The Kentucky Derby is one of few sporting events that managed to stay relevant for almost 150 years. No matter how exciting is the event, the viewers will get bored over time if you are not making the necessary changes and pushing a strong marketing campaign that is suitable for the time.

Even though the Kentucky Derby is a very old horse racing event, the organizers managed to stay ahead of time and adopt certain technologies that will not only make the event more popular but also more attractive to the younger generations.

At this point, it is safe to say that the Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race – it’s a cultural event that draws millions of viewers from around the world.

This year Mage stunned the equine enthusiasts, beating the odds and putting herself as a contender also to win the Triple Crown. According to TwinSpires, Mage is now one of the favorites to be a Preakness Stakes winner.

But what can the Kentucky Derby teach us about social media strategy? As it turns out, quite a bit.

Here are some valuable lessons you can learn from this iconic event to help you improve your social media game.

Social Media Strategies We Can Learn from the Kentucky Derby

Build anticipation

The Kentucky Derby is preceded by weeks of buildup and anticipation. Fans and aficionados begin looking forward to the following event as soon as the previous year’s race concludes.

This is a lesson that also applies to social media. You must create anticipation if you want to develop buzz and engagement. This might include teasing impending product launches, offering behind-the-scenes looks at your staff, or just counting down to an event.

Building the hype thanks to social media nowadays is much easier. This will make even the least horse-racing fans excited for the event.

Know your audience

When it comes to social media, it all comes down to the type of audience you are targeting and their needs, desires, and interests.

Knowing your audience is crucial for an event like the Kentucky Derby. Everything, from the clothes to the cuisine to the race itself, is catered to a certain group – notably, rich, primarily white Americans.

When it comes to social media, it’s critical to understand who your target audience is and what they want.

This might be utilizing language and imagery that is meaningful to them, offering material that is relevant to their interests, or simply timing your postings to reach them when they are most active. One good example is how KD uses TikTok.

Embrace tradition

We all want something modern and state-of-the-art, but brands quickly forget about tradition in their social media marketing strategies.

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby it is all about tradition!

From the fashion to the food and drinks, to the theme song “My Old Kentucky Home” the event is packed with memorabilia that makes it unique.

This is a lesson that can be applied to social media as well. By embracing certain traditions or recurring themes, you can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for your followers.

Tell a story

In the past couple of years, one of the best-performing content on social media is stories, and that’s a fact!

People want to feel the brand before they engage and they want to learn more about the story and what makes it special.

The Kentucky Derby is not just a race, it is a story.

All from the history of this incredible race to the drama of the horses running around the track, to the unbelievable moments that will be forever written in the history books.

The same may be said about social media. You must tell a story if you want to draw the attention of your audience. This might include showcasing your brand’s journey or emphasizing the personal tales of your staff or consumers, and highlighting important things that happened in the past.

Final Words

In conclusion, the Kentucky Derby may seem like an unlikely source of inspiration for social media strategy, but there are actually many valuable lessons to be learned.

By building anticipation, knowing your audience, embracing tradition, telling a story, and taking risks, you can create a more engaging and effective social media presence. So, saddle up and take these lessons to heart – your followers will thank you!