General Managers and Account Executives are now using social media and personal networks more and more as a sales tool than ever before. Staff are encouraged to connect with their season ticket holders and donors via LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to help prospect and develop business relationships beyond just the phone.
Last month, the Pitt Athletics Ticket Sales team developed a thorough plan for the spring and summer that coincides with sales timelines and special events. The plan takes into account using the videos and graphics the athletic department is investing in for their student-athletes, coaches and fans.
Results began right away. After the first post about season tickets being available to the general public, members of the staff were fielding emails from alumni and fans referencing their LinkedIn post and that they were interested in purchasing tickets for the upcoming season. The first email Greg Smith received from a fan resulted in eight (8) football season tickets for $1,600 in new revenue, 10 Seats for Soldiers for an additional $100 and a deposit for men’s basketball season tickets for next season.
| 2018 Offseason Social Media Strategy | |||
| Date | Topic | Notes | Media |
| Monday, March 12 | New Football Season Tickets | General Public Sale | Photo from graphic design dept |
| Monday, March 26 | Available Seating Location | Pictures from premium areas in Heinz Field | Pictures of available seats |
| Friday, April 6 | Spring Game Reminder | Meet the Team and see firsthand available seats | Video from Spring Practice |
| Monday, April 16 | Spring Game Recap | Highlight one player’s performance and pictures from lower level seats | Pictures from the game |
| Tuesday, May 1 | Young Alumni Program | Days after graduation for Class of 2018. Pictures from available seats | Picutre of recent grads in stands together |
| Tuesday, May 15 | Seats For Service | Support a Family of Four for only $40 | Military holding the flag on the field |
| Tuesday, May 29 | Group Tickets on Sale | B2B – Client Entertainment and Employee Outings | Flyer for sending out to B2B prospects |
| Tuesday, June 12 | Faculty/Staff and UPMC Season Tickets | Discount for exclusive groups on tickets | Video at Heinz Field |
| Monday, July 2 | Seats For Service | Support a Family of Four for only $40 | Military holding the flag on the field |
| Wednesday, July 18 | Available Seating Locations | Pictures from premium areas in Heinz Field | Video at Heinz Field |
| Thursday, August 2 | 30 Days Til Kickoff | 30% Season Tickets with Young Alumni Program | Picutre of recent grads in stands together |
| Wednesday, August 22 | 10 Days Til Kickoff | $10 Group Tickets for the Home Opener | Groups from 2017 season, flyer for groups |
| Monday, September 3 | Game Recap and Labor Day | Seats for Service, Final Push for PSU tickets | Video highlights |