Sports Marketing Machine Podcast

Discover how direct mail is making a comeback in sports marketing, with impressive open rates and tangible results. Hear about successful case studies that showcase its impact on sponsorship and alumni donations. Learn why timing, targeting, and simple messaging are crucial for effectiveness. With reduced competition compared to digital ads, direct mail presents a unique opportunity for teams to engage fans and boost returns on investment. It’s time to rethink your marketing mix and consider the power of a well-crafted postcard!

Explore fascinating predictions for sports marketing and fan engagement by 2025. Discover how AI will enable hyper-personalization and automate content creation for real-time interactions. The rise of flexible membership models and short-form video content will reshape audience connections. Micro-influencers could significantly impact local marketing, while innovative merchandise like limited editions can spark excitement. Plus, learn about enhancing game day experiences through mobile ordering and evolving donor engagement strategies.

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

Discover innovative ways to boost fan engagement during the holiday shopping season. Two distinct deals can help reduce decision fatigue for shoppers. Pre-promoting early is essential to drum up excitement and maximize participation. A multi-channel strategy ensures maximum reach, while a seamless mobile-friendly checkout enhances the customer experience. Engage local influencers and collaborate with nearby businesses to amplify visibility. Analyze metrics to refine future promotions and ensure success this Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

The discussion delves into how user-generated content can transform marketing strategies, spotlighting Chili's success on TikTok. There's a strong focus on how sports teams can harness similar techniques to enhance fan interactions and boost ticket sales. Practical tips on encouraging fans to share their experiences are highlighted, emphasizing visually engaging moments that resonate. The conversation also addresses the role of micro-influencers and the importance of creating Instagrammable experiences for organic growth.

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!

In this discussion, Tom Bridger, co-founder of the WIT Contests platform, dives into revolutionary strategies for sports fan engagement through gamification and data analytics. He shares compelling case studies demonstrating how digital activations boost ticket sales and sponsorships. Bridger emphasizes the importance of adapting to modern fan expectations and leveraging email marketing for high ROI. He also highlights how both large and small teams can benefit from innovative engagement tactics, with insights into future trends in sports marketing.

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.