Business Challenge:

KeyBank, a leading financial institution with 1,000 branches nationwide, faced the challenge of increasing brand visibility and engagement in local markets where it operated. With a keen focus on community involvement and building strong relationships, KeyBank enlisted our help in creating innovative ways to connect with its target audience. 

Strategy:

KeyBank strategically sponsored prominent sports teams in select local markets, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers. By aligning with these teams, KeyBank aimed to leverage the passion and loyalty of sports fans to enhance brand recognition and affinity. The sponsorship strategy encompassed various elements:

• Brand Integration: TBDE helped KeyBank ensure prominent visibility of its brand through stadium signage, digital displays, and broadcast media during games. This integration helped to reinforce KeyBank's presence and association with the excitement of live sports.

• Fan Engagement: TBDE initiated interactive fan experiences such as contests, giveaways, and exclusive events featuring players or coaches. These activities aimed to foster deeper connections with fans and enhance brand perception through memorable experiences.

• Community Outreach: In addition to supporting the teams, KeyBank actively participated in community initiatives and charitable events associated with the sports organizations. This demonstrated KeyBank's commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of sports.

• Digital Activation: Leveraging digital platforms, KeyBank engaged fans through social media campaigns, sponsored content, and interactive online experiences. This extended the reach of the sponsorship beyond the confines of the stadium, enabling KeyBank to connect with a broader audience.

• Measurement and Optimization: KeyBank implemented robust metrics to track the effectiveness of its sponsorship investments. By analyzing metrics such as brand awareness, sentiment, and customer acquisition, KeyBank continuously refined its sponsorship strategies to maximize ROI.

Results

TBDE played a pivotal role in executing KeyBank's sponsorship activations, leveraging its expertise in digital marketing and engagement strategies.

1. Innovative Digital Campaigns: TBDE conceptualized and executed innovative campaigns that complemented KeyBank's sponsorship efforts. From Key Snuggie Night to Deal or No Deal, we developed engaging activations tailored to each sports team's fan base, effectively captured the attention of in arena and online audiences.

2. Social Media Amplification: TBDE utilized social media platforms to amplify KeyBank's sponsorship presence, fostering real-time engagement with fans and extending the reach of the sponsorship beyond the stadium. Through strategic content planning, targeted advertising, and community management, TBDE ensured that KeyBank's brand message resonated with online audiences, resulting in increased brand visibility and engagement.

3. Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data analytics and insights, TBDE provided KeyBank with valuable information regarding audience behavior, sentiment analysis, and campaign performance. By continually monitoring and optimizing digital initiatives, TBDE helped KeyBank refine its sponsorship strategies, ensuring maximum impact and ROI.

4. Seamless Integration: TBDE ensured seamless integration between KeyBank's offline sponsorship activations and online digital initiatives. By aligning messaging and branding across all touch points, TBDE created a cohesive and immersive brand experience that resonated with fans both in the physical and digital realms.

5. Comprehensive Reporting: TBDE delivered comprehensive reports and analysis, providing KeyBank with clear visibility into the effectiveness of its digital activations. Through detailed performance metrics and actionable insights, TBDE enabled KeyBank to make informed decisions and optimize future marketing efforts.

By leveraging innovative digital campaigns, social media amplification, interactive online experiences, data-driven insights, seamless integration, and comprehensive reporting, TBDE helped KeyBank maximize the impact of its sponsorship investments and achieve its marketing objectives.