Get in on the Madness

The Madness is upon us.

Yep, it’s that time of year when brackets abound and social media lights up with hashtags like #MarchMadness and #ncaa. And it’s the perfect time for smart marketers to get in on a cultural event.

Not a basketball fan? Don’t worry. You don’t need to obsessively follow every game and fill out a bracket to get your business in on the fun. Check out the list below for some smart ways your business can capitalize on this cultural phenomenon.

Offer a special or deal

This is one of the easiest ways to get in on the fun. Own a restaurant? Offer a game-time special. If service is more your thing, try offering a tournament-based discount. Maybe everyone gets a discount based on the point difference in the championship game, or you have a giveaway if your favorite team wins. Be creative and come up with a plan that matches your product or service.

Cheer on the home team

Did a local school make it into the tournament? Why not send them a shout out wishing them the best before their game? If your school got in, share your favorite memory. Or just have a day when everyone in the office can dress up in support of their favorite team, and take a photo.

Bracketology

If you are into basketball, go ahead and create a bracket. You could even open the competition to your customers!

Build your own bracket

Not that into basketball? You can still get in on the bracket fun. Create your own bracket of whatever you like, and then have customers vote on social media. Disney is doing a great job of this with its March Magic bracket, where fans can vote on their favorite Disney attractions. Who will take it all, Pirates of the Caribbean or Splash Mountain?