User-Generated Content (UGC) has become a powerful tool in the marketing arsenal of sports organisations. PT’s Fan Portal UGC Platform has enabled the likes of British & Irish Lions, Bristol Bears and Major League Rugby to foster engagement, increase fan registrations, and offer additional value to sponsors via branded campaigns.
Lets have a look at some of the ways sports organizations can maximize the value of the media contributions they receive from fans.
Utilise UGC for Community Building
Authenticity is the name of the game. When fans submit their photos and videos, they’re sharing a part of their personal experience with the sport or team they love. By sharing these moments on the organisation’s own branded platform, rather than on social media, organisations can strengthen their bond with fans by creating a community of content contributors. The same content can be used on social and marketing channels, in fan videos, or “Fan of the Month” social campaigns that provide a layer of incentivisation for the fans to become regular contributors.
Combine UGC and Gamification for Enhanced Fan Engagement
PT’s gamification engine measures and tracks user engagement, including UGC submissions, adding a new level of excitement and reward for fans. By introducing gaming mechanics like points, leaderboards, or rewards, sports organisations in collaboration with PT can motivate fans to participate more actively in UGC campaigns.
Leaderboards encourage fans to submit more content to climb higher in the rankings. These gamified elements can foster friendly competition among fans, leading to more content submissions, increased fan engagement, and a more vibrant, active fan community.
Boost Registrations and Ticket Sales with UGC
To drive fan registrations or ticket sales, integrate UGC into your promotional materials. Showing real fans enjoying games and team merchandise can make your advertising more relatable and persuasive. Consider showcasing fan photos and videos in social and email marketing campaigns to promote season-ticket sales or the team’s new away strip. Effective marketing is not always about polished, agency-created content.
WATCH: Major League Rugby 2023 UGC Fan Video
Incorporate UGC in Merchandising
Fans love to see themselves represented in their favourite team’s merchandise. Use UGC design elements on team merchandise, such as T-shirts, mugs, posters, and more to add a unique and personal touch to your merchandise.
Enhance Sponsor Value with Sponsored UGC Campaigns
Sponsored UGC campaigns can provide significant value to the team and sponsors. For instance, a sports organization can initiate a campaign where fans are asked to submit photos or videos showcasing their game-day rituals with a sponsor’s product. The UGC can be shared across platforms, with the sponsor’s branding visible, offering an engaging and organic way for sponsors to engage with fans.
Employ UGC in Data Analysis
Finally, UGC can be valuable for data analysis and market research. For instance, the registration process around a campaign can reveal insights about fan demographics, their preferences, and behaviors, informing future marketing strategies and campaigns.
Fans are more likely to share their first-party data if it means they get to participate in a campaign that carries reward and incentivisation.
Incorporating these strategies can transform UGC from a simple engagement tool into a multi-faceted strategy that deepens fan relationships, boosts registrations and sales, adds value for sponsors, and more. By harnessing the power of UGC, sports organisations can create a more engaging, interactive, and inclusive fan experience.
Speak to PT’s Engagement Team about how we partner with out clients to activate branded engagement between fans and sponsors – transforming casual fans into registered content contributors.
