Taking a break from the usual social media round up, this week we are having a look at six posts on our favourite topic – social media and sport. Sport is an inherently social activity and there is now a unique opportunity for teams, organizations and the athletes themselves to connect to their fans, and we are starting to see some good examples of that.
1. Why Teams Should Get Involved With Social Media – Jason Peck
A good, concise argument for why and how sports teams should be on the social web. The opportunity is there for teams who want to hear what there fans think, what they want, how their experience can be improved and this should be the first stage for all social media entrants. Put your customers (in this case, fans) at the centre of your strategy and you will be on the right track!
2. 5 Social Media Lessons the NBA Can Teach Businesses- Jalen Rose
Some organisatons are doing social well, very well! The NBA are one of those and ex player and now ESPN analyst, Jalen Rose has a look at how the corporate world could do well to use similar strategies and tactics with their customers.
3. Professional Athletes on Twitter
OK – not a post at all, but a site which shows, by sport, which athletes are active on Twitter. (I didn’t realize there was a Lingerie Football League , and will now research it thoroughly… especially as so many players seem to be on Twitter!)
4. Interview: Why Manchester City Get Social Media – Ash Read
While many UK sports teams haven’t embraced social media as a way to bring the fans closer to the club, a few have and Manchester City are probably the ones with the most coherent strategy. This interview is a useful window into how a team should focus their activity. Check it out.
5. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) wins via Social Media – Alex Lopez
Once critisised for ‘not getting it’, the UFC, led by their President Dana White are one of the more active organizations on the social web. As the post says, they have made themselves and the fighters more accessible to fans on a personal basis than any other sport.
6. Sports teams, leagues tap SAS Analytics to boost profits – Winnie Palaran
Interesting one to end with as we are now seeing sports teams use social media monitoring effectively. This post looks at how the San Francisco 49ers are using SAS Analytics to listen to their fans who are unhappy, thinking about not renewing season tickets, have ideas on how to improve the game experience etc. By harnessing those insights, the club is putting themselves at a competitive advantage over teams not actively listening and integrating.
Have a good weekend.
