How NFL Teams Scored Big with Influencer Marketing in 2023

Influencer marketing has overtaken the sports industry, and the NFL is one of the leagues leading the charge. From increasing fan engagement to driving ticket sales, NFL teams have leveraged influencers to connect with a broader audience. In 2023, this strategy has proved to be a game-changer. How did it all play out? Let's analyze the results and see which teams came out on top.

Introduction to Influencer Marketing in the Sports Industry

Influencer marketing isn't just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool that has revolutionized how brands connect with their audiences. This approach has enabled teams to build stronger relationships with fans, promote events, and even boost merchandise sales in the sports industry. For NFL teams, the importance of influencer marketing cannot be overstated. By partnering with popular influencers, teams can reach millions of potential fans and create a more engaging and interactive experience.

Influencer Marketing Strategies of Top NFL Teams in 2023

NFL teams have embraced influencer marketing tactics tailored to their unique fan bases. Each team has employed strategies to maximize visibility and engagement, from Instagram takeovers to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Comparing Visibility and 2023 Season Performance

A clear correlation exists between a team's social media presence and its on-field performance throughout the season. For instance, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, which reached the Super Bowl in the 2023 season, also enjoyed high visibility on social media. In contrast, teams that finished lower in the standings, such as the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers, appeared further down the visibility rankings. This indicates that producing content showcasing a team's victories and implementing a robust influencer marketing strategy can significantly enhance a team's success on social media, keeping fans engaged and invested in their journeys throughout the season.

Top Influencers Tagging NFL Teams on Instagram in 2023

Influencers play a pivotal role in amplifying a team's reach. Several influencers have tagged NFL teams in their posts, significantly boosting visibility. Here's a ranking of the top influencers who generated the most visibility for NFL teams during the 2023 season:

A Closer Look at The Top Influencers

Thaddboii

Known for his dynamic personality and significant following, thaddboii has been a major force in promoting NFL teams. His engaging content often includes humorous commentary about players, teams, and skits, making him a fan favorite.

Madelyncline

Actress Madelyn Cline adds a splash of Hollywood glamour to the NFL. A single post showcasing her experience at a New York Jets game captivated fans, generating substantial engagement and visibility. As a result, she rose to the #2 spot among influencers ranked by EMV for the season, all with just one post.

Natalientheaguilars

Natalie Aguilar shares engaging reels featuring herself, her husband, and their family, showcasing humorous moments from their lives. Alongside this, she and her partner are devoted San Francisco 49ers fans, having created 23 posts about the team throughout the season. By blending her passion for sharing family life with her love for football, Natalie resonates deeply with her audience, as evidenced by a remarkable 17% average engagement rate on her 49ers-related content.

Aircorg

Who would have thought that corgis could capture the spotlight in the football world? Meet AirCorg, affectionately known as Lilo, a charming pet influencer who has won the hearts of audiences with her adorable game-day outfits and remarkable talent for predicting sports outcomes through basketball trick shots. Lilo's captivating skills and audiences' universal love for dogs have positioned her as a rising social media sensation, highlighted by an impressive engagement rate of 11%.

Shileenoelle_

Shilee Noelle is a micro-influencer based in Nashville, Tennessee, who recently gained viral attention for two reels showcasing her experience at a Dallas Cowboys game. The first video humorously highlights her realization that the first-down marking line is only visible during the televised game. In contrast, the second captures her and her friends arriving at the Dallas airport before heading to the game. Shilee achieved the highest engagement rate among all accounts in this ranking, positioning her as a critical influencer for teams looking to connect with a female-majority audience passionate about football.

Potato.bulldog

Potato is an adorable bulldog celebrated for entertaining reels featuring dog-friendly cocktails, playful costumes, and sheer cuteness. He gained notable attention for his post predicting the outcome of the Super Bowl by tapping a button. Like Aircorg, Potato captivates audiences with his charming predictions for big games, showcasing the delightful spectacle of a cute dog making forecasts.

Kennychaojr

Kenny Chao is a prominent macro-influencer known for his engaging posts showcasing his passion for basketball, including clips of him playing league games. He also shares his enthusiasm for football through humorous reels depicting the interactions among fans of different NFL teams. Throughout the season, Kenny crafted 16 posts on Instagram, tagging eight teams, significantly boosting his visibility and earning him a spot as the 7th top influencer discussing NFL teams.

Graciehunt

Gracie Hunt is a passionate influencer and football enthusiast, proudly following in the footsteps of her father, Clark Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. Her innate dedication to the game shines through in her social media presence, where she shares captivating content from various events and offers exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the inner workings of the Chiefs. For any devoted Chiefs fan, Gracie is a must-follow.

Dozen_aldridge

Trevor Aldridge is a professional pilot who shares his passion for all things aviation. During the 2023 NFL season, he captivated fans with a video showcasing his flight over Allegiant Stadium in a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird for the Super Bowl opening. This stunning point-of-view footage not only caught the attention of viewers but also demonstrated how anyone involved in an NFL event can generate significant visibility on social media simply by doing their job.

Oliviaculpo

Olivia Culpo is a well-known influencer and model who has collaborated with numerous brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, JBL, and Body Armour. Since starting her relationship with San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey, Olivia has captured the attention of 49ers fans with her posts from the games, further engaging her already dedicated audience.

Looking Ahead: Trends in Influencer Marketing for NFL Teams

The future of influencer marketing in the NFL looks promising, with emerging trends and best practices set to redefine the landscape. Here are some predictions and trends to watch:

Personalized Fan Experiences

In 2024, we expect a significant shift towards more personalized fan experiences. Influencers will likely increase their involvement in sponsored content, collaborate with teams, and create humor-driven material that deeply resonates with audiences.

Micro-Influencers on the Rise

While mega-influencers boast extensive reach, micro-influencers often cultivate a more engaged and loyal following. Interestingly, many influencers on this list with the highest engagement rates have relatively small audience sizes. As a result, NFL teams are anticipated to increasingly collaborate with micro-influencers, who provide niche content and foster a more personal connection with fans.

The Rise of Dog Influencers

Pet influencers are rapidly becoming a significant force in influencer marketing. With their delightful antics and charming personalities, these furry stars are winning the hearts of audiences everywhere. The trend of dog influencers, particularly popular ones like AirCorg, tagging NFL teams is poised for remarkable growth. This innovative strategy adds a fun and heartwarming touch to team promotions and fosters community among fans and pet enthusiasts. As brands increasingly acknowledge the effectiveness of incorporating pets into their campaigns, we can anticipate a wave of creative collaborations highlighting the lovable nature of our four-legged friends while engagingly promoting sports teams.

Enhanced Data Analytics

Data analytics will be crucial in refining influencer marketing strategies, providing valuable insights to drive more effective campaigns. By leveraging advanced analytics tools like Lefty, NFL teams can better understand their key performance indicators (KPIs), evaluate their influence on social media platforms, and analyze their fans' behaviors in greater detail. This comprehensive approach allows teams to identify audience trends, preferences, and engagement patterns. With these insights, they can optimize their influencer marketing campaigns and tailor their messaging and partnerships to resonate more powerfully with fans, ultimately achieving maximum impact and fostering stronger connections within their community.

Conclusion

The 2023 season has shown us that influencer marketing is a game-changer for NFL teams. From driving engagement to boosting visibility, influencers' impact is undeniable. Looking ahead, integrating personalized experiences, micro-influencers, and innovative trends like dog influencers will continue to shape the future of influencer marketing in the NFL.

For NFL teams and digital marketers, staying ahead of these trends and continually refining strategies will be vital to maintaining a competitive edge. As we gear up for the 2024 season, the potential for influencer marketing to elevate the NFL brand is limitless. Stay tuned for our latest insights and updates if you want to explore influencer marketing strategies more.