In sports, coaches may be considered one of the most beloved or hated pieces of an organization. This is based mostly on the perception that their fan base has of them. Coach shows have quickly become one of the most popular additions to a school's radio schedule due to the influence that coaches have.
Incorporating a coach into a radio or television show can be a great way for a school to grow its fan engagement. These “coaches show” allow for similar scenarios that can be compared to a private interview with a player. Over the last few years, coaches' shows have continued to increase in their popularity and influence.
The concept of a coach show is very simple yet it still produces high levels of engagement. Fans can come onto the show to ask the coach personal questions as well as coaches going in-depth on the behind-the-scenes efforts that happen in the locker room.
Schools usually run them on their traditional tv shows and local radio networks. Doing this ensures that the right audiences are being reached. Having these shows be available only on certain dates gives them a higher value. With fewer opportunities for fans to see the coaches talk in person, more views are given when these shows are done.
Another popular element of coaches’ shows is allowing fans to engage and interact with the coach themselves. The best way to include fans in coach shows is by holding them at significant areas on campus. This makes the event accessible as well as convenient for fans that just want to hear the coach for at least an hour.
One of the biggest reasons that these shows produce so much engagement is because fans really want to get to know their coaches. They want to know their personality off of the field or court and see who they are as a person. Allowing fans to see this helps create a more loyal fan base.
Paul Sickmon states, “The fans want to feel like they got to know the coach.”
On top of fan engagement, it’s very meaningful to create relationships with players. Coaches also will make surprise appearances at signing day events for their newest recruits in order to give fans a sense of their personality.
Allowing coaches to connect with the families and communities of their newest team members helps ensure the idea that that player has made the right decision in committing to that university.
Sickmon states, “Coaches like to have opportunities to be involved off camera in unique settings.”
Incorporating coaching shows into an annual schedule for a team’s season is a great way to hype up the season before it has even begun. With this marketing also comes the chance for fans to enter contests to interact with the coaches.
Events such as golf days, fishing charters, and tailgates all are examples of the unique register-to-win events that are run through coaching shows. These events are also a great way to help promote a sponsorship that a school may have at the current time.
Overall, coaches are one of the most unique parts of a sports team. Allowing fans access to the meeting, listening, and talking to them opens up several marketing opportunities for organizations. These opportunities create the chance for trust to be built with a fan base as well as help schools in their sponsorship deals.
To read more about “Coaches Shows” or to hear the podcast version, here.