From RollerCon 2012

1. Beyond the Flyer:
Marketing Techniques
Jeremy Bingaman
Des Moines Derby Dames - Des Moines, IA
“It’s not the number of things you do right that makes
you #1, but the things you do wrong that keeps you
from being #1.”

2. Who the hell do I think I am?
Member of Des Moines Derby Dames
league for 3 years
Current Director of Special Events
Radio marketing/promotions since 1998
Design Director, Saga Communications
Karaoke specialty: 90s hip-hop & rap
Unapologetic Kelly Clarkson fan

3. What we’re going to cover...
Effective use of your website and social media
Breaking down the TV/Newspaper/Radio barriers
A marketing tool that not enough leagues use
Competing with other teams in your market
Which would you rather have: K.I.T.T. or the Batmobile?

4. Your League Website
Your website is one of the
most important pieces of
your marketing. Period.
www.dmderbydames.com
‣ Get it professionally designed.
‣ ALWAYS link back to your website.
‣ Update it frequently, even in the off-season.
‣ One dedicated person to update.

5. Social Media

6. Social Media should
receive all of your marketing focus

7. Social Media should
NOT
receive all of your marketing focus

8. Your team should have a Facebook PAGE, not profile.
You should be posting at least once a day.
REPLY to people. That’s why it’s call SOCIAL media.
1 or 2 people to update your page.
Your page is not for your league business.

9. Watch your analytics

10. Watch your analytics

11. Watch your analytics

12. Watch your analytics

13. Schedule your posts!
Schedule your Facebook
posts hours, days, weeks
in advance!

14. Your mom is on Twitter.
Multiple posts throughout the day.
The most instant way to communicate.
Try live bout tweeting. People actually care!
Always link back to your website.

15. Do NOT link your Facebook and Twitter pages.
The two services, while both social, have different languages.
Use hashtags sparingly.
#overuse #of #hashtags #makes #you #look #like #a #dick
Schedule your tweets!
Hootsuite, Twuffer, Timely

16. When are the best times/days to post?
Between 1-4pm Between 1-3pm Eastern
(All time zones)
Between 10am-1pm Pacific
Avoid between 8pm-8am
Weekends are huge Early week yields better results
No tweets after 8pm
No tweets after 3pm on Fridays
Average post life: 3 hours
Source: bit.ly

17. Have a YouTube channel and try to update often.
Put THOUGHT into your videos. Also, EDIT.
Pinterest isn’t huge right now, but it’s gonna be.
Google+ has a vast, untapped potential. Save your
spot now.

18. Why should I post every day on social
media?

19. Why should I post every day on social
media?
Top of Mind Awareness
“Don’t worry about burning it out, worry about
burning it in.”

20. Television - Radio - Newspaper
How does derby break down the walls?

21. TV News
TV News “plays the hits”
Sometimes, you have to be okay
with being the “human interest” story.
Make friends/contacts with weekend news
producers/anchors. They are always looking for
content/interviews.
Average TV sportscast lasts 2:00.

22. Radio
Best exposure: morning shows
Sports radio may ignore you.
In order to be on air, most stations will want or
require an advertising buy.
Consider a promotional partnership with a radio
station. Talk with a station account
executive to get the ball rolling.

23. Newspaper/Print
Online calendars - use them.
If you’re going for a newspaper story, choose the
occasion carefully.
“Alternative Press” is our friend.
If you press release them, (eventually) they’ll come.

24. Getting the media’s
attention
Consider fun media kits.
Include swag, shirts,
stickers, etc.
Be the “Purple Cow.”
Send press releases earlier, not later.
For TV/print, offer a “photo opportunity.”
Invite local media to all games.

25. Competing teams in your
market
“Only the audience loses a pissing match.”
Be the bigger team - avoid online drama.
In your asset materials & online presence, avoid gloating phrases
like “premiere,” “best,” “#1,” or “first.” People don’t understand
better, they understand DIFFERENT.
Keep an eye on your competition at all times. Take notes and
learn what you can do that sets you apart.
Work with in-market teams with scheduling.

26. The Under-Utilized Marketing Tool

27. The Under-Utilized Marketing Tool
E-Mail Marketing

28. The Under-Utilized Marketing Tool
E-Mail Marketing
Direct marketing to your biggest fans
Offer team/ticket/merch exclusives
Another way to stay top-of-mind
Can be a powerful focus group
FREE options are out there

29. Contact Me
jeremy@dmderbydames.com
Twitter: @iowaradioguy
30pointjam.wordpress.com