Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 05:06 pm
Many swim meet directors assume they don’t need publicity for their meet. Although most swim meets do not receive national coverage by major networks, swimmers of all levels enjoy recognition. Additionally, a sport as great as swimming deserves promotion! Fortunately, there are creative, easy, and inexpensive ways to promote athletes, swim meets, and teams. Doing so can help build a meet hosting culture and encourage more people to get on board to help next time!
Contents for Swim Meet Publicity: Get Creative!
Creative Swim Meet Publicity
When?
Swim meet publicity can be generated before, during and/or after a meet.
Publicity By Whom?
Larger meets may use a publicity manager or committee. Some team parents might not have a lot of experience with swimming, but may have experience fundraising with PTA or another organization. Meets of any size can benefit from a student or parent who volunteer to do a write-up of the meet. All meets can harness the social media prowess of all there by first, promoting a hashtag, and then encouraging posting.
Where?
- Professional News Outlets. Depending on the size and scope of the meet, local newspapers or other news outlets may be interested in the meet. They can provide coverage, publish results, or simply publish a picture and/or write-up from the meet host or someone else. Making contact and inviting coverage are two great steps towards increased meet publicity. Help them envision a great story by sharing possible angles that may interest the community.
- School and Other Amateur News Outlets. School newspapers, city or recreation center newsletters, and other local or amateur news outlets might publish a picture or article about the swim meet.
- Social Media. Good luck trying NOT to have pictures of the meet published somewhere on social media. Increase the traction by researching related hashtags, and/or establishing your own. Then, promote them to all attending the meet.
- Websites. Most teams, clubs, and swimming governing bodies have websites. Many might accept a picture and/or article about the swim meet.
- If applicable, remember to observe COPPA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Find out more at: http://www.coppa.org/#
Publicity Summary
Swim meet publicity need not be difficult or expensive. There are many ways to promote a meet and many different people to help. First, either a person or committee may lead the effort. Volunteer students or parents may write-up results for publication. Depending on the size and scope of the meet, professional, school or other local news outlets may publish something. Harness the power of people’s social media by encouraging designated hashtags. Online publishing via team and other websites may also be an option. Publicity brings recognition to both swimmers and the sport. Additionally, it builds goodwill and a meet hosting culture. Another possible benefit? Easier volunteer recruiting next time!