Going for Gold: How Brands Can Leverage Olympic Athletes for Marketing Success

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When it comes to athlete marketing, there’s nothing as electrifying as the Olympics. As we inch closer to the upcoming games in Paris, France, Olympic athletes are becoming the ultimate ambassadors for brands aiming to strike gold in their sports marketing efforts.

Want to know how your brand can capitalize on this global event and make a winning move? We’ll explore how to harness athlete marketing (while navigating the ins and outs of Rule 40, of course!) in this upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

Choose the Right Olympic Athlete 

Endorsement deals aren’t solely about choosing the most famous athlete. Their reputation and behavior should mirror qualities your audience finds relatable and inspiring. More than improving your brand’s credibility, it also enhances your appeal to consumers.

But how do you know you’re teaming up with the right one? They should check off most points outlined below:

• Aligns with your brand values: About 90% of customers consider authenticity an important factor in choosing a brand, which is why you and the athlete’s personal brand and values should align. It creates the perception your partnership is meaningful. 

• Relevant to your industry: When the athlete is relevant to your industry, their association with your brand feels natural and credible rather than just another business transaction. 

• Has great performance and achievements: When you choose an athlete to promote your brand, their performance and achievements reflect their dedication, skill, and success in their field. 

• Boasts a media presence and influence: When professional sports athletes with significant influence recommend your product or service, even the average sports industry fan becomes more likely to check you out and make a purchase. 

Image source: Canva

Work with Sports Influencers 

In addition to athlete marketing, team up with influencers with a genuine interest in sports or fitness. Think college athletes, previous Olympians, or any sports fan—collaborate with them to share your brand on their social media platforms while staying compliant with Rule 40.

These influencers can provide real-time updates and commentary on the athletes you’ve partnered with for the Olympic Games, creatively engaging your brand followers and keeping the excitement alive.

Team Up with an Influencer Marketing Agency 

If you’re not a sponsor like major sports brands, navigating athlete marketing during the Olympic Games can be tricky, thanks to Rule 40. But guess what? Partnering with an influencer marketing agency can make it easier. 

With marketing pros by your side who know the ins and outs, help your athlete brand get the exposure it deserves without breaking a sweat. Plus, you get to establish awesome partnerships with athletes and sports teams who can consistently promote your brand and create deeper connections with your audience.

Encourage Authentic, User-Generated Content 

Creating a real social media buzz takes more than riding on the athlete’s popularity and their army of sports fans. Take advantage of authenticity and reach grassroots audiences with user-generated content (UGC).

With the Olympic Games almost here, it’s the perfect time to get your community buzzing with excitement through UGCs. This type of content connects with customers by letting them create unscripted content featuring your products. 

Encourage your audience to join the action by sharing their own inspiring stories of achievements and challenges or creating a filter anyone can use for sharing—make your audience the star and expect organic engagements to grow.

Read more: 20 UGC Creators to Follow for Content Inspo

Image source: Canva

Focus on Athlete Stories 

Every athlete has their own story. Their personal journeys, achievements, and setbacks remind us of the incredible potential within each of us. By sharing behind-the-scenes access to their journey to the Olympics, you can help your audience connect with them on a deeply personal level.

Give your audience a glimpse into their training routines, personal struggles, and triumphant moments. Highlight the dedication and hard work that goes into becoming an Olympian. This authentic storytelling not only humanizes the athletes but also creates a strong emotional bond between your audience and your brand.

Celebrate Milestones 

Congratulate athletes on their outstanding performances and share their stories of perseverance and dedication. Highlighting their achievements and milestones creates a real emotional connection with your audience. 

When your brand celebrates these moments, it resonates with fans who admire and follow the athlete’s journey, making them feel even more connected to your brand. Plus, sports fans will love seeing your brand support their favorite athletes. This can lead to stronger loyalty, encouraging them to support your brand in return.

Unlock Behind-the-Scenes at the Olympics

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics? Dive into the daily lives, training sessions, and preparations of Olympic athletes and reach a curious audience. 

This strategy demystifies the Games, revealing the camaraderie, friendship, and inspiring moments beyond the competitive spirit. It’s engaging content your audience will love, and your brand will thrive being associated with it.

Image source: Canva

Score Gold with Athlete Influencer Marketing 

Ready to champion your brand’s success? Let’s start creating your winning athlete marketing strategy.

At The Influence Agency, we’re not just another digital marketing agency—we’re award-winning experts. Just as Olympians dominate their sports, we excel in crafting tailored marketing strategies that hit the mark. 

With a network of professional athletes and sports influencers, we’re ready to prime your brand to podium-worthy status. Connect with our team today to get started!