Sports Marketing Machine Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine Podcast, host Jeremy Neisser celebrates the 100th episode by discussing the critical role of email marketing in ticket sales. He emphasizes that the real work begins after sending an email blast and highlights the importance of following up with interested customers. Neisser provides actionable strategies for marketing teams to convert email engagement into sales, including how to effectively utilize lists of interested buyers and the significance of personalized follow-ups. He also encourages creative approaches to email promotions to maximize engagement and sales opportunities.TakeawaysEmail marketing has a high ROI, averaging 30 to 1.The real work begins after sending an email blast.Follow up with those who clicked the buy now button.Use the list of interested buyers for personalized outreach.Engagement metrics can guide follow-up strategies.Building relationships through follow-ups enhances customer service.Segmenting email lists can lead to better-targeted promotions.Promote group ticket plans to single game buyers.The sales cycle continues beyond the initial email blast.Creative promotions can attract diverse customer interests.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Episode 10000:59 The Importance of Email Marketing02:59 Turning Email Engagement into Sales05:50 Follow-Up Strategies for Ticket Sales08:53 Creative Approaches to Email PromotionsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, host Jeremy Neisser discusses the importance of relatability in sports marketing, particularly in email campaigns. He emphasizes that fans want to see themselves in marketing messages and provides actionable strategies for teams to connect with their audience. Drawing lessons from Taylor Swift and Mike Rowe, Neisser highlights the significance of addressing emotions, using relatable imagery, and sharing testimonials. He concludes with practical tactics for applying relatability to various marketing campaigns, ultimately aiming to strengthen the bond between teams and their fans.TakeawaysFans want to see themselves in marketing messages.Relatability transforms generic interactions into engaging ones.Address emotions and experiences in your emails.Use images that reflect your audience's demographics.Incorporate testimonials for authenticity and emotional weight.Tell vivid stories that resonate with your audience.Focus on shared experiences to create emotional connections.Acknowledge fan loyalty to make them feel valued.Relatability can lead to higher ticket sales.Celebrate the shared values and passions of your fans.Chapters00:00 - The Power of Relatability in Marketing01:19 - Lessons from Taylor Swift and Mike Rowe05:12 - Tactics for Effective Email Marketing09:37 - Applying Relatability to CampaignsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, Vince Surdo discusses the launch of Catch's new software, Front Office, designed to streamline operations for sports teams. The conversation covers the challenges teams face with chaotic operations, the importance of data in sales tracking, and how mobile ordering can enhance fan engagement. Surdo emphasizes the need for effective communication and collaboration within teams to improve efficiency and revenue. He also highlights the significance of building strong relationships with clients and providing ongoing support to ensure success.TakeawaysFront Office is designed to eliminate chaos in team operations.Teams often struggle with scattered data across multiple spreadsheets.Mobile ordering enhances fan experience and operational efficiency.Data collection is crucial for understanding fan preferences.Effective communication is key to successful operations.Recurring fans are more valuable than one-time attendees.The software allows for real-time updates and collaboration.Promotional offers can incentivize teams to adopt new technology.Building relationships with clients is essential for long-term success.The future of sports marketing is focused on data-driven decisions.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Front Office Software03:09 - Identifying Operational Chaos in Sports Teams05:56 - Streamlining Sales and Operations08:50 - Enhancing Payment Processes12:03 - Leveraging Data for Sales Insights14:48 - Mobile Ordering and Fan Engagement17:59 - Building Relationships and Customer Support20:59 - Promotional Offers and Future GrowthCatch websiteEmail Vince for a DEMO - vince.surdo@gocatch.ioSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, Jeremy Neisser discusses the potential ban of TikTok in the United States and its implications for sports teams and fan engagement. He outlines the legal scrutiny surrounding TikTok, the national security concerns, and the possible outcomes of the ban, including a complete ban, stricter regulations, or operational changes. Neisser emphasizes the importance of TikTok for reaching younger audiences and offers strategies for sports teams to prepare for a world without TikTok, including diversifying content and prioritizing owned media.TakeawaysTikTok's potential ban raises concerns for sports marketing.Legal scrutiny focuses on data security and privacy issues.Possible outcomes include a complete ban or stricter regulations.TikTok is crucial for engaging Gen Z and millennials.The platform's algorithm allows for organic content discovery.Teams should repurpose TikTok content for other platforms.Downloading TikTok content without branding is essential.Prioritizing owned media like email is crucial for teams.Diversifying content strategies can mitigate risks.Building a strong email list is vital for future engagement.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to TikTok's Potential Ban01:09 - Legal Scrutiny and National Security Concerns03:59 - Possible Outcomes of the Ban04:57 - Impact on Sports Teams and Fan Engagement07:17 - Strategies for a Post-TikTok WorldDownload all of your TikToks - YOUTUBE videoSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, host Jeremy Neisser discusses the resurgence of direct mail as a powerful marketing tool for sports teams. He highlights its high open rates, tangibility, and reduced competition compared to digital ads. Neisser shares successful case studies from teams utilizing direct mail for sponsorship and alumni donations, emphasizing the importance of timing, targeting, and messaging in crafting effective campaigns. He encourages teams to consider direct mail as a viable option in their marketing strategies.TakeawaysDirect mail is making a comeback in sports marketing.High open rates of direct mail can lead to better engagement.Direct mail offers a tangible item that leaves a lasting impression.Less competition in mailboxes compared to crowded email inboxes.Successful campaigns can yield significant returns on investment.Targeting specific lists can enhance the effectiveness of campaigns.Timing is crucial for the success of direct mail campaigns.Keep messaging simple to avoid overwhelming recipients.Direct mail can be a cost-effective marketing strategy.Consider direct mail as a complement to digital marketing efforts.Chapters00:00 - The Comeback of Direct Mail in Sports Marketing02:49 - Success Stories: Direct Mail Campaigns in Action06:03 - Strategies for Effective Direct Mail Campaigns08:50 - Planning and Execution of Direct Mail CampaignsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this Sports Marketing Machine Podcast episode, Jeremy Neisser shares his 12 marketing and fan engagement predictions for 2025. He discusses the impact of AI on fan engagement, the rise of flexible membership models, the dominance of short-form video content, and the importance of user-generated content and micro-influencers. Neisser emphasizes the need for a holistic marketing approach, innovations in merchandise, and the significance of mobile ordering for concessions. He also explores donor engagement strategies and the integration of NIL athletes into marketing campaigns, highlighting the evolving landscape of sports marketing.TakeawaysAI will enable hyper-personalization in fan engagement.Membership models are evolving to be more flexible.Short-form video content is crucial for reaching younger audiences.AI can automate content creation for real-time updates.Micro-influencers can significantly impact local marketing efforts.A holistic marketing approach is necessary for effective attribution.Limited edition merchandise can drive fan excitement and sales.Mobile ordering will enhance the game day experience.Donor engagement should go beyond just financial contributions.NIL partnerships can boost marketing efforts and revenue.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Sports Marketing Predictions02:06  - AI and Hyper-Personalization in Fan Engagement04:30  - The Rise of Membership 2.006:25  - Short Form Video Dominance08:50  - AI-Generated Content for Real-Time Updates09:19  - User-Generated Content and Micro-Influencers12:10  - Shifting from Old Attribution Models14:48  - Merchandise Innovations and Limited Edition Drops17:35  - Game Day Innovations and Mobile Ordering20:27  - Donor Engagement Beyond Cash21:45  - NIL and Team Synergy23:39  - Creator Partnerships and NIL Expansion25:30  - Emerging NIL Platforms for Smaller MarketsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this conversation, KC Smurthwaite discusses the mission and operations of Athletics Admin, a consultancy focused on solving problems in collegiate athletics. He shares insights on revenue generation, donor engagement, and innovative fundraising strategies, particularly in the context of the evolving landscape of college sports and NIL regulations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, understanding donor expectations, and the future of college athletics. In this conversation, Jeremy Neisser and KC Smurthwaite discuss the evolving landscape of sports marketing, particularly focusing on innovative jersey programs that engage fans and alumni while raising funds for athletic departments. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by NIL contracts, the importance of alumni engagement, and the potential for expanding these unique merchandise initiatives across various sports. The discussion highlights the collaborative nature of these programs and the positive impact they can have on university athletics.TakeawaysAthletics Admin aims to focus on student-athlete needs rather than just revenue.The consultancy seeks to fill gaps in collegiate athletics administration.Understanding what success looks like for clients is crucial.Annual funds serve as a gateway for donor engagement.Testing new strategies can lead to successful fundraising outcomes.Building relationships with donors is essential for long-term success.Innovative approaches, like sharing scouting reports, can enhance donor engagement.NIL has changed the dynamics of donor contributions and athlete compensation.The future of college athletics may see a separation between football and other sports.Fans are increasingly looking for ways to feel ownership in their teams.  Athletes face high expectations, leading to disappointment when teams underperform.Innovative jersey programs can generate significant revenue for athletic departments.Engaging alumni through unique merchandise can foster a sense of connection to their alma mater.The jersey program operates with zero cost to the institution, sharing revenue with them.The program has successfully raised funds through creative marketing strategies.Involving former athletes can enhance fundraising efforts and alumni engagement.The auction platform allows fans to bid on jerseys in real-time during games.The program is adaptable and can be expanded to various sports beyond basketball.Collaboration with universities is key to the success of the jersey program.The initiative aims to create memorable experiences for fans and student-athletes alike.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Athletics Admin05:57 - Revenue Generation Strategies11:50 - Innovative Fundraising Approaches19:45 - The Dark Side of Sports Expectations30:34 - Expanding the Jersey Concept to Other Sports37:46 - Connecting with Universities for CollaborationConnect with KC on LinkedIn or his website Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine Podcast, host Jeremy Neisser explores the pros and cons of selling tickets to brokers. He discusses the historical context of ticket brokering, its evolution, and the implications for teams in terms of revenue, fan experience, and pricing strategies. The conversation highlights key considerations for teams when deciding whether to engage with ticket brokers, including inventory management, pricing strategies, and maintaining fan loyalty. Neisser emphasizes the importance of understanding both the benefits and drawbacks of working with brokers to make informed decisions.TakeawaysSelling tickets to brokers can provide immediate revenue.Brokers can help teams manage unsold inventory.Ticket prices can become inflated when sold through brokers.Fans may feel disconnected from teams when buying through brokers.Brokers have sophisticated platforms for selling tickets.Teams miss out on valuable buyer data when selling to brokers.Setting limits on ticket purchases can help maintain control.Collaborating with brokers can lead to better pricing strategies.Dynamic pricing systems can help teams compete with brokers.Understanding the pros and cons is crucial for teams. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Ticket Brokering01:07 - The Evolution of Ticket Brokers02:33 - Pros of Selling to Ticket Brokers04:01 - Cons of Selling to Ticket Brokers07:24 - Key Considerations for Teams10:34 - Strategies for Managing Broker RelationshipsLogitix can help team post their existing inventory on places like StubHub, etc. Reach out to Travis Apple - tapple@logitix.com if you are interested. Make sure you share that you heard it on the Sports Marketing Machine podcast Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode, Jeremy Neisser discusses the implications of tariffs on sports marketing, focusing on how they affect budgets, promotional strategies, and fan engagement. He explains what tariffs are, their purpose, and how they can increase costs for imported goods. Jeremy provides actionable strategies for sports teams to manage these costs, including setting aside emergency funds, having in-depth conversations with promotional companies, and exploring creative solutions for promotional items. He also highlights the importance of staying informed about potential tax credits that could alleviate some financial burdens.TakeawaysTariffs are a tax imposed on imported goods.They can significantly impact budgets for sports teams.Setting aside an emergency fund is crucial for unexpected costs.Engaging in lengthy discussions with suppliers is necessary.Creativity in sourcing promotional items can save costs.Local businesses can provide alternatives to imported goods.Understanding the political implications of tariffs is important.Monitoring potential tax credits can provide financial relief.Tariffs can reduce consumer choice and raise living costs.Planning ahead is essential to mitigate tariff impacts.Chapters00:00 - Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact05:44 - Strategies for Managing Tariff Costs10:19 - Creative Solutions for Promotional Items13:41 - Tax Considerations and Final TakeawaysAdditional Resources:Trump’s threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for reliefTrump proves he is serious on tariffs - but it's not about tradeHere's why Trump thinks tariffs are good for the U.S. — and what the experts sayWhat does Trump’s latest tariff plan mean for the U.S.?US announces billions to help farmers hurt by Trump tariffsSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, Jeremy Neisser discusses strategies for maximizing fan engagement and sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. He emphasizes the importance of offering two distinct deals to reduce decision fatigue, the necessity of early pre-promotion to build excitement, and the critical nature of tracking and analyzing results to refine future strategies. The episode is packed with actionable insights and creative ideas for sports marketers looking to enhance their promotional efforts during the holiday season.TakeawaysCraft two deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.Offering two options reduces decision fatigue.Start teasing your deals early to build excitement.Utilize a multi-channel approach for promotion.Ensure a seamless and mobile-friendly checkout process.Track engagement metrics to assess effectiveness.Involve local influencers to enhance visibility.Consider collaborations with local businesses for deals.Engage players or mascots in promotional content.Prepare and promote early for better success.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Black Friday and Cyber Monday Strategies05:21 - Crafting Effective Deals for Engagement11:24 - Pre-Promotion and Execution TacticsEpisode 43Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine