Scotus Sides with College Athletes
Should college athletes be able to get paid through their name, image, and likeness? A topic that has been up for debate for years now has changed college sports forever. Now that this is an official NCAA rule, college athletes all around the nation are using social media platforms to show their recent sponsorships, brand partnerships and more to get paid for their NIL. Here are some social media tips athletes can use while starting this new journey.
Social Media Tips
FOLLOWERS — key when building your brand as an athlete because:
- More brands will see your profile
- You will have more opportunities to connect with a company or brand that is the perfect fit for you
- Posting content your followers want to see will continue to bring you more followers
UNIQUE BACKSTORY — holds inspiration especially when it comes to athletes because:
- It shows how you got to where you are in your career that can inspire the younger generation who want to follow in your footsteps
- People remember those unique stories
INVOLVEMENT — important to connect to your followers outside of the game because:
- It shows that there are bigger things to be a part of than the sport you play
- Demonstrates your awareness about heavy topics, for example, posting statistics about mental health
- Expresses your compassion for your community when volunteering in your free time
POSITIVITY — because no one wants to follow someone that posts negative things so:
- Keep the negativity away from your account no matter the situation
- Understand the risk of losing followers and fans
- Always remember how you want others to portray you
APPROPRIATENESS — It can become consequential if you’re not careful what you post and write on your social media because:
- Those that follow you look up to who you are and expect the best out of you
- You are representing your sports team, university, and a potential brand or company
- Your reputation can be ruined with just one post
Taking Social Media to a New Level
Student-athletes now have the opportunity to showcase themselves through their social media now more than ever before. It is important to keep in mind 3 things when looking for brands and companies to partner with.
These are:
- Making sure the business is right for you as an athlete
- Partnering with a brand or company that is not necessarily partnered with another athlete
- Being passionate about that brand or company
These social media tips will help you as an athlete capitalize your NIL across your platforms. Athletes, embrace the new world of college athletics and get the best buck for your bang!
Biography
I am an intern at the International Institute of Digital Marketing™ and an MBA student at The University of Texas at Dallas. I love to travel and spend time outdoors hiking and playing with my dog Maeve.