Wondering how to use social media for athletes?
As an athlete you have an incredible opportunity to grow your audience on social media. Whether that be to get sponsorships or brand deals that can help fund your athletic career, or simply to make a bigger name for yourself so you have a platform both within sports and when your retire.
Knowing how to market yourself as an athlete is extremely important. I know the term marketing yourself or personal branding often turn athletes off because they think it might be uncool to try hard, or look like they are selling it. I totally understand, and so this post and video will focus on how to market yourself in a way that feels good and matters.
How to grow your audience on social media for athletes
1. Post More
There are so many opportunities right now with everyone online. From TikTok to Instagram, people love watching athletic content. Right now, when all sports are cancelled and we’re at home, there is a huge opportunity for you, and athlete, to fill in and create fun content about training at home, goofing off, and just connecting with sports fans and other athletes.
2. Go beyond sports
My next tip, is that you don’t always have to post about sports. Take Lewis Hamilton for example. He’s the top F1 driver, but he actually posts the least of all the other drivers about racing. He knows that he’s more than just an athlete, and is a human being with a great story and mindset that can connect with anyone. He creates content around current events, health and wellness, and spirituality. Through expanding his content beyond racing, he can connect with an even larger audience, and falls back on the existing credibility he has as an athlete. Having the background of being an athlete, no matter what level you are, instantly gives you credibility and a level of influence that you can use to help others and build your platform.
3. It doesn’t have to be all serious…
The reason athletes are paid, or get sponsorship deals, or even have people follow them or watch sports, is because sports are in the entertainment industry. Recognize that and realize every post doesn’t have to be so serious. People follow sports for the entertainment value, so provide entertainment in your posts, whether it’s really cool montages and edits of you competing or training, or just behind the scenes fun!
If you want some tips on what you could personally post, DM me on Instagram and I’ll get back to you with some ideas!
Looking for how to get your first sponsor? Check out this article: https://natalieallport.com/get-your-first-sponsor/
Check out my YouTube Channel for more.
Natalie Allport is a former national team snowboarder, CrossFit athlete, and lifelong entrepreneur. She runs a digital marketing agency, 93 Agency, has over a decade of experience in social media marketing and personal branding, and hosts the podcast ‘ALL IN’, featuring entrepreneurship and lifestyle optimization content. Natalie has been featured by several notable media outlets, including the Globe and Mail, on her athletic, educational, and entrepreneurial pursuits.
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