NCAA Tournament Basketball Marketing: What we can learn from #6 Seed Marquette

Today we continue on our journey into the East Region, from a marketing point of view. We're in search of inspiration - things that all of us can take and apply into our worlds. And, for fans, of each team, that's a look into what makes you special.

Thus far, we've reviewed top seeded Kentucky, #2 West Virginia, #3 New Mexico, and #4 Wisconsin, and #5 Temple.

We previously broke down Marquette Athletics' marketing efforts (here), and I'll do my best to add a new perspective on the Golden Eagles.

Let's roll.

East #6 Seed Marquette (Link Here)

What's Inspiring about Marquette Basketball Marketing?

1. Insider Blog with Insider Videos

You likely know I love the Marquette Athletics Blog if you checked out my previous take on Marquette's marketing (best in the Big East), link here. But this is a great chance for me to expand on why I dig it so much.

As you'll notice below, Marquette creates those videos by filming them and then uploading to YouTube before finally dropping them into this blog. What does that get you? First, it's easy to share them. You can watch that YouTube interview and send it just about anywhere -- to your own blog or Facebook page. Secondly, you can subscribe - thus getting notified whenever Marquette drops a new one. And, finally, they get a deep YouTube channel in the process.

But it could still get better. How?

• Allow fans to shape the experience. As you'll see in a minute, they have a fantastic fan base. And this could connect that base even more tightly.
• Leverage Facebook. How they can do things like leverage Facebook for topics/questions plus to drive visibility of this concept can really help it take off.

2. Elevating your Pro Alumni.

It sounds basic. But very few do it. As you'll note in the shot below of the Marquette basketball home page, Marquette pumps their site full of Dwayne Wade references. From stories on his charitable work to a direct link to his site, Marquette is on the right path here. How much better a program does MU feel like once you think about it as the point where Wade began?

And, from watching last week's Sweet 16 games in St Louis, you see there's a powerful connection between an alum and their team. Magic Johnson was there, not just supporting the Spartan Squad but interacting with fans and the media. I think we could see a similar evolution of D Wade.

3. Facebook and Fan Groups help cultivate and elevate Fans.

Marquette's Athletics Facebook page, here, is thriving. They have 11,000 fans, and they engage them with a very personal dialogue. Check this sample post (in the image below, though it's a bit tough to read so I'll re-type it now). Warning, powerful emotional connection coming.

"I'm so thankful and humbled to be here. I absolutely love what our institution is about; it mirrors what I believe, personally. I love these kids." -Buzz"

Marquette also introduced a concept around their most passionate fans, Marquette Superfans (linked here.) Clicking in shows you a screen of teams that the Golden Eagles have matched up with...

And, clicking in takes you to the image below - a deep scouting report on the next matchup. I love this, as it is arming the fan base with the very information their players get (or close to it). This creates a much better heckling fan and a much tougher home court advantage.

How could we make this better?

• Start by elevating this content into the Facebook page. I think you have a very deep, personal connection there -- and this is a chance to take that connection and make it deeper (and more of them!)
• Could you tie this into a Game Day blog? Things like sign ideas, chant ideas, and keys to the game. I think we are on the cusp of something great here!

That's it. I'm going to keep rolling tomorrow!

Andy