Getting the word out on a new Fastpitch Organization

moe · Jun 20, 2016

I am taking over a fastpitch org that lost its way. Part of the recovery will be to rebrand and do some house cleaning.

Need to get the word out about our org, what are some unique/effective ways to do that?
16yo girls don't really use Facebook anymore...should I target their parents? The kids direct?

Any thoughts would be great. Thanks!
Moe

YOCOACH · Jun 20, 2016

Putting myself in your shoes, I'd do all of the above. First, I'd modernize the organizational logo, update the website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Next I'd ask my DD what the latest social media pages were that teens/ kids are using and set up accounts for the organization. Then it's nothing more than a question of marketing. However, please realize that one of the best marketing tools you have is word of mouth from satisfied players, parents and families. Have an organizational meeting and ask them to help spread the word. Softball is a small community in general so it shouldn't take long for the word to get around.

CoogansBluff · Jun 20, 2016

moe said:
I am taking over a fastpitch org that lost its way. Part of the recovery will be to rebrand and do some house cleaning.

Need to get the word out about our org, what are some unique/effective ways to do that?
16yo girls don't really use Facebook anymore...should I target their parents? The kids direct?

Any thoughts would be great. Thanks!
Moe

Is it an organization whose main purpose is to run travel ball tournaments in a state? I assume so, but wanted to make sure.

In North Carolina and Virginia, there is an organization called GotGame that has emerged the past 2-3 years in a grass-roots way that I've been impressed with. You could contact guy who runs that and get his thoughts on building it. Name is Tim.

Got Game! Fastpitch NC ASA

softgabby · Jun 20, 2016

As far as using social media to put out updates, here is what my friends, my high school, my sister and my friends travel teams do...

My sister's team informs parents using Facebook. My sister is too young right now to use social media...but in a few months I have a feeling I'll be showing her how to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

My high school doesn't usually make an announcement, but...if we need to know about a change with our practice or a game or something like that, coach usually informs parents by Facebook and players by twitter.

My friends travel teams parents are informed by Facebook or Twitter. Players by twitter, Instagram or Snapchat.

JAD · Jun 21, 2016

If you are trying to host tournaments I would think you would want to get the word out to coaches more than players, since the coaches usually decide where the team is playing each weekend.

moe · Jun 21, 2016

Its our team organization. I left last year after due to the tried and true signs of problems, MONEY was not adding up. I was asked to come back and take the reins...
Lost a lot of girls...
We changed the name, new logo...new twitter feed. FB page coming, IG and Snapchat...
I really appreciate the input.

moe · Jun 21, 2016

In this instance, would it be better to get early Fall commitments if possible? I would like to 9 for the 16U team before tryouts, give me some flexibility...bad form?

WARRIORMIKE · Jun 21, 2016

Word of mouth is great. Program the players and make sure they say nothing negative about the org or its players/coaches. Everything has to be POSITIVE. Start recruiting former players back. Get on the phone and let the parents know that there's a new chief in town....

You will get some that say I don't want to come back, but you will get a few that may return.

YOCOACH · Jun 22, 2016

moe said:
In this instance, would it be better to get early Fall commitments if possible? I would like to 9 for the 16U team before tryouts, give me some flexibility...bad form?

Most players and their families know before the last tournament if they plan to stay with a team or not. I probably wouldn't be pushing the issue or asking for commitments before then. You'll actually have a more realistic number to work with since the commitments will mostly stick to their word at this point. Also, you won't look like your desperate.

Getting the word out on a new Fastpitch Organization

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

moe

YOCOACH

CoogansBluff

softgabby

Gear Empress

JAD

moe

moe

WARRIORMIKE

Pro-Staff Everything

YOCOACH

Similar threads

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page

Online statistics

Forum statistics