The NBA Social Media Awards are tonight and while the show is planning to focus on the “most amazing plays, the most tweeted moments, and NBA content that blew up the digital stratosphere”, we’ve decided to take a different perspective on the NBA and social media.
We’ve focused on the social media properties on which NBA teams are activating. We’ve highlighted an example of one team doing something especially unique on each platform.
Our Top 8 NBA Social Media Moments
1. New York Knicks use Facebook to drive email signups
The Knicks use an image to draw people to signup for Knicks Now emails. Reason why it works? Using an image improves Edgerank, and asking Facebook fans to join the newsletter is an easy way to build a list from existing fans. Using bit.ly to track clicks gives the team direct analytics on how successful this strategy is.
2. Los Angeles Lakers use Instagram to provide behind the scenes access
The Lakers focus on behind-the-scenes photos. The result? Fans get access to the moments they wish they could witness, whether they’re at the game or not.
3. Sacramento Kings use Pinterest to share Facebook cover photos
Pinterest began with an anti-self-promotion attitude, but the Sacramento Kings use frequent updates and diverse content to maintain a team-focused but fully-engaging Pinterest account. Multiple boards highlight everything from game photos to pets in Kings’ gear.
4. Phoenix Suns use Google+ to remind fans to tune in
One of the benefits of Google+ is that its format allows for more text-content than other social channels. The Suns take advantage of the space by packing in valuable information for fans, like game times on TV and radio. Add that to strong calls-to-action and a matching photo and the Suns dominate our Google+ category.
5. Boston Celtics use YouTube to get fans excited with passionate celebrity fans
How do you rile fans up with video? Get some passionate celebrity endorsements. The Celtics had a few famous faces in Celtics gear record short videos during the playoffs.
6. Milwaukee Bucks use Foursquare to highlight where their mascot will be appearing
Players aren’t the only NBA stars engaging fans through social media. The Milwaukee Bucks mascot, Bango, can be found and tracked on Foursquare. The strategy is great for appealing to younger fans and their parents.
7. Denver Nuggets use Twitter to increase fan engagement
A well-crafted meme is a wonderful thing. The Denver Nuggets use Twitter to run fun, lighthearted contests that get fans involved and rewarded through promoted tweets and weekly highlights. Promoting tweets lets non-followers catch what they’re missing out on.
8. Portland Trail Blazers use Tumblr to remember past greats in card form
Notice a common theme here? Pictures tell 1,000 words and the Trail Blazers embrace this mantra on their Tumblr page. Featuring cards of the team’s legendary basketball players is a surefire way to get the team’s fans feeling nostalgic.
Bonus: If a picture tells 1,000 words, what does a gif do? They’re just awesome.
Feel free to sound off in the comments below on which team you feel did something unique and noteworthy to engage fans through any of the social media channels highlighted above. Want your team to have a top social media moment for next season? Download our ebook, 3 Keys to Fan List Success.
