By Keith Fletcher
Social media is where the world is much of the time in this generation. We had generations who had TV as their major distraction and some even had books. In our time though, we have become glued to our phone screens scrolling through and reacting to social media posts.
While it has become big business for some people; others use social media just to entertain themselves, keep up with news, friends, family, favorite athletes or celebrities. Whereas others use it to keep themselves from being lonely, bored, or to find love. For now, social media has overall worked positively for individuals to stay connected.
For athletes, there are several reasons to be on social media ranging from trying to be closer your fans, to trying to get some extra cash from endorsements. Whatever reason why you are on social media, there are some tips you would need so that you can avoid messing up your reputation online as the internet could be unforgiving sometimes.
Here are some tips for athletes who use social media:
- Don’t respond when you are angry
Social media is one place where fans and followers know how to get you upset. They tend to do that when you have had a bad game or when athletes have had their personal lives or something personal exposed on the internet. Usually, any athlete who faces this kind of situation may be motivated to react almost immediately and it would almost always be an angry reaction.
Whenever an athlete is being picked-on on social media, the best time to react is when you have calmed down and can then act in a mature and calculated way. This way, you would give a more matured response or sometimes better yet, no response. The athlete needs to remember they are not only their own brand, but they may represent brands. So best to be professional and keep anger out of your posts.
- Limit personal life and concentrate on profession
As athletes, you are public figures and celebrities; no matter the level you are in your career. Fans want to know you. They want to share in your life. Your struggles and triumphs. Remember though your social media pages should be used to showcase yourself as a brand. You should not use the platform to argue with a recently broken up relationship. Some parts of your life should be kept private. Though sharing life’s moments show you are a real person just like everyone else. So, asks yourself first, is this part of your private life worth sharing and won’t garner negative reactions.
Your platform is powerful and can be inspiring and helpful to others. Overall, let your posts tell a story of positivity.
- Add some personalized touch to your posts
Everyone has a personality. If you are a fun loving and very happy person, show that side to your fans. Don’t try to be who you are not just so your fans can see you as a serious person or someone else.
If you are also the serious type of person, don’t mislead people into thinking that you are so fun-loving, that’s misleading. Just be you because if you allow yourself to be someone else, you would give mixed messages when the real you begin to show itself in your posts.
- Congratulate and share in the happiness with other athletes
As an athlete, other athletes are your colleagues. Even if you don’t have a direct personal relationship with them, when you hear of good things happening in their lives, be nice enough to make a post congratulating them and don’t forget to tag them in the post.
- Have a tone to your messages
The messages you post on social media should be consistent. For example, if you are hilariously positive, have that tone if posting via text or video. Stay consistent in the tone of your social media messages.
- Be authentic
Just be you. Otherwise try not to be someone else or copy what other athletes are doing on social media. If you are boring on the pitch, that does not mean you cannot have a large following on social media. Your fans accept you as you are. Some of the most popular actors are quirky or shy; yet they have adoring fans. That said though, if you are an ass to fans and people, maybe it is best not to be on social media.
- Be generous
Show your generous side on social media. You could be the individual who doesn’t love talking about the good they are doing for other people, but when you show how much you are helping to make the world a better place, you could inspire others to do the same.
- Get a social media expert to help with social media goals
While your followers may come to you without much effort, keeping your followers interested and building your personal brand on social media would require an expert hand.
Get yourself an experienced social media manager to help you get a good persona out there.
- Decide which platform is best for you
With several social media platforms to choose from, it is sometimes hard to decide if you should go for one or for all. But if you are managing your accounts on your own, it is advisable to choose not more than two at a time.
The most obvious choices have become Twitter because of their short post length system, and Instagram as the world grows more in love with beautiful imagery.
Choose the platform that you believe would help you connect with more of your fans and you can add the rest later.
- Don’t hide your passion
Some individuals choose to have a low profile on social media. Perhaps because they are shy of showing off their passion. However, as a public figure, it is always a cool idea to show your passion off for your fans and followers. This would keep them excited and engaged. Last, but not least, engage directly and positively with your fans periodically. Responding directly to a comment they may have left on your page can turn them into an even bigger fan.
About Futbol Marketing Group
Futbol Marketing Group is a soccer dedicated sports marketing agency working with professional soccer teams and players throughout North and Latin America. Our three main areas of focus are: 1.) providing talent representation, as well as, offering our in-house Sports Science Specialists and Mental Conditioning Coaches 2.) offering sponsorship and hospitality packages for the corporate client and 3.) sourcing exhibition matches and events for teams. For more information, visit www.futbol-marketing.com.
