Following the recent introduction of the Owls’ official YouTube channel to complement online media portals Wednesday Player, Facebook and Twitter, here is an analysis – in a simple Q&A style - of the club’s social media activity..
Why is social media so important to football clubs?
Active online engagement is key in the modern business age. In football terms, interaction with supporters provides a firm foundation on which lifetime relationships are formed. This ethos is fundamental in football because supporters are invariably committed to one team, thus increasing the need for openness and two-way communication.
In addition to the club’s official website, swfc.co.uk, Sheffield Wednesday host official online platforms in the shape of Twitter, Facebook, Wednesday Player and more recently YouTube. These portals are all managed and populated by the Owls’ in-house media team.
How has social media changed the communications landscape?
In a nutshell, the immediacy. Football clubs can now offer official breaking news in a matter of seconds on Twitter, something that was technologically prohibitive in bygone years. In tandem, the thirst for knowledge has exploded and football has moved with the times as a result.
Twitter and Facebook are platforms for instant messaging and supporter engagement, while YouTube brings the whole network to life with primarily brief video clips that take supporters right into the heart of the Wednesday camp.
So why should I subscribe to Wednesday Player if I can access YouTube for free?
Because the two products are separate and, invariably, completely different.
Fundamentally, WednesdayPlayer is the ONLY place to access live online commentary of all Owls first team games (also available on your mobile and tablet devices). The commentary is and will remain EXCLUSIVE to Player subscribers.
In addition, Player broadcasts full video interviews not available on YouTube. Player remains the only online portal that sits behind a subscription wall, something which the club completely respects.
Consequently, while clips and ‘teasers’ will be shown on YouTube, the full versions will ONLY be accessible via Player.
Another point to consider is that the type of short, snappy videos on YouTube have in the past and never will be broadcast on Player, whose subscribers are expectant of more in-depth content.
For example, ‘Behind the Player’ - a brand new upcoming feature – will be available only on Player in the coming weeks.
In an added bonus, subscribers are also granted access to an extensive library of classic SWFC games, giving an overall package of exclusivity and quality that continues to represent excellent value at just £37.99 per year – or 10p a day.
So what about YouTube?
The aim is to integrate the leftfield clips for which YouTube is renowned whilst simultaneously driving viewers to Player. For example, you may see clips of an interview or feature on YouTube but never in their entirety – that will remain EXCLUSIVE to subscribers of the Owls’ premium multimedia channel.
Below are examples of what the club’s official YouTube channel will offer..
and..
It is important to note that the crossover in terms of content between YouTube and Player will be essentially minimal, thus keeping both channels stand alone.
Subscribers are urged to offer feedback across the board on all Sheffield Wednesday’s online portals, which will always be taken on board. CLICK HERE to email the club’s media department – and thank you for your support.
Below are the ways in which Owls fans can follow and interact with the club.
Visit swfc.co.uk for the official view.
Follow the Owls on Twitter at @swfc for breaking news and join in using the #swfc hashtag!
‘Like’ the club’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/sheffieldwednesday and interact with fellow Owls fans.
Subscribe to SWFC’s official YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE.
Subscribe to Wednesday Player – the only online portal offering full match commentary wherever you are in the world! In addition, subscribers have access to post-match press conferences, exclusive interviews with the players and staff and highlights from the game.
Thank you for your support.