The Social Media Seven: 4/9–4/15

From powerful messaging and interactions to dynamic video content and visuals, here is what was noteworthy this week.

The weekly #SMSeven is back — with more than seven pieces of content to satisfy your sports social media appetite! From powerful messaging and interactions to dynamic video content and visuals, here is what was noteworthy this week:

Borussia Dortmund

Dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN! If you need accommodation in Dortmund, please check #bedforawayfans. #bvbasm

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 11, 2017

Prior to Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal match between Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco, an explosion occurred near the BVB team bus, injuring one player and understandably unnerving the city in the process. The Dortmund social media team was hard at work, from a PR standpoint but also to keep fans informed and share new information and details. Above, you can see a truly classy message from the club, connecting visiting away fans with those in the area to find accommodation. It’s beautiful to see how sports can bring people together, despite different backgrounds, nationalities, and rooting interests.

Philadelphia Phillies

how about we send you a ticket voucher that you can use for that game. Does that work? #RandomPhandom

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 10, 2017

A special shoutout to the Phillies organization for an incredibly classy gesture this past week. A fan, a father who’s child has autism, asked on social whether the team was hosting another Autism Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park this season. The team initially gave the date and a link to get tickets, but after the dad responded back showing his gratitude, Philadelphia went above and beyond.

https://frontofficesports.com/cavs-launch-new-social-network-dubbed-wine-gold-nation-74d5b7ebb2d5

They offered him a ticket voucher for the game, for him and his 3 year-old child, to enjoy the night at the ballpark. Similar to above, moments like these are what make sports so great, and also show the power of social. Incredible job engaging with a fan and creating a positive experience that they will never forget!

Minnesota Timberwolves

Welcome to the New Era. #NewEraNewLook https://t.co/STDKfWVMrJ

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 12, 2017

Get to know the new look: https://t.co/HTuiDeB8c9 #NewEraNewLook https://t.co/dSQAVEX210

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 12, 2017

The Timberwolves unveiled their rebranding content on social this week and did a tremendous job in the process. Between informative articles, behind-the-scenes features, and strong video content, Minnesota covered all of its bases. While many fans may have an opinion one way or the other on the actual rebrand, the digital strategy most certainly paid off for the T-Wolves, where the social team was able to drive engagement and conversation surrounding the big news.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t also take a few shots:

.@Timberwolves we like your style. pic.twitter.com/Of0FqXP3yT

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 12, 2017

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

It starts with 16 teams. It ends with one #StanleyCup champion.

Let's. Go. https://t.co/XEfnnHiWdP

— NHL (@NHL) April 12, 2017

Here, hockey is #InOurBlood. pic.twitter.com/LO83mZPC4q

— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 5, 2017

Calling All #Blueshirts: We're all in this TOGETHER! https://t.co/3gbWqh5a2O

— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 12, 2017

https://twitter.com/penguins/status/852235381928071168

Wear orange. Get loud. #OrangeCrush pic.twitter.com/fRQHjPUKUL

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 10, 2017

Are you ready? #SJSharks playoff hockey starts Wednesday!#WreckTheRig pic.twitter.com/zbH8ntpgQY

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 10, 2017

#COMM17TED https://t.co/DTO6DXLYNE

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 12, 2017

One more sleep… The #StanleyCup Playoffs on @​NBCSports. #RockTheRed https://t.co/rYAuzLOeZS

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 13, 2017

The next 100 has begun. #StandWitness https://t.co/tIQ3b0O0Fi

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 10, 2017

Playoff hockey is back in Ottawa but there are limited seats left for tomorrow's game. Be here. #ALLIN

TICKETS: https://t.co/WvV790wRSK pic.twitter.com/TqpGdPeF02

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 11, 2017

This is just the start of it.

The #StanleyCup Playoffs on @NBCSports begin TONIGHT. #MarchOn #CBJ https://t.co/Zqu7LHiYRq

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 12, 2017

There's nothing like playoff hockey, #Smashville. Watch the #StanleyCup Playoffs on NBC Sports. #StandWithUs pic.twitter.com/8ZbAKBz76n

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 11, 2017

It all starts tonight.#ONEGOAL https://t.co/6mCanQAINw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/852299692918452224
https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/852340592096927744

The NHL playoffs have started in full force, and teams have matched in the intensity on the ice with excellent content on social. Specifically, videos have been excellent so far, as teams curated excitement-driven previews and recaps before the First Round. Above are some of the strong examples on social, both from the NHL and the individual organizations.

https://frontofficesports.com/cavs-launch-new-social-network-dubbed-wine-gold-nation-74d5b7ebb2d5

Some commonalities that are evident from above include a strong soundtrack, whether it be light-hearted or intense music, diversified game and practice highlights, powerful commentary, and ultimately positive and optimistic messaging. Some engage with the fanbase more than others, but the end goal is clear: generate buzz and excitement for the fanbase and set the stage for a playoff run. If you’re a fan of hype videos, enjoy the gold mine above. Which teams did the best? Leave your comments on social: @frntofficesport.

Portland Trail Blazers

10 years ago. #WeBelieve #TBT pic.twitter.com/RporBmRf3M

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 13, 2017

An 8-seed beat a 1-seed? Crazy. https://t.co/msH51Bq4SF

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 14, 2017

DAME. about to drop. pic.twitter.com/r2xnxTHBc8

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 14, 2017

The Portland Trail Blazers have done an exceptional job on social over the past few years, cementing their spot as one of the best in the business. This talented team was once again in the social conversation this week, as they had fun with their interactions and content ahead of their first round matchup with the Golden State Warriors. With their rivals reliving some old playoff moments, Portland had some fun of its own, poking fun at the fact that in this situation, they were the 8-seed and that anything was possible.

It’s the kind of banter that gets fans excited and draws engagement from the die-hard and casual fan alike. Same goes with the graphic that follows, of Damian Lillard on a mock-up album cover modeled after Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” Curating content that references popular culture is a sure-fire way of generating engagement and connecting with all different kinds of fans. It doesn’t hurt that Lillard has shown some rapping ability, along with his unquestioned “damn” moments on the court. It looks like it should be a fun series out West!

That’s it for this week folks! Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you next week, right here on Front Office Sports.

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