Signs the Argo fan base is slowly but surely Growing?

[bluto]

If it were me in charge of the Argos marketing and I was able to crowbar about 1.5-2M from them I'd do transit/bus-shelter/billboard/Google ads that were pretty much a QR code with an Argo "A" in the middle which gives anyone who searches it:
-the option to add the Argo schedule to their Google calendar
-ticket sales, deals and options
-a link to the merch store
-links to view the streams on TSN.ca (co-brand)
You'd need about a 6 month run starting in April.
I can't see any other media stretching far enough. TV/Radio cost per thousand is too expensive and not a broad enough net to cast.

[ARGO57]

If it were me in charge of the Argos marketing and I was able to crowbar about 1.5-2M from them I'd do transit/bus-shelter/billboard/Google ads that were pretty much a QR code with an Argo "A" in the middle which gives anyone who searches it:
-the option to add the Argo schedule to their Google calendar
-ticket sales, deals and options
-a link to the merch store
-links to view the streams on TSN.ca (co-brand)
You'd need about a 6 month run starting in April.
I can't see any other media stretching far enough. TV/Radio cost per thousand is too expensive and not a broad enough net to cast.

All pretty decent ideas.

[IssuesMcgee]

They also had radio ads back then too. Epic superhero themed ones. Didn't help in the slightest.

So they tried a couple of ads for one season and determined it didn't do much? So what then - just give up ?

I'm talking long term, sustained ad / marketing blitz in many different areas or venues as I described above. But that might cost a few buck$ and of course the Argos owners are hurting financially so much. But hey - a couple of posts on Facebook otta do the trick.

They also had Argos donuts at Tims.

Look I would love to see Argos ads and stuff everywhere. But as I said, even despite Angelo's encounter at Jersey Mike's, it's about opposition to the team, not a lack of awareness of the team's existence. If the Argos are at a higher demand, the advertising will most certainly follow.

Let me give you an example. I personally do not enjoy the sport of basketball. I can understand why people do, but I do not. I didn't even watch a single game during their championship year.

No amount of Raptors advertising or promotions will ever get me to follow the team or go to a game. In fact, the more advertising for the Raptors I see, the more annoyed I am. It strengthens my resolve and makes me want to follow basketball even less. Only way I would watch or go to a game is if my friends dragged me into it.

Now apply this example to the Argos. No amount of traditional advertising is going to change the minds of Argo haters, because they feel Canadian Football is somehow less worthy than the American version. The only way to change minds is for the networks and news outlets and the endless information MLSE has to legitimize the sport. It has to be a slow proccess. There is no other financially viable way to do it at this time.

[OV Argo]

I tried to explain some examples of marketing or advertising ideas that I think might help (and greatly) with Argo exposure and image in the GTA. I was not talking about an extensive and expensive TV advertising blitz. There are a number of little things that can be tried that are not going to cost tons of dollar$. Now maybe these things have been tried lots in the past decade or so and had little affect - I don't know since I don't live in the area - and if they have been tried and failed, then guess I'm way off base.

I get the feeling a younger generation of ad or marketing geniuses think they know it all now though, and they feel the only way is thru internet and social media efforts - and it costs zip to have an Argo Facebook page I guess. Not sure why they would not be open to other ideas or some things that have worked in the past. Other than they are know-it-alls.

[RichK]

I wonder if the team or the league will be smart enough to take advantage of the unprecedented patriotic fervour sweeping this beautiful country.

I can’t believe the lengths so many people are going to in order to buy Canadian. Surely there will be some people who, in the name of supporting Canadian businesses, are willing to give the CFL a second look this year.

[ArgoRavi]

I wonder if the team or the league will be smart enough to take advantage of the unprecedented patriotic fervour sweeping this beautiful country.

I can’t believe the lengths so many people are going to in order to buy Canadian. Surely there will be some people who, in the name of supporting Canadian businesses, are willing to give the CFL a second look this year.

I agree, Rich. It would be great to see Canadian football fans put their money into the CFL rather than NFL, whether it be through ticket sales or merchandising. I am not holding my breath though.

[Will]

I feel like appeals to patriotism never seems to work for the CFL for some reason.

[argolio]

I feel like appeals to patriotism never seems to work for the CFL for some reason.

I think it's obvious by now in pro sports that appeals to money work best, which is why I expect increasing league revenues will be the #1 mandate for the next commissioner. Ambrosie was likely given the same mandate but the owners didn't think he did enough in that area.

[paulwoods13]

I feel like appeals to patriotism never seems to work for the CFL for some reason.

I think it's obvious by now in pro sports that appeals to money work best, which is why I expect increasing league revenues will be the #1 mandate for the next commissioner. Ambrosie was likely given the same mandate but the owners didn't think he did enough in that area.

There's no doubt whatsoever that Ambrosie's primary mandate was to grow the business (i.e. revenue) and there is no doubt whatsoever that he failed in this regard. The next guy faces a steep challenge.

[RichK]

I feel like appeals to patriotism never seems to work for the CFL for some reason.

It’s true, Canadians have never been big on flag-waving, but suddenly we now are, apparently, which changes the dynamics of a patriotic appeal on behalf of the Argos and the CFL. I’ll be surprised and disappointed if they don’t try it at least to some extent this year.