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The Big Game is not just the biggest sporting event in the U.S.; it's also one of the largest marketing platforms of the year. While major corporations spend millions on high-budget commercials, small businesses can still get in on the action by engaging with their audiences creatively and in real-time.
With over 100 million viewers tuned in for the game, the Big Game provides an enormous opportunity for small businesses to build brand awareness, increase engagement, and boost sales. The challenge, of course, is standing out amidst the noise created by larger brands. However, with the right strategy and a bit of creativity, small businesses can leverage the excitement around the Big Game to drive their marketing efforts forward.
The key to making the most of the Big Game buzz is preparation. While the game is filled with unpredictable moments, small businesses that have a solid plan in place can react quickly and take advantage of those moments to stay relevant.
Here are a few steps to help prepare for the event:
Marketing for the Big Game often revolves around trends and hashtags. In the weeks leading up to the game, research trending topics related to the teams playing, the halftime show performer, and any viral moments that are likely to occur. You can also create branded hashtags for your business, allowing customers to engage with your content in a more personalized way.
In today’s digital age, visual content is essential for engagement. Prepare branded graphics, GIFs, and videos related to the Big Game. You can create visuals that are relevant to your business but have a fun, football or game-day twist.
For example:
Make sure these are designed ahead of time so you can post them quickly and react to game-day events.
Perhaps the biggest Big Game opportunity for small businesses is in real-time marketing. This involves responding to live moments during the game, commercials, or halftime show in a timely, creative way. Think of Oreo’s iconic tweet during the 2013 Big Game blackout: “You can still dunk in the dark.” That quick-thinking tweet became one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Here’s how to prepare for real-time marketing:
Real-time marketing works best when it's authentic, timely, and directly tied to the event.
When it comes to engaging on social media during the big game, there are a few key platforms to focus on: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Twitter is the go-to platform for real-time conversation during the big game. Millions of users will be tweeting throughout the game, and businesses that can respond quickly to major plays, commercials, or halftime moments will have a higher chance of going viral.
A few tips for using Twitter during the big game:
Instagram and Facebook are more visual, so focus on creating engaging content that’s easy to share, such as Stories, memes, or behind-the-scenes videos.
On Instagram, utilize:
For Facebook:
TikTok is rapidly growing as a platform for brands to create viral, short-form content. Consider posting football-themed skits, game-day recipes, or even quick challenges to engage with the audience before and during the game. Using TikTok’s trending sounds and challenges can increase your visibility.
The Big Game offers an excellent opportunity to run creative, time-sensitive promotions and contests. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Host limited-time promotions based on game outcomes or in-game events. For example:
You can promote these offers ahead of time and then update them live throughout the game.
Encourage your audience to participate in a contest by creating a big game-themed giveaway. For instance:
You can ask customers to participate via social media by tagging your business or using a specific hashtag, generating UGC (user-generated content) and expanding your reach.
Flowcode offers small businesses the ability to integrate QR codes into their Big Game marketing strategies. You can use Flowcode to create a seamless experience for customers by embedding QR codes into flyers, product packaging, window displays, or event signage.
Here's how to leverage Flowcode effectively:
Small businesses often gain more traction when working together. During the Big Game, you can collaborate with other local businesses to cross-promote your products or services. For instance:
Collaborating with other businesses helps expand your reach, tap into new audiences, and build a sense of community.
The Big Game buzz doesn’t end when the game does. Keep the momentum going by engaging with your audience post-game. Here’s how:
Create a post summarizing key game moments, commercials, and how your audience interacted with your brand. You could share:
Consider extending your game-day promotions for a day or two to capture any lingering excitement. A "Post-Big Game Recovery Sale" could be a clever way to maintain engagement and boost sales.
The Big Game offers an unparalleled opportunity for small businesses to engage with their audience, create memorable moments, and increase brand visibility. By preparing ahead of time, utilizing real-time marketing, and leveraging tools like Flowcode, businesses can maximize their impact on game day.
The key to success is authenticity and creativity. By embracing the spirit of the game and finding unique ways to interact with your customers, you can generate buzz, drive sales, and build stronger relationships with your audience—all without needing a Big Game-sized budget.
Now is the time to start preparing your Big Game marketing playbook. With the right strategy and tools, your small business can make a big impact during the Big Game.
