Sports Marketing Machine Podcast

Meta has recently changed the ad landscape, making it crucial for marketers to adapt. Discover how weaker targeting affects ticket sales and learn to harness custom audiences instead. The podcast highlights the importance of creativity over targeting and explores new ad placements on Threads and WhatsApp. Gain insights into Meta's shift towards AI-driven marketing and the 'fishbone effect' for testing ads. Finally, find out tactical tips to optimize your marketing funnel and boost conversions!

Discover how a viral moment between pop star Taylor Swift and NFL stars fuels sports marketing insights. Learn the art of cross-audience partnerships to expand your reach. Harness the human side of players to forge deeper connections with fans. Get inspired by quirky activation ideas like player-chef cook-offs and bundles that boost ticket sales. Uncover how to create buzz-worthy experiences that fans can't resist sharing. These strategies will elevate your team's marketing game and engage your local community!

Nick Richardson, VP of Ticket Sales & Service at the Texas Rangers, shares insights on revolutionizing ticket sales through a fan-focused approach. He discusses innovative strategies like flexible ticket plans and themed mini packs. Nick reveals how AI can enhance customer engagement while emphasizing the importance of personal touch and fan feedback. A standout story illustrates how a simple gesture created lifelong fans. Dive into tactics for nurturing customer loyalty and modernizing ticketing experiences that resonate with today’s sports fans.

Is your ad traffic soaring but ticket sales lagging? Discover the importance of aligning your messaging and targeting for better conversions. Learn about building a smarter funnel strategy from awareness to purchase. Explore the risks of focusing solely on return on ad spend and uncover ways to combat ad fatigue. Hear insights on leveraging audience behavior for effective retargeting and crafting creative that connects with fans' buying journeys. Don't let clicks go to waste—turn casual viewers into devoted buyers!

Send us a textIn this episode, Jeremy Neisser sits down with two seasoned college athletics marketers: Scott Peace (Senior Associate AD for Revenue Generation at UNI) and Kelly Wilga (Assistant AD for Marketing at Sacramento State). Together, they dive into what it takes to successfully plan and execute a football marketing campaign.From budget discussions and scheduling promotions to engaging students and running creative, on-brand theme nights, this episode is packed with actionable insights. They explore how even teams with limited resources can deliver unforgettable fan experiences and improve attendance through collaboration, strategy, and bold creativity.TakeawaysStart football marketing planning early — often as early as March.Prioritize student engagement, especially for early-season games.Build partnerships across campus to extend your budget and reach.Theme nights and experiential promotions (like hot tubs or tattoo artists) can dramatically boost attendance.Always evaluate the ROI of long-standing marketing traditions — and be willing to scrap or evolve them.Focus on controllable factors of fan experience from “driveway to driveway.”Giveaways still work, especially when they're creative and unique.Use athletics as a platform to highlight broader university initiatives.Even with a tight budget, you can get creative and make a big impact.Don’t accept the limitations of a small team — lean on relationships, data, and smart execution.Memorable Quotes💬 "You can never have enough money to get your messaging out." 💬 "Flooding the zone with digital retargeting is essential." 💬 "We're not going to settle for the norm anymore." 💬 "Delivering a memorable fan experience should be your #1 priority." 💬 "Think creatively. That isn’t always expensive." Chapters00:00 – Kickoff: Importance of Football Marketing 02:52 – Budgeting and Scheduling 05:49 – Student Engagement Strategies 08:39 – Enhancing Game Day Experience 11:51 – Creative Promotions & Brand Alignment 14:42 – Innovation & Risk-Taking 22:26 – Balancing Fun with University Identity 25:35 – The Rise of Theme Nights 32:03 – Lessons Learned and Venue Improvements 38:25 – Fan Experience as the Ultimate Driver 43:42 – Advice for Small Teams with Tight BudgetsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

In this engaging discussion, Denise Sicheneder from Spinzo, an expert in sports marketing, reveals the magic behind successful theme nights. She shares how nostalgia, cultural relevance, and smart strategies have led teams to sell out stadiums for events like Grateful Dead Night and Hello Kitty Night. Learn why community champions matter in crafting unique experiences and how innovative merchandise can drive ticket sales. Denise emphasizes the importance of collaboration and timing, showcasing fun ideas from dog-friendly mini plans to vibrant themed promotions that resonate with fans.

Discover innovative strategies for harnessing ChatGPT to supercharge ticket sales and marketing efforts. Learn how to craft compelling emails, analyze ad performance, and create engaging social media posts. Get tips on writing clear scripts and FAQ sections to streamline customer queries. Explore ways to translate campaigns for broader audiences and enhance your overall marketing efficiency. This podcast is packed with practical insights that can help marketers maximize their resources and achieve real results!

Discover why consistent video content is now essential for sports marketing success. Short-form videos can effectively warm cold audiences and lower advertising costs. Uncover how retargeting those who watch your videos can dramatically boost ROI. Get real-world examples of using highlight reels and event recaps to bring back past ticket buyers. Most importantly, remember: fans purchase experiences, not just tickets. No need for fancy gear—just start creating! Your ads will really thank you for it.

Discover two innovative tools designed to revolutionize sports marketing. A Dynamic Survey Dashboard captures actionable fan insights, overcoming the limits of traditional surveys. Meanwhile, an all-in-one Sponsorship Management Tool consolidates contracts and performance data, reducing chaos for marketing teams. Say goodbye to generic feedback and endless spreadsheets—it’s time for smarter solutions that enhance engagement and drive ROI!

Join Jonathan Hufnagel, the founder and CEO of Dash, a fan activation platform transforming engagement for over 400 sports teams. He shares the journey of evolving from a digital auction tool to a comprehensive e-commerce solution. Discover how teams can drive revenue with creative promotions like mystery tickets and auctions. Hufnagel emphasizes the importance of data in enhancing fan experiences and urges teams to embrace digital engagement. Real-world success stories amplify the impact of innovative strategies in connecting with fans better than ever.