Though it’s important to thank LSU’s wonderful athletes for helping bring attention to our university, the university marketing team and die-hard tiger fans deserve just as much praise for helping boost promotion.
If you don’t know, marketing is basically the process of attracting consumers or viewers to your brand or business. In order to successfully market something, you have to have a target audience and also be in tune with social media trends, especially in today’s digital world.
Since LSU, like other universities, is dominated by Generation Z, that point is even more vital for a brand’s success.
LSU’s marketing and branding team distinguishes itself from that of other schools because it really hones in on implementing both Louisiana culture and Baton Rouge’s local culture into its strategies.
For example, when the 2019 football team visited the White House, they created a video of themselves dancing to the song, “Get the Gat” which was created by a New Orleans native. In the video, some of the players did popular Louisiana dances which blended well with the song.
This video went viral on several platforms and brought even more attention to one of the best teams we’ve had at LSU so far.
Our marketing brilliance has even been proven to turn student-athletes into overnight social media influencers as well. Before, Angel Reese was just Angel Reese, but during her time at LSU, she became known as the Bayou Barbie, another nod to Louisiana culture.
Even LSU’s 2023 women’s basketball team had such a great season that they were mentioned by Cardi B in Latto’s song, “Put it On Da Floor.” Cardi B stated, “I been balling so hard I could’ve went to LSU.” Of course, LSU students took this song and ran with it, as we should. It was a fun time to be alive because LSU found its way into mainstream music.
Other examples include LSU’s collaboration with businesses like Dudley Debosier Law Firm and Raising Cane’s; both of which were founded in Baton Rouge. I’ve seen several advertisements and commercials of LSU student-athletes promoting Raising Cane’s. I’ve also seen Chad Dudley and Steve Debosier in game day commercials, showcasing their purple and gold pride.
As I stated before, our student body plays a key role in our marketing as well. From on campus interviews to Game Day outfit of the day videos to the slogan “pretty girls go to LSU,” our students have indirectly assisted the marketing team with promoting LSU culture ultimately creating interest for prospective students.
I could go on and on, as there’s so much more to the LSU brand and culture like our mascot, school colors, Game Day chants etc., but there’s not enough space to do so, which is why having a good marketing department is so important.
Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.
