Could your social media profiles be holding you back from landing that NIL deal?

Since we celebrated the two-year anniversary of NIL (Name, Images & Likeness) earlier this month on July 1st, young athletes have the ability to capitalize on their personal brand through endorsements and sponsorships. This is a significant milestone for NCAA Student Athletes and has taken the world by storm.

However, most brands have become selective with who is representing their brand and do not want to work with immature or unprofessional athletes. We all know that our social media profiles are a direct reflection of our character and brands want to work with athletes whose values align with the company’s and will represent them in a positive light. If your content consistently portrays you as immature and unprofessional, most brands will not want to associate with you which will limit your ability to secure NIL deals. 

3 tips on what you should be posting to increase exposure for NIL:

1) Highlights and “behind the scenes” footage:

The most popular content that athletes post on social media is highlight reels of performances. There is no doubt that posting your impressive moments will attract the attention of potential sponsors. Posting more than your game-day performance such as your workout sessions, recovery techniques, wellness tips, and general lifestyle content will provide a deeper glimpse into your life and give potential sponsors a better idea of who you are.

2) Personal stories & inspirational messages:

In addition to sports content, you can use social media to share your personal stories such as your journey, challenges and overall dedication to your sport. By sharing inspiring messages and insights into your life, you can better connect with your audiences and portray yourself as a role model, ultimately making yourself more attractive to sponsors. 

3) Community involvement & family:

Another popular choice of content among athletes to post is advocacy. Sharing content regarding social change, charity events/fundraisers and volunteer work can highlight your commitment to making a positive impact beyond your sport. Most brands like to see social responsibility and philanthropy, so they may be more interested if you show that you are actively involved in your community. Also, family vacations, birthdays, accomplishments, etc., are a great add-on to your posts and overall view of your life.

For young athletes, social media can be a stepping stone for successful NIL deals. Posting responsible content online, showcasing that you align with their brand values, and actively managing your online presence can help aspiring collegiate athletes maximize their NIL opportunities. 

About LifeBrand

LifeBrand offers a simple solution for young athletes looking to build or maintain a strong online reputation. Our AI-powered software privately scans your social media accounts and once complete, flags any questionable content posted from their very first post. YOU then have the opportunity to keep, edit or delete the content in a matter of minutes. Additionally, every flagged post comes with an explanation, which helps young social media users understand why the technology chose to flag the content and ensure they don’t post similar content in the future. 

Student athletes work incredibly hard year-round on their sport to catch the attention of not only coaches, but now NIL recruiters. Don’t let social media be the reason you can’t capitalize on your name.