Social media in sports has become a key component to fan building, reputation management and sponsorship opportunities. With social platforms’ ability to deliver real-time updates and data, sports organizations can use their social channels to promote upcoming matches, share game scores, highlight player performance or announce team lineups.
Athletes can also leverage their personal social media accounts to build an audience of loyal fans and expand their own reach. It is common for many athletes to have their own independent social media accounts, engaging with their fans and highlighting their events and lifestyle. This helps humanize athletes and make them more relatable to the average person.
In addition, many athletes are using their social media presence to support causes they care about. For example, NFL star Colin Kaepernick has used his platform to advocate for social injustice and equality. This further amplifies his personal brand and shows that he is an authentic, values-driven leader.
While TV broadcast revenues, ticket sales and sponsorships still make up the majority of team revenue, a robust social media strategy has become the key to reaching new audiences, increasing engagement and driving revenue. The sports brands that can quickly respond to events and generate high-quality short-form digital content will win the competition for viewers.
Using tools like Greenfly’s digital content distribution software, sports teams can create and share photos and videos instantly, enhancing the experience for their fans. It is even possible to create e-commerce functionality within the app to drive direct-to-consumer sales and maximize the potential of their social channels.