Samsung's objectives were quite simple actually. One of the primary objectives planned out months ahead of time when I was negotiating their contract was for the athletes to gain brand awareness of their TV product line. We were all in agreement they were going to be a multiyear sponsor for the endurance event series which I represented and now was the fun part! How do we get the audience to engage with the products when they are outdoors, sweaty and just coming down from a race high?
I remember being out on a run and the answer came to me. For all the races currently the athletes results were printed on paper and then stuck to a board for the athletes to view after the race. Why not bring racing into the modern age and put the results on Samsung monitors so the athletes can see the screen design, resolution and branding right in front of them? Voila! A year later many other event organizers were duplicating this same element.
So I thought it beneficial this weekend to put some best practices for sports sponsorship activation into a quick post. Sports sponsorship activations are crucial for building brand visibility, engagement, and loyalty among fans and consumers. The success of these activations often depends on various factors. While the importance of specific aspects can vary based on the context and goals of the sponsorship, here are five key aspects that are generally considered essential in sports sponsorship activations:
Brand Alignment and Integration: Ensuring that the brand's values, messaging, and image align with the sports event or team is fundamental. Samsung and my team ID'd that endurance athletes fit perfectly into their demo profile. The more natural the integration, the more authentic and impactful the sponsorship will be. This involves selecting the right sport, team, or event that resonates with the target audience and brand ethos.
Fan Engagement and Interaction: Creating opportunities for fans to interact with the brand is vital. This can include interactive fan zones, contests, giveaways, and social media campaigns. Engaging fans in meaningful ways not only promotes the brand but also enhances the overall fan experience, fostering a positive association between the brand and the sport.
Content Creation and Storytelling: Developing compelling and shareable content related to the sponsorship is key. This can include behind-the-scenes videos, player interviews, and unique stories that connect the brand with the sports narrative. Effective storytelling helps in capturing the audience's attention and building an emotional connection with the brand. The McLaren F1 and INDYCAR teams do a great job at this by the way!
Digital and Social Media Activation: Leveraging digital platforms and social media channels is essential for reaching a wider audience. Brands can create buzz through live-tweeting, interactive social media campaigns, and exclusive online content.
Measurable ROI and Data Analysis: Establishing clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for evaluating the success of the sponsorship activation. Brands should track metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, brand mentions, and sales data to measure the return on investment (ROI). Analyzing these metrics provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the sponsorship strategy and helps in making data-driven decisions for future activations.
The sponsorship really means nothing without a great activation and measurement plan. The best teams which do this balance the business side with the creative side which is the very reason I really love my what I do!