Copywriting Tips for the Football Season

'Are you ready for some football?'

It's almost here. Four months of hard-hitting, gridiron action. 17 games, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then the playoff season. And for millions of Americans, it means Sundays glued to their big-screen TVs (or, tablet, computer, even phone). Is your couch ready?

Even though the NFL is talked about for most of the year, now is the time it heats up, and for advertisers, product and service providers, it's time to get in on the action and be a part of the game. But for that to happen, you need to do it smoothly and in a fun way, constantly be aware of what's going on and the always 'breaking news' in the football world, to avoid awkward promotions that won't be relevant. This is not to be confused with the playoffs and Superbowl season, yes? When agencies spend millions upon billions on teasers and then, the creme de la creme, ads on the big game. Verizon, for example, has found an effective and creative way to promote its services on a local and national level. FedEx as well.

Great visual + great copy = touchdown...

Football season is a long season - but it goes by surprisingly fast. This means, that is your opportunity to harness every platform at your disposal effectively for your purpose; whether it's social media, banners, emails, blog posts, print ads, whatever.

Be prepared: Learn some of the lingo and use it in your copywriting - you can find a glossary of terms right here. The late John Madden was known for his broadcasting lingo, such as 'doink!' and 'boom!' You can settle for simpler terms, such as: Unsportsmanlike conduct while fighting over the last cookie in the office. Touchdown, field goal, safety, extra yardage, the whole nine-yards. It's crunchtime! etc.

Got a copywriter?

Be in the know:

Check out teams' social media to find some tidbits you can refer to in your copywriting. This is crucial, especially in the fast-moving world of the NFL, where things are moving in a breakneck pace. Also, keep tabs on the sports networks to pick up anything that might be of use in your copywriting.

Take a 'refresher:'

What worked last year? There's something called the Internet where you can find some great ads for inspiration. Check out YouTube and type in "great NFL commercials" and you'll find one or two or three hundred links.

Use humor

It's a no-brainer. Humor is not something you save for the Superbowl commercials - it's something you apply any given Sunday. And the rest of the week. It's like milk to a breakfast cereal.

Social media is big during the season. Do you also have copywriting presence there?

Harness the power of trivia

Football fans LOVE trivia. Like, which NFC team won the division in 1895? (hint: there was no football in 1895...). The great thing about using trivia is, it's basically an endless resource that could bring people back (if you know how to use it wisely) and bring friends with them. How would you use football trivia for your product/service? Think about it.

Be spontaneous:

Having a 'schedule' and 'calendar' doesn't cut it. Or, it's not simply enough. When it comes to copywriting in general, and especially with sporting events, you need to be spontaneous. Check out what Oreo did a few years back when the lights literally went out during the game.

When the lights were out in the championship game, the creativity was on at Oreo

So, there you have it. A few copywriting tips to get you to the opening tip-off of the new NFL copywriting season. So, bring you gear and put your copywriting game face on. Ready? One-two-three. COPYWRITING!

Looking for some copywriting help during the football season or year round? Throw me a pass by chat or email and let's talk!