As the season winds down, it’s time to reach out to those who supported you throughout the year and express your gratitude. With today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, there are more creative ways than ever to show your appreciation while boosting your online presence. Here’s some updated advice on marketing yourself and saying thanks in the current social media landscape.
1. Handwritten Thank You Note with a Twist
In the age of digital interactions, a handwritten note feels more meaningful than ever. A genuine, handwritten thank-you card will make a lasting impression, but consider adding a QR code that links to your social media or a custom thank-you video for an extra modern touch. This fusion of traditional and digital can show both personal effort and a savvy approach to engagement.
2. Thank You Video on Social Media
Creating a quick thank-you video and sharing it on your social channels adds value for your sponsors and gives you fresh content. Tagging your sponsors in the post gives them visibility, and creating a series of short, personalized clips for each sponsor could be a memorable gesture. For platforms like TikTok, consider a more creative approach—maybe a behind-the-scenes clip or a short edit of the best moments they made possible.
3. Sponsored Photo Post and Story Highlights
Posting high-quality photos of their products in action—whether in a race or during your practice—shows your sponsors their support in action. You can tag them in these posts and create a “Sponsors” highlight on your Instagram profile, where you gather all your sponsor-related posts throughout the season. This creates a permanent, curated space on your profile that showcases your relationships with sponsors, accessible for new followers and potential sponsors to view.
4. Personalized Digital Content or Custom Swag
Instead of sending physical items, consider digital artwork or photo montages highlighting the season and your sponsors’ contributions. This can be especially effective in a social media post, giving your sponsor a chance to reshare your content. If you prefer to give something physical, consider sending a unique piece of branded swag as a small thank-you—a hat or shirt with your logo and theirs, for example.
5. Collaborate on a Giveaway
Giveaways can be a win-win for everyone involved. Reach out to sponsors to collaborate on a social media giveaway where you provide a thank-you prize pack with items from your sponsor’s brand. This not only shows appreciation but also increases brand exposure for both of you, drives engagement, and adds a fun, interactive element to your profile.
These strategies allow you to express thanks while simultaneously creating engaging content that can build your social presence and attract more followers. These efforts aren’t just an end-of-season ritual but a way to foster ongoing relationships, increase your online reach, and set yourself up for a successful new season. What other ways do you use to say thanks? I’d love to hear your ideas!
