
Sports Marketing Machine Podcast
If you're a sports executive or digital marketer working to fill seats, drive ticket sales, and grow your fan base, the Sports Marketing Machine Show is for you! Award-winning sports marketing veteran host, Jeremy Neisser brings with him over 21 years of experience in sports marketing and shares We'll cover all aspects of marketing including digital advertising, social media strategy, branding, customer relationship management, and how to best use analytics to measure success. With interviews from experts in digital marketing and sports industry veterans, you’ll be sure to find some helpful tips on how to engage more with your fans – all while having fun learning. Tune into Sports Marketing Machine for tips and advice on how to grow your fan base and sell more tickets.
Latest episodes

Nov 8, 2024 • 10min
90 - How Chili’s Leveraged User-Generated Content to Drive Engagement and Sales—and What Sports Teams Can Learn
Send us a textIn this episode, Jeremy Neisser discusses the impact of user-generated content on marketing strategies, using Chili's success on TikTok as a case study. He emphasizes how sports teams can leverage similar tactics to engage fans, boost ticket sales, and create memorable experiences. The conversation covers practical strategies for encouraging fans to share their experiences and highlights the importance of creating visually appealing moments that resonate with audiences.TakeawaysChili's leveraged user-generated content to drive sales.Fans create authentic content that resonates more than ads.Sports teams should identify unique moments for fan engagement.Encouraging social media sharing can amplify brand exposure.User-generated content can significantly enhance marketing efforts.Visual elements at events can inspire fans to share experiences.Micro-influencers can help promote local events effectively.Creating Instagrammable moments is crucial for fan engagement.Teams should actively seek and share fan-generated content.Engaging fans in content creation can lead to organic growth.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Power of User-Generated Content02:52 - Chili's Success Story: Engaging Fans through TikTok06:09 - Strategies for Sports Teams to Amplify Fan Engagement08:58 - Practical Tips for Encouraging User-Generated ContentFast Company ArticleSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Oct 31, 2024 • 9min
89 - 2 Low Time/High ROI Website Updates
Discover practical strategies for sports marketers to boost fan engagement and ticket sales. Learn how simple website updates, like group sales forms, can ease the booking process for outings. Find out how effective pop-ups can grow your email list by offering exclusive invitations, rather than generic sign-up prompts. Hear about successful case studies, like the Vermont Lake Monsters, showcasing the impact of these adjustments. Small changes can lead to significant increases in sales and memorable fan experiences!

Oct 16, 2024 • 34min
88 - Increasing Fan Engagement & Revenue Through Digital Experience with WIT Contests
Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Tom Bridger discusses the innovative digital activation platform, WIT Contests, which enhances fan engagement in sports through gamification and data collection. He shares successful case studies, strategies for increasing ticket sales and sponsorships, and the importance of adapting to modern fan expectations. Bridger emphasizes the platform's effectiveness for both large and small teams, highlighting its potential to drive revenue and improve fan experiences. The conversation concludes with insights into future trends in sports engagement and a special offer for teams interested in the platform.TakeawaysContest is a leading digital activation platform in sports.Gamification significantly increases fan participation rates.Successful activations can drive substantial revenue for teams.Data collection is crucial for understanding fan preferences.Email marketing remains the highest ROI for ticket sales.Teams can use digital activations to enhance loyalty programs.The platform is adaptable for both large and small teams.New leagues can benefit greatly from innovative engagement strategies.Future trends include integrating loyalty programs with fan engagement.WIT offers a special discount for teams interested in their services.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Contest and Its Impact on Sports Engagement03:07 - Gamification: Transforming Fan Experiences06:05 - Case Studies: Successful Activations and Partnerships09:03 - Data Collection and Lead Generation Strategies11:48 - Enhancing Fan Loyalty and Season Ticket Sales15:00 - The Role of Digital Engagement in Modern Sports18:01 - Future Trends in Fan Engagement and Technology21:07 - Opportunities for Smaller Teams and New Leagues23:48 - Conclusion and Special Offers for TeamsContact Tom - tom@witcontests.comAny team that mentions "Sports Marketing Machine" will receive $500 off their annual agreement. Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

4 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 12min
87 - 3 Ways to Increase Ticket Usage for Ticket Plan Holders
Discover three innovative strategies to enhance ticket usage among season ticket holders. Proactive communication, like reminder texts, keeps fans engaged and informed. Exclusive events offer unforgettable experiences that build emotional connections. Personalized game day perks, such as seat upgrades and custom surprises, motivate fans to attend more games. By fostering community and ensuring a positive experience, teams can strengthen loyalty and increase renewal rates.

Oct 2, 2024 • 33min
86 - Promotions That Work: ERAs Night - Taylor Swift Themed
Send us a textIn this conversation, Maria Valentyn discusses the planning and execution of a successful promotional event themed around Taylor Swift's Era's Tour. The discussion covers the ideation process, ticket acquisition, budgeting, community engagement, marketing strategies, sponsorship activation, and the overall impact of the event on ticket sales and community involvement. Maria reflects on the successes and challenges faced during the promotion and shares insights on how to replicate such an event in the future.TakeawaysThe idea for the promotion came during an end-of-season retreat.Community engagement was crucial for building excitement.The tickets were acquired through secondary markets due to high demand.The event featured themed experiences for each inning of the game.Collaboration with the promo team enhanced the authenticity of the event.Promotional strategies included social media, local news, and word of mouth.Sponsorship activation involved a QR code strategy to increase engagement.Group sales were a significant part of the promotion's success.The ticket giveaway process was well-planned and executed.The event set a new standard for future themed promotions. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Era's Night Promotion02:11 - Ticket Acquisition and Budgeting04:35 - Creating a Themed Experience: Nine Innings of Eras08:13 - Community Engagement and Team Collaboration10:09 - Promotional Strategies and Marketing Tactics12:41 - Sponsorship Activation and QR Code Strategy14:37 - Group Sales and Mini Plans25:07 - Reflections on the Promotion and Future PlansSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Sep 27, 2024 • 13min
85 - Pricing Mini-Plans The RIGHT Way
Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, Jeremy Neisser discusses the intricacies of mini-plan pricing for sports teams. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing ticket buyer data to set effective pricing strategies. By using a specific formula, he illustrates how teams can avoid underpricing their mini-plans and maximize revenue. The conversation covers the trade-offs involved in pricing decisions and the need to maintain a balance between affordability for fans and profitability for teams.TakeawaysMini plans are crucial for increasing ticket sales.Analyzing past buyer data helps in setting prices.Teams often undercut themselves with pricing.Understanding fan behavior is key to pricing strategies.Calculating revenue trade-offs is essential for profitability.Aiming for a 50% revenue gain is ideal.Blended averages provide a realistic pricing perspective.Pricing should reflect the value perceived by fans.Teams need to be cautious of losing money on plans.Effective pricing can lead to increased fan engagement.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Mini Plan Pricing02:57 - Analyzing Ticket Buyer Data06:09 - Understanding Pricing Strategies09:01 - Calculating Revenue Trade-offs11:51 - Final Thoughts on Mini PlansYouTube video demonstrating how the formulaSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Sep 18, 2024 • 45min
84 - Improving the Fan Experience the Chick-Fil-A Way with Steve Robinson
Send us a textIn this episode of the Sports Marketing Machine podcast, host Jeremy Neiser interviews Steve Robinson, former Chief Marketing Officer at Chick-fil-A, about transforming customer experience and building emotional connections with customers. Steve spent 35 years as the CMO of Chick-Fil-A starting in 1981. Robinson shares insights on the importance of customer feedback, creating a culture of continuous improvement, and innovating hospitality during economic downturns. He emphasizes the significance of a strong brand promise and the role of customer loyalty in driving business success.TakeawaysChick-fil-A focused on creating an engaging customer experience rather than just transactions.The brand's journey began with a shift from discounting to adding value to the customer experience.Emotional connections with customers are crucial for brand loyalty.Customer feedback is essential for innovation and continuous improvement.Chick-fil-A's hospitality model was inspired by successful brands like Ritz-Carlton and Southwest Airlines.The company invests more in existing stores than in new ones to maintain brand experience.A strong brand promise is key to customer engagement and loyalty.The 'second mile service' initiative was launched during economic downturns to enhance hospitality.Customer listening and research are foundational to Chick-fil-A's marketing strategy.The culture of Chick-fil-A is built on long-term vision and ownership, allowing for consistent brand growth.Chapters00:00 - Transforming Customer Experience at Chick-fil-A06:50 - Building Emotional Connections with Customers14:05 - The Role of Customer Feedback in Innovation21:06 - Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement28:12 - Innovating Hospitality During Economic Downturns39:59 - The Importance of Brand Promise and Customer LoyaltyLinks from the podcast:Steve Robinson consulting - https://srobinsonconsulting.com/Steve's Book - Covert Cows - AMAZON*If you purchase the book through my Amazon link above, I receive a tiny commission which I will use on Chick-Fil-A :)Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Sep 11, 2024 • 23min
83 - Promotions That Work - Bluey Night with Amanda Rich from the Lansing Lugnuts
Send us a textThe conversation discusses the success of the Bluey Night promotion at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball game. The promotion involved bringing the popular children's character Bluey to the ballpark for a meet and greet with fans. The planning process involved working with Minor League Baseball and the group Oasis, who had the rights to Bluey. The promotion was heavily marketed, with VIP tickets selling out quickly and a strong social media presence. The event was a success, with high attendance and positive feedback. The conversation also touches on potential future promotions, including Paw Patrol, Harry Potter, and Peppa Pig nights.TakeawaysThe Bluey Night promotion at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball game was a success, with high attendance and positive feedback.The planning process involved working with Minor League Baseball and the group Oasis, who had the rights to Bluey.Marketing efforts, including VIP tickets and social media promotion, were effective in generating excitement and ticket sales.Future promotions, such as Paw Patrol, Harry Potter, and Peppa Pig nights, are being considered based on the success of Bluey Night.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Bluey Night03:29 - Cost and Logistics of Bringing Bluey to the Ballpark05:36 - Effective Marketing Strategies for Bluey Night09:01 - Promotion and Attendance for Bluey Night12:41 - In-Game Entertainment and Merchandise14:49 - Reflections and Future Plans for Bluey Night18:18 - Data Analysis and Potential Future PromotionsAmanda Rich contact infoOasis Contact Info:Keefer DickersonBusiness Development - Oasis206.838.8448 - ofc615.957.9907-cellkeefer@oasis-usa.comwww.oasis-usa.comSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Sep 3, 2024 • 13min
82 - How To Measure Advertising Effectiveness The Right Way
Jeremy Neisser, an expert in advertising effectiveness within sports marketing, dives deep into the intricacies of measuring success. He reveals that consumers often need multiple reminders before making a purchase, highlighting the significance of tracking new versus repeat customer metrics. Neisser advocates for focusing on ROI and buyer numbers for acquiring new customers, while emphasizing the power of direct channels like email and text messaging to engage return customers. His insights provide a roadmap for brands aiming to sharpen their marketing strategies.

Aug 30, 2024 • 30min
81 - Driving Revenue and Retention with Wolf Cycle AI
Send us a textJeremy Neisser sits down with Courtney Rice from WolfCycle AI Wolf Cycle AI is an automated intelligence software that provides AI-powered sales and retention strategies for sports and entertainment partners. It uses virtual assistants to run strategic outbound campaigns and drive membership sales, group sales, premium and partnership sales. The software combines AI with human oversight to ensure personalized responses and maximize opportunities. Wolf Cycle has seen success across various verticals, including generating additional full seasons, driving partnership conversations, and retaining at-risk accounts. It aims to streamline sales processes and help teams sell more tickets efficiently.TakeawaysWolf Cycle is an AI-powered software that helps sports and entertainment partners with sales and retention strategies.The software uses virtual assistants to run strategic outbound campaigns and drive various types of sales.Wolf Cycle combines AI with human oversight to ensure personalized responses and maximize opportunities.The software has seen success in generating revenue, retaining at-risk accounts, and driving partnership conversations.It aims to streamline sales processes and help teams sell more tickets efficiently.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Wolf Cycle and AI in Ticket Sales02:18 - AI's Ability to Understand Natural Language Processing04:39 - Customizing Campaigns Based on Partner Goals08:10 - Adding a Human Layer to AI for Response Protection12:15 - Expanding into Sponsorship Outreach18:27 - Proactive Engagement and Retention Strategies21:04 - Leveraging Data and Continuous Improvement23:30 - Future Directions for Wolf Cycle28:08 - How to Get in Touch with Wolf CycleSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine
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