invite a friend (or two) who might want to join in the fun! Your customers are your best ambassadors, and chances are they are watching the game with a group of friends.

5. Every Team Needs A Cheerleader: My winners posted what they ordered and how much they saved – all without any encouragement from me. They got caught up in the game time excitement, rooting everyone else on to shop and save! We all want what everyone else is having. I cheered on my customers with play-by-play updates throughout the game in real time. Examples: “I do believe that was another SCORE! 7 POINTS!” and, “Eagles are on the 10-yard line. Looks like I’ll be picking another winner in 5 minutes. Get your shop on now to get in the drawing!” As each team was about to score, I set up the next drawing to influence people to take action. Side note to Al Michaels: If you ever need a wing-lady I’m ready.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all give you the opportunity to connect with potential customers over a shared passion. You don’t need lots of planning to create a winning marketing strategy. All you need is your game jersey, a fun social post and fan engagement to win the game. SCORE!

What’s your social media marketing plan for the big game? Share an idea in the comments below!

Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?