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As a small business you might think that sponsoring a local sports team isn’t for you, because it is something only big businesses do. But actually sponsoring a local sports team is one of the best ways you can have some local marketing – even when you’re not on the clock.
So, how can sponsoring a sports team be great for your business?
Expanding Network
Your local network can be very powerful, even for businesses that are completely online. Because even if you sell products and services online, local buyers and customers can make it easy to meet face-to-face.
Part of being a team sponsor means you will likely be on the sidelines from time to time cheering on the group. While there, you’re likely to meet a lot of parents, other sponsors, and plenty of other people besides.
Awareness
A team wearing your logo is one of the quickest ways for people to see your brand and begin to look deeping into what you do. Before you get accepted to be the sponsor you might need to talk to the coach and other team members about your values as a business and why you have an interest in being a sponsor.
You might need to bring plenty of spiritwear ideas, as well as other ways that you can help the team progress. Training, travel costs and more.
But what you get in return from the effort is a much increased amount of awareness of your brand.
Make and Impact
A huge benefit that is more than just good business is that you will be making a difference in the lives of the team that you sponsor. No matter the age it can be nice to know that there is a business (or a person) who believes in them.
But when looking specifically at youth teams, supporting and sponsoring them can make a significant impact in their future. It directly impacts their confidence and supports their goals.
Often youth teams are made up of a range of people, but there will likely be more than a few in there who dream of being a football star, or a basketball star and making this their profession.
Loyalty
With your logo on the jerseys, logo clad mugs and maybe a few other promotion items around, you are more likely to find a few new loyal customers. Although you will need to put the time in to make sure that your sponsorship is long term, not a passing phase, you being a loyal fan to the team, could be returned with having a whole team of loyal fans.
Reputation
And finally, one of the most important things that will happen when you make an effort to sponsor a local team, is that you can create and maintain a good reputation. A good reputation is something that isn’t easy to earn but can disappear overnight.
Even online businesses need to have a good reputation, and where are some things that you can do to help yours: Your Online Reputation And How You Can Improve It – Making It Pay To Stay.
