Lebron James has become “The King” of the NBA for a reason. It’s no wonder he graces the cover of NBA 2K14. This year the world’s number one NBA video game franchise is back with better features and additional show-stopping moves so you can put your opponents to shame.
With a game that features dynamic live rosters, a soundtrack hand-picked by Lebron, and an improved player motion system, the game has plenty to offer. NBA 2K14 should be flaunted for its dynamic gameplay. And what better way to show off a game than by utilizing strong social strategies? The following list is a collection of five different social strategies that NBA 2K14 could implement to reach gamers through social media.
Hashtag Campaign
An easy way to reach any online audience and a tool that can be utilized to strengthen every strategy is the hashtag. Much like Lebron James and the NBA, the hashtag is king of “message targeting” within the social media landscape.
By using hashtags, NBA 2K14 can send out targeted messages and content. Social media users often look for three things: content, camaraderie, and access. For instance, a message sent out on Twitter by @2KSports could look something like “It’s game time. Are you King enough? #NBA2K14 #VideoGames”.
Including both #NBA2K14 #VideoGames as hashtags will allow the message to be targeted toward people interested in NBA 2K14 and video games. As you will see, attaching a hashtag to nearly every part of the game’s social strategy will be beneficial.
And with Lebron on their side, the game can likely get some promotional tweets sent out from King James himself. Over and over again, it has been proven that celebrity endorsements have the ability to sway purchasing decisions. A star like James is no different.
Incorporate A Strong YouTube Channel
YouTube seems to be an often overlooked extension of social strategy. However, the social video site reaches more US adults between the ages of 18-34 than any cable network and draws one billion unique visitors per month. The site is a powerhouse.
A YouTube channel for NBA 2K14 could be implemented to provide fans with an idea of what the game has to offer. Videos displaying content that highlights the game’s features will have the ability to drive potential customers to make a purchasing decision. Links can even be provided on the YouTube page, directing buyers to purchasing locations.
Even better, other NBA 2K14 social channels can link to the YouTube channel and vice versa. This will allow users to easily find videos of gameplay. Given the statistic above, this channel should not be overlooked as part of a solid social marketing plan.
Create A Social Voice
With the release of the game, NBA 2K14 has the opportunity to create a social voice that is unique for the game. Social conversation should be driven with social accounts. At the same time, existing conversations should see some participation from NBA 2K14.
Existing conversations allow fans to choose the topic. For instance, if someone is having a problem with the game, NBA 2K14 can aid in helping the user solve the issue. Support like that can easily be overlooked as a great way to solve issues.
Either way, a unique social voice must be created. Twitter followers and Facebook fans do not want to see game advertisements all day everyday. They want unique content and behind the scenes access. Being conversational and becoming a fan itself, NBA 2K14 will be able to count on social chatter as advertising.
Getting into the conversation and being different is good. By engaging with user’s stories of the game, answering questions, and keeping them up to date with new add-on content, fans will be more content to retweet, share, and keep the conversation going. Even sharing tips and tricks with gamers will give them added incentive to follow along.
All of this social chatter will lead to more impressions, which is a good thing in the world of social media. Finding a proper voice and relating to fans is the goal with this one.
Run A Contest Or Two
What do people love more than puppies? Winning free stuff! Social platforms can be a great way to give away swag. So a contest or two should be implemented as part of a social strategy.
Contests that call for fan participation ultimately lead to social chatter. Think about this: a contest is run by NBA 2K14 that requires fans to show how they play the game. This could be anything from a tweeted picture of the fan’s gaming setup, to a Vine of a gamer’s in-game superstitions.
Of course, each platform will require the use of a hashtag to enter the contest. Again, social chatter is the goal with something like this. If enough people enter the contest, the topic may even trend, which would be ideal to say the least.
Like all great contests, there must be incentive. Prizes could range from new gaming gear and sports apparel, to Lebron-signed memorabilia and tickets to a Miami Heat game.
Content Is King
You may have heard this time and time again, but this one is extremely important. In the grand scheme of things, content is certainly king (in cooperation with King James, of course).
Most social platforms should be utilized by NBA 2K14, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Vine, Instagram, and Pinterest. At the very least, the social handle (NBA 2K14) should be reserved for each to ensure the company has the option to implement the given channel at any moment.
Whichever channels are chosen to be incorporated in a social marketing plan, great content is a must. At the very least, Twitter and Facebook can be used to drive social conversation. But aside from the obvious, fans can easily be engaged by infographics, photos, videos, and polls.
NBA 2K14 comes with a great feature in “Dynamic Living Rosters powered by Stats, Inc.” To give you a little insight, here is how 2K Sports explains it:
“Player attributes and tendencies automatically update daily to reflect true life hot and cold streaks. Now, each game played in the NBA can have an effect on your game.”
With this in mind, it would be a unique idea to provide fans with certain roster updates that may help them on any given day. Say someone is playing out an NBA 2K14 season with the Chicago Bulls and has a pivotal game against the Miami Heat coming up. NBA 2K14 can tweet about real-world hot streak
that Derrick Rose is having. The gamer sees this and can adjust his or her game accordingly.
Additionally, certain types of content are better on different social platforms. Obviously Vine can be used to entertain gamers in a different way than Twitter. Different platforms will also have different target markets. To spread its reach to the female gamers, Pinterest can be utilized.
No matter which platform is used though, the content must be of value to the fans. Content that gives users access is great. Fans that feel they are getting exclusive looks at how the game was made and seeing how Lebron’s movements were captured are more likely to share the content with others.
Remember: Sharing Is Caring
With a solid social marketing plan, Lebron James and NBA 2K14 can make some noise in the digital world. By utilizing various platforms and offering unique content to fans, a target market can easily be reached.
No one leaves home without their smartphone. With content being shared and proper hashtagging, a conversation will be born. This conversation within social media is great because it is available wherever people go. With good social engagement occurring, advertising is practically built-in (just don’t give up on traditional advertising).
Together, NBA 2K14 and Lebron James have enough marketing power to sell a cage to a lion. Just imagine what they can do with this social marketing strategy…