Since I’m a self-proclaimed social media dork, I can’t help but to watch everything through a social lens. So, when I watched the ESPYS last night (which I love), I analyzed what else could be done.
I jotted down my suggestions and thought I would share them, just for fun. Let’s be real… these suggestions are not ground breaking. In fact, most of these suggestions are “old” in the world of social media. Nevertheless, here are a few easy and simple social integrations / suggestions I think could help the 2014 ESPYS:
1. Designate specific team hashtags for fans to use in the #ESPYSBestTeam Twitter voting.
Designating specific team hashtags for fans to vote with seems to help rally the cause. Perhaps it’s because fans need a little more direction or it helps people feel more connected (I’m not really sure). I do know this… if the MLB’s All-Star voting was any indication… specific hashtags work.
2. Share instant replays of the video montages for each awards category.
The video montages ESPN put together for the ESPYS is the type of content that does well in social media—compelling, powerful, emotional, etc. I would have liked to see ESPN do an “instant replay” with those videos, making them available on Twitter immediately after they were shown on the air. After all, if you are going to produce that type of content, why not maximize it?
In ESPN’s defense, they did a great job of putting up the powerful speeches through the night… I just wish they hadn’t neglected the great content they produced FOR the show.
3. Integrate the Twitter conversation into the programming.
Let’s be honest, people say some golden things on Twitter. Whether they encouraged a little banter between fans with the #ESPYSBestTeam voting or simply showed insightful, funny tweets, I think an awards show like the ESPYS is a perfect opportunity to bring some of the conversation into the programming (perhaps just pop tweets up in the corner or scroll them along the bottom of the screen). Integrating fan tweets into the broadcast helps bring in another perspective, rewards your fans and encourages them to tweet even more. Win, win and win.
4. Give us more behind-the-scenes content.
Since ESPN has an @ESPYS account, they should blow the coverage out of the water, especially when it comes to behind-the-scenes content. I would love see more red carpet flair, backstage Vines, mini-interviews after someone wins, etc. Give us what we don’t see on the air.
5. Interact with the fans.
As you all know, I’m huge a proponent of interacting with fans. Don’t know why? Check out this blog post. I think most of the points I made are pretty applicable here.
6. Capture a gif of Sister Sally praising.
I know Robin Roberts’ sister probably won’t be back (at least in the spotlight) next year, but if she is… please get a GIF of her raising the roof in praise. Her joy and faith, it’s contagious.
