Like husband and wife, sports and social media is a match made in heaven. If we take a step back to reflect for a moment, (REFLECTING)…….sports is the personification or expression of social media. Sports play an integral role in the evolution of society and social media while developing perspectives that can only be gained through the spirit of competition.
Most sporting events embody social interaction – played out in a real life scenario. Isn’t that social media? When geographical boundaries and limitations are removed, sports become eerily similar to the virtual world of social media interaction.
In the realm of social media, people connect based upon similarities, motivations and emotions. Sports has the power to stimulate shared times and experience with friends and family – all while providing the perfect forum for heated debates and discussions on a variety of topics. Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer….the passion is the same. Social media can leverage this intensity, passion and commitment, similar to sports.
Naturally the most practical application of social media and sports occurs with professional sports teams and college athletics. However, social media has additional value outside of traditional sporting environments.
Imagine you are a sports talk radio host covering the pro football draft. There are a couple approaches one could take. You can bore your fans with a traditional, one dimensional experience --expressing your approval or disapproval for the first round draft pick, who no one in your city has ever heard about --although he was a star player in college. Almost immediately, listeners leave your site to visit Youtube in search of your home team’s newest rookie sensation without a guarantee of returning to your broadcast. Or to compliment your draft analysis, you can offer video clips of his games and create a non linear, interactive experience on your web site. Your audience can interact with the host, other listeners, offering facts (and of course opinions) regarding his game and projected impact upon your local team.
Sports companies that realize the value of social media will empower and engage their audience through multiple senses. You will benefit from increased online traffic and new revenue channels, not to mention, be the talk of the town and rise above your competition!
So with great pleasure and the power vested in me, I now introduce to you the happy engaging and interactive couple, Sports and Social Media. (cue the music)
Davyeon
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