Build a publicity platform for NIL value (for athletes, parents, school admins)

Think about the last gift you bought or a recent takeout order. Why did you shop where you did?

Maybe you liked the original designs, prices were fair and the staff was helpful at the store you shopped The bar or restaurant? You liked the food. The point is, we go back to businesses we know, like and trust. We tell our friends about places that make us feel welcome and prove it with great service.

If you’re an NIL-eligible athlete, it’s likely you’re trying to get businesses to notice you, so you’re looking for ways to be known, liked and trusted too. Where do you start, though? Your sports info staff is swamped and you’re busy with sports and school. You just have to start somewhere.

Great news — you can show the world — or your locally-owned sub shop — why you’d be the perfect person to publicize and promote them without sacrificing what’s already limited free time.

Spend a few minutes each week doing some of these, and you’re on your way.

Build your NIL

• Build a site to see – Buy a domain name and build a website – or at least a landing page – that identifies you by name. Highlight your who-what-when-where-why and how to reach you. This is your storefront. Manage it no matter where life takes you. It’s YOURS.

• Social media – If you don’t have social media accounts with your name as it appears in a media guide, create them so businesses can learn about you.  Chances are you’re already using TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn or the like, so now’s a great time to tweak your bios so you’re easy to find.

• Grab a pen, some notecards and postage stamps – Nothing stands out in a techy world like a handwritten, snail-mailed note. It doesn’t have to be long but make it personal. (Not: Dear Owner …) Tell them why you’d be an asset to their business. **If a physical mailing address isn’t available, a brief email is OK.

• Follow up once – If you don’t hear back in a few weeks, follow up with a short email with any updates you think might interest them. Remind them that you’d love to work with them.

• Follow up twice – You’ve come up with an idea that would showcase the business you want to endorse via NIL. Take the initiative and share a brief outline – don’t give away the whole project but drop a couple of details and ways you can help them attract positive attention.

• Make yourself easy to find – Always, forever and frequently, include information how NIL partners can contact you. Share your phone number (for calls and texts), website URL, email and social handles so businesses can easily reach you.

These are basic. They’re how you can start to build your reputation as a known, liked and trusted NIL business partner. Again, you don’t have to sacrifice a lot of time. You just have to want, then do it.

Let me know if you have any questions. Until next time, NIL stars.

Gail

[email protected]

gpublicity.com

© 2024 Gail Sideman • The NIL Edge • gpublicity.com