Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

The Impact of Social Media on Fan Engagement in Sports

BWF News

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have revolutionized fan engagement in sports. Athletes now have the opportunity to connect with their audience, promote themselves, and create meaningful interactions. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recognized the power of social media and partnered with Seven League, a leading digital and social consultancy agency, to launch the Star Creation Programme.

Empowering Athletes through Social Media

The Star Creation Programme aims to enhance the popularity of players and badminton as a sport globally. Over the past six months, players like Reddy N. Sikki, Chirag Shetty, Michelle Li, Gronya Somerville, Lu Ching Yao, and Yang Po Han have received weekly social media consultancy sessions from Seven League experts. As a result, these athletes have grown their social media skills, expanded their follower base, and generated better engagement with their fans.

Achieving Personal Brand Growth

One of the primary objectives of the programme is to build the personal brand of each athlete. By effectively utilizing social media platforms, athletes can inspire the next generation of players and fans while amplifying their own profiles. Through the expert guidance they received, these star players have achieved remarkable results.

Michelle Li, for instance, has witnessed a staggering 170% increase in her post output and doubled her interactions with fans. She now feels more comfortable in what she publishes and actively interacts with her supporters. Similarly, Reddy has experienced a significant increase in followers by 166% and interactions by 130%. This surge in engagement has not only inspired her creatively but also helped her gain knowledge and grow her social profiles.

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Expanding Opportunities

The Star Creation Programme has opened doors to new opportunities for athletes. Gronya Somerville, in particular, now collaborates with a commercial partner to create sponsored content and runs paid online fitness classes. The programme provided her with valuable insights and strategies to improve her social media presence, allowing her to explore different avenues.

BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund, believes in the importance of player profiles and hopes that the success of the Star Creation Programme will encourage more players to participate in future initiatives. He recognizes the program as a unique opportunity for athletes to connect directly with their audience and gain more visibility.

Going Global

The programme has also made an impact in Chinese Taipei, where Lu and Yang, a men’s doubles pair, have seen their online interactions increase by 54%. By captioning their content in both English and Chinese, they have successfully appealed to a wider audience. Lu expresses his appreciation for the program, highlighting its usefulness not only on social media but also in the digital realm as a whole. Yang echoes this sentiment and hopes for continued support to help improve and grow his channels.

The Ripple Effect

Chirag Shetty is another prime example of the positive outcomes of the programme. Throughout the duration, he witnessed a surge of 35% in his own content output. Inspired by the experience, he plans to engage directly with fans even outside of tournaments. Chirag highly recommends the Star Creation Programme to fellow athletes, emphasizing the importance of effective fan interaction.

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Looking Ahead

The success of the Star Creation Programme has prompted the announcement of a third batch of star players soon. BWF’s partnership with Seven League continues to empower athletes, offering them the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital landscape.

FAQs

Q: How can athletes benefit from the Star Creation Programme?
A: The programme helps athletes enhance their social media skills, expand their follower base, generate better engagement with fans, build their personal brand, and explore new opportunities.

Q: Can athletes from various countries participate in the programme?
A: Yes, the programme is open to athletes globally, allowing them to connect with their audience and reach new fans worldwide.

Q: Are there plans to continue the programme in the future?
A: Yes, BWF and Seven League have announced an upcoming third batch of star players, highlighting their commitment to empowering athletes through social media.

Conclusion

Social media has become a game-changer for athletes, enabling them to connect with fans, build their personal brand, and explore new opportunities. The Star Creation Programme, in partnership with Seven League, has been instrumental in empowering athletes to unleash their potential in the digital landscape. By leveraging social media effectively, athletes can inspire the next generation and shape the future of their sport.

For more information about the Badminton World Federation and its initiatives, visit Carnegiecentre.