Best Strategies To Boost Esports Sponsorship Engagement

Introduction:

Think of esports like a big, exciting party. It’s a place where gamers, fans, and companies (sponsors) come together to have fun. But for this party to be the best, we need to make sure our sponsors – the people who help pay for everything – are having a good time too. This guide from 747Live will show you how to do just that, making sure your sponsors are as thrilled about esports sponsorship as you are!

Section 1: What Do Esports Sponsorship Want?

Imagine you’re a detective. Your mission? To find out what your sponsors – the companies helping your esports team – really want. Some might want their name to be seen by as many people as possible. Others might want to show that they are cool and fun, just like esports. Or maybe they’re trying to sell a product that gamers would love. By figuring out their goals, you can make plans that help them and make your esports sponsorship team look great.

Now that you know what your sponsors are looking for, it’s time to get creative. Think of yourself as an artist, but instead of paint and canvas, you’re using games and events to make something amazing. If your sponsor loves technology, maybe you can show off their new gadgets in your gaming streams. Or, if they’re all about fashion, your team could wear their brand during a big tournament. The key is to mix what your sponsors love with what your fans love, making something everyone enjoys.

Section 3: Using the Internet to Connect

The internet is like a magic portal that connects you with fans and sponsors all over the world. Use it to create fun events that bring everyone together. You could live stream a gaming challenge sponsored by a company, where fans get to compete against your team. Or make a cool video series that shows off your gaming skills and your sponsor’s products. It’s all about using the power of the internet to make your sponsors a part of the esports sponsorship excitement.

Section 4: Telling Stories Sponsors and Fans Will Love

Stories are powerful. They can make people laugh, cry, and even buy things! Use storytelling to make your sponsors part of the esports sponsorship adventure. You could tell a story about how a player on your team used a sponsor’s product to win a big game. Or create a comic series about your team’s journey, with your sponsors as part of the story. Good stories make your sponsors happy and keep your fans coming back for more.

Section 5: Special Events Just for Sponsors

Imagine throwing a party just for your sponsors – that’s what special events are like. These events are a way to say “thank you” to your sponsors and give them something unique. For example, you could have a gaming day where fans get to play against their favorite players. Or a behind-the-scenes tour at a big esports sponsorship tournament like “The International and League of Legends World Championship” . These kinds of events make sponsors feel special and show them how important they are to your team.

Section 6: Learning From the Fans

Your fans are like a treasure map, showing you the way to great sponsor events. By looking at what games they play, which players they like, and what they talk about online, you can learn a lot. This helps you create events and videos that your fans and sponsors will love. For example, if your fans are really into a certain game, you could have a tournament just for that game, sponsored by a company that makes gaming gear.

Section 7: Keeping Sponsors Happy for a Long Time

The best kind of sponsor relationship is like a great friendship – it lasts a long time and gets better every year. This means talking to your sponsors often, listening to what they need, and sometimes changing your plans to make them happy. It’s all about working together and helping each other grow. Regular updates, thank you messages, and being flexible are all ways to keep your sponsors smiling.

Conclusion:

In esports, sponsors are more than just companies that give you money. They’re part of your team, your esports family. By understanding what they want, creating fun and creative deals, using the internet to connect everyone, telling great stories, throwing special events, learning from your fans, and building lasting friendships, you make sure your sponsors are as excited about esports as you are.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is esports sponsorship?
- Esports sponsorship is a marketing strategy where companies support esports teams, players, events, or tournaments financially or through products and services, often in exchange for brand promotion and audience engagement.
Why do companies sponsor esports?
- Companies sponsor esports to reach a young, engaged, tech-savvy audience, increase brand awareness, showcase products, and associate their brand with the growing, dynamic world of competitive gaming.
What types of companies typically sponsor esports?
- A wide range of companies sponsor esports, including tech companies, gaming hardware manufacturers, beverage and snack brands, clothing companies, and increasingly, non-endemic brands from sectors like automotive, finance, and telecommunications.
How do esports sponsorships benefit teams and players?
- Sponsorships provide financial support, equipment, and resources that help teams and players focus on training and competing. They also offer exposure and opportunities for branding and fan engagement.
What are the key elements of a successful esports sponsorship?
- Successful esports sponsorships are based on mutual benefit, clear communication, understanding of the audience, creative and authentic brand integration, and measurable goals and outcomes.
How can a company measure the success of its esports sponsorship?
- Success can be measured through various metrics like brand awareness (via surveys), audience reach and engagement (via social media and viewership stats), and direct sales or website traffic linked to the sponsorship.
What are the challenges of esports sponsorships?
- Challenges include navigating a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring brand alignment, measuring ROI, understanding the unique esports audience, and staying relevant and authentic to the gaming community.
How does a company choose the right esports team or event to sponsor?
- Companies should consider the team or event’s audience demographics, values and image alignment, engagement levels, performance and reputation in the esports community, and the potential for long-term partnership.
Can small businesses sponsor esports?
- Yes, small businesses can sponsor esports at a level that suits their budget and goals, such as sponsoring local teams, smaller tournaments, or specific aspects of an event (like awards or segments).
What are some common types of esports sponsorships?
- Common types include team or player sponsorships, event or tournament sponsorships, product placements and endorsements, branded content creation, and advertising during esports broadcasts.
How long do esports sponsorships typically last?
- Sponsorship duration can vary from one-off events to multi-year agreements, depending on the goals and commitments of both the sponsor and the esports entity.
Are there any legal considerations in esports sponsorships?
- Yes, legal considerations include contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, regulatory compliance (especially for sponsors in regulated industries), and adherence to advertising standards.
How has the esports sponsorship landscape changed in recent years?
- The landscape has evolved with the growth of esports, seeing more non-endemic brands entering the space, increased professionalism in partnership agreements, and a greater focus on content creation and digital engagement.
What’s the future of esports sponsorships?
- The future likely holds more integrated, innovative brand partnerships, a rise in mobile gaming sponsorships, increased focus on data-driven strategies, and continued growth in global and niche markets.
Can individuals sponsor esports players or teams?
- Yes, individuals can sponsor esports players or teams, often through smaller, personalized agreements or support like equipment provision, funding specific needs, or offering services like coaching or marketing.