Tag: Sports PR

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Social Media Audit: NBA Players


Following professional athletes on social media can be quite the experience. It provides the opportunity for fans to get a closer look at their favorite players’ personalities, day-to-day lives and even political views. There are many players in the NBA that use Twitter to connect with fans and Joel Embiid, Damian Lillard and Chandler Parsons are ones who stand out on the site.

The NBA recently released a memo cautioning official team accounts from “mocking and/or ridiculing” other players and teams in order to prevent social media feuds. This statement was released after Parsons and C.J. McCollum got into an argument on Twitter.

Will this stifle players from being active on the site or will they continue to entertain fans both on and off the court? We’ll have to wait and see, but I, for one, hope the Twitter antics never stop.

Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid): Philadelphia 76ers

Followers: +612K

Ask any NBA fan who they enjoy following the most on Twitter and Embiid is sure to be their top choice. The 76ers center uses his account to push the team motto to #TrustTheProcess and shows that he’s like any other sports fan when he sends out tweets during NFL and other NBA games. Give his account a look and I’m sure you’ll become a fan of “The Process” yourself.

 

 

 

Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard): Portland Trail Blazers

Followers: +1.21M

Lillard has the largest following of the three with over one million people tuned into his tweets daily. This is because he’s hilarious and isn’t afraid to respond to the trolls who constantly message him. His ability to joke around makes him more personable and scrolling through his tweets is sure to provide some laughs.

 

 

 

Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons): Memphis Grizzlies

Followers: +297K

 

This list wouldn’t be complete without Parsons–the catalyst to the NBA’s cautionary statement. It all started when the Trail Blazers joked and tweeted out a gif of Parsons missing a 3-pointer during a game. Parsons didn’t let that one go and replied telling them “Good luck in the lottery show this year,” implying that the team’s losing record would have them trying for a high draft pick rather than a playoff spot. Both parties seemed intent on keeping the light banter but the NBA’s response shows that they’re worried about these conversations getting out of hand.

 

Parsons uses his account to answer fan questions and laugh at jokes about himself and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so.

 

https://twitter.com/ChandlerParsons/status/825231654398545920

 

https://twitter.com/ChandlerParsons/status/828839662932389888

Written by Gabriella Miller

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Social Media Audit: Chicago Cubs

It’s possible to have no interest in the sport of baseball and still know a little bit about the Chicago Cubs. The professional team swinging out of the Windy City continuously made headlines this season for their play on the field, but their presence on social media channels keeps their brand going strong long after the final pitch.

For a team that hasn’t won a World Series title since 1908, their fan base is incredibly visible and a big reason for that is their social media presence.

From Twitter and Instagram, to Snapchat and Facebook their impact reaches millions through their carefully crafted content. Their graphically designed game recaps, GIF reactions and perfectly timed in-game responses, allow the Cubs to stay relevant and humorous in the fast-paced world of sports social media.

Breaking It Down

Twitter: @Cubs

1.1M followers

What they do: On game days, the Cubs’ Twitter account is the best place to hit for their widest range of coverage. The two guys (Kevin and Travis) in charge of posting stay true to the Cubs long-standing brand while keeping up-to-date with the ever changing media.

In Sarah Spain’s “That’s What She Said” podcast, they talk about their strategy and goals to stay consistent and true to their voice.

The account interacts with fans, responding to tweets with witty comebacks and GIF replies relevant to the moment.

Why it works: Twitter can be a hard place to navigate. With fans directing every emotion felt during the games at people whose job it is to respond on behalf of the team, humor is a great way to combat the more ridiculous responses sent their way.

Instagram: @Cubs

853K (and counting)

What they do: With visual content being crucial to brand building, the Cubs Instagram account is the perfect outlet to drive them home. Having an aesthetic look and theme is the goal for many companies, and the Cubs manage it by posting only the best moments. Oct. 15 brought game one of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and their social media team was ready.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmtHPgj4li/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLm_tJvjSYF/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnFRQyDFe1/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnEp-CDV8F/

 

Why it works: By highlighting Javier Baez’s steal at home and Miguel Montero’s grand slam that ensured the Cubs would #FlyTheW, they showcased everything fans want to see. Even if you didn’t watch the game, scrolling through their content would give you the best highlights of what you missed.

Snapchat: Cubs

What they do: Snapchat’s 10 second limit allows for quick updates during games, but also provides a behind-the-scenes look when there’s no baseball being played. Follow them for virtual tours of Wrigley Field and to experience a game-day atmosphere right in the palm of your hand.

Why it works: Many fans will never get the chance to see the team play in person. While Snapchat doesn’t offer two-way communication between the user and viewer in the same way Twitter does, if offers a more personal feel. Through each Snap, the excitement of the games can be felt even thousands of miles away.

The Cubs social media will have to continue producing great content through the end of October as the team made their way to the World Series for the first time since 1945. The first two postseason series provided plenty of drama, suspense and elation to practice with, and if it ends up being the Cubs’ year, everyone will be ready.

Written by Gabriella Miller, Account Executive