Over the years, sports sponsorships have become an integral part of the industry. They are benefiting the athletes and sports organizations along with the brands associated with them.
With the increased popularity and brand awareness that comes with sponsoring a sports team, it is no wonder that more and more businesses are interested in this type of marketing.
If you are looking forward to getting sponsorship for your sports team, here are seven tips that can help you make it happen:
1) Get Creative With Your Sponsorship Levels
One common mistake that teams make is not having enough sponsorship levels. They either have one level that’s too expensive for most businesses or so many levels that it becomes confusing.
The right thing to do is to find a balance between the two. You want to have a few different options, each with its benefits, so that businesses can choose the level that’s right for them.
For example, your team could have a “presenting sponsor” level, a “gold sponsor” level, and a “silver sponsor” level. The benefits of each level could be different, such as access to VIP events or tickets to games, signage at the stadium, or branded merchandise.
2) Develop a Professional Sponsorship Packet
Your sponsorship packet is essentially your sales pitch to potential sponsors. It should be clear, concise, and professional.
The first step is to create a strong cover letter that outlines your team’s achievements and what you can offer sponsors. Then, put together a one-page overview of your team, including statistics, media coverage, and any other relevant information.
Finally, include a sponsorship levels sheet so businesses can see what they would get in return for their investment. By doing this, you’ll make it easy for potential sponsors to see the value of working with your team.
3) Focus on Local Businesses
It can be tempting to try to land big national sponsors, but it’s often more beneficial to focus on local businesses. They are usually more invested in supporting their community and are more likely to have the budget for smaller sponsorships.
Furthermore, local businesses are more likely to be interested in sponsoring a team close to home. They’ll be able to see their investment in action and will get more exposure to their target audience.
4) Go National With Your Sponsorship Searches
If you’re having trouble finding local sponsors, don’t be afraid to cast a wider net. There are national companies that specialize in sponsoring sports teams.
Do some research and see if any businesses would be a good fit for your team. Then, reach out and see if they’d be interested in sponsoring you.
5) Build Relationships With Potential Sponsors
Before reaching out to potential sponsors, take some time to build relationships with them. Attend their events, introduce yourself, and get to know them and their business.
The more they see you and your team around, the more likely they’ll be to sponsor you when you do ask. And even if they don’t end up sponsoring your team, you may have made a valuable connection that could benefit your team in other ways.
6) Utilize Social Media
Social media is currently the most powerful tool that can help you reach a larger audience and connect with potential sponsors.
Make sure your team has a strong presence on all the major social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Then, start sharing content that promotes your team and highlights your achievements, including recognition awards.
Don’t forget to tag potential sponsors in your posts and include relevant hashtags, so they’re more likely to see your content.
7) Be Persistent
Sponsorship can be a competitive field, so it’s important to be persistent in your search. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a sponsor right away.
Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find the right fit for your team. Some sponsors don’t even look at proposals the first time they get them. By being persistent, you increase your chances of getting noticed.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to landing sponsors for your sports team. Just remember to be creative, professional, and persistent, and you’ll be sure to find success. Good luck!
