Marketing Madness: How local businesses can get in on the Hoosier hype
It’s that time of year again, when basketball fever hits Indiana and March Madness takes over the state. For Hoosiers, this isn’t just a basketball tournament – it’s a way of life.
Indiana is no stranger to March Madness. In 2021, they were the first state to host the entire tournament, attracting thousands of fans across central Indiana even during a time with restrictions. They also hold five national titles in the NCAA, rank in the top 10 for total tournament victories, and have eight Final Four appearances. But it’s not just a time for basketball fans to enjoy the thrill of the tournament – it’s also an opportunity for businesses to score big with their marketing strategies to build brand awareness and drive sales.
Tap into the excitement surrounding the madness. The ad space can be competitive and expensive during March Madness. Few businesses can afford to compete, but advertising is not the only opportunity to capitalize on the tournament. Whether you’re a local restaurant, retailer, or entertainment venue, you can expect an influx of visitors and increased consumer spending if you get in on the action by incorporating basketball themes into your marketing efforts.
Promotions will play a huge role in capturing the attention of fans. Offering giveaways and discounts will increase engagement and sales by building off the excitement of the tournament. For example, restaurants and bars can create themed menus or offer discounts to fans who come in wearing their favorite Indiana team’s merch. A retailer could offer a limited time “Final Four” discount on merchandise related to college basketball teams.
Social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to promote March Madness related content and connect with fans. By creating timely and relevant content that taps into the excitement of the tournament, businesses can build brand awareness and drive engagement. Some examples of social media marketing campaigns that have been successful during the tournament include creating brackets, contests, and polls to get your audience involved. Encouraging fans to submit their picks for a chance to win a prize will entice target audiences like college students.
The fast-paced nature and unpredictability of the games makes marketing during March Madness the most difficult. Users are increasingly engaged, looking for live updates and searching trending topics as the games play out. In order to stay timely and relevant, you have to keep up with the action. Use hashtags and share content related to the tournament to get people excited.
Sports are best watched with others. Community is huge part of what makes sports so enticing, so businesses should strongly consider hosting events during the tournament. Restaurants and bars can attract customers by hosting watch parties for the games. Fans want to feel connected. Give them a space to cheer on their favorite team and question referee calls together. Along with offering discounts or themed promotions, focus on creating unique experiences for customers that captures the spirit of the tournament and connects fans.
March Madness is a great opportunity for local Indiana businesses to score big with their marketing strategies. By finding engaging ways to connect with your audience, you can build lasting relationships that keep growing after that final buzzer.
Stay tuned for more insights on all the madness.