Sports are a source of entertainment and a favorite time pass for people worldwide. Take any sport, and you will find passionate fans that don’t just want to see the sport but also interact with their favorite sports star. Today’s digital world and sports organizations are developing strategies to tap into the digital fan base. Following are some strategies that can help sports teams develop a loyal digital fan base.
- Social Media
Irrespective of the sports genre, all sports teams have social media accounts to communicate with the fans more openly. Sports organizations are discovering that one of the best ways to boost their digital fan engagement is with a social media sharing platform. This is one of the easiest ways for any sports team to increase its digital fan base and feel a part of the organization.
- Live Streaming
Not all sports are broadcasted on television; therefore, people look for alternatives on the internet to watch their favorite sports. Now, this might be considered piracy, but it’s the only way fans can watch it due to a lack of options. Some sports teams have recognized the problem and have started live streaming their events so more fans can watch them.
- Tickets and Promotions
Sometimes ticket prices can deter a fan from enjoying their team play; this is why most teams lose their fans. If the sports teams offer discounts and promotions for the digital fan base, it will attract more fans to the stadiums and arena to watch the live event.
- Polls and Opinions
Fans of any sport love it when their favorite teams take their opinions on board. Use social media and other platforms to ask fans for their opinions or start a poll to decide the team’s superstar. In short, engage fans to feel important and take an interest in your team.
- Player Interaction
Over the past decade, player interaction with the digital fan base has increased due to various social media and digital platforms. A simple question and answer session with their favorite superstar is enough for teams to increase their digital fan base.
- Mobile Apps
Most sports teams have launched mobile app that lets the fan engage with the team quickly. Developing an application can help many sports teams increase their digital fan base and enter new regions where the sport is relatively unknown.
- Merchandise
Selling merchandise online has allowed many sports teams to increase their digital fans, but it’s still limited to a particular region. Sports teams have to make an effort, so their merchandise is available globally.
- Community support
Sports teams can increase their fan base through community support as well. Although a traditional method, it is still effective and one of the best ways to involve fans and interact with them.
Sports teams worldwide are now allocating dedicated resources to increase their digital fan base. However, there is still a lot to be done by sports organizations to sway the digital fan base to their team.