Why Pro Skiers Need Drone Pilots (And How to Get Sponsors on Board)
In the competitive world of professional skiing, standing out from the crowd is crucial for career success. Enter the game-changing combination of pro skiers and skilled drone pilots. This dynamic duo is revolutionizing how skiing is captured, shared, and marketed. If you're a pro skier looking to take your career to new heights, here's why partnering with a drone pilot should be your next move – and how to convince your sponsors to foot the bill.
The Drone Advantage
Unparalleled Perspectives: Drone footage offers views that traditional filming simply can't match. Imagine showcasing your latest run with sweeping aerial shots that capture both your technical skills and the breathtaking mountain landscape. These unique angles add a whole new dimension to your content, making it more engaging and shareable.
Increased Social Media Impact: In today's digital age, your online presence is as important as your on-snow performance. Drone footage is inherently more shareable and engaging on social media platforms. The wow factor of aerial shots can significantly boost your visibility, follower count, and overall brand value.
Professional-Grade Content: High-quality drone footage elevates the production value of your content, making it more attractive to both viewers and potential sponsors. It demonstrates a commitment to showcasing your skills in the best possible light.
Versatility in Storytelling: Whether you're capturing a backcountry expedition, a competition run, or a training session, drones allow for creative storytelling that can set you apart in a crowded field of athletes.
Convincing Sponsors to Invest in Drone Footage
Now that you're sold on the idea, how do you get your sponsors to allocate budget for a drone pilot? Here's your game plan:
Demonstrate ROI: Compile data on engagement rates for posts featuring drone footage versus traditional content. Show your sponsors how this investment can lead to increased visibility and engagement for their brand.
Highlight Versatility: Emphasize how drone footage can be used across multiple platforms and campaigns. From social media posts to promotional videos and even TV commercials, the versatility of drone content offers excellent value for money.
Showcase Competitor Success: Research other athletes or brands in the industry who are successfully using drone footage. Use their success as a case study to illustrate the potential benefits.
Offer Exclusivity: Propose an exclusive partnership where your sponsor's products are prominently featured in your drone-captured content. This can be particularly appealing for gear and apparel sponsors.
Create a Pilot Project: Suggest a trial run with a drone pilot for a specific event or series of posts. Use this as an opportunity to prove the concept's value before asking for a larger, long-term commitment.
Emphasize Brand Alignment: If your sponsor prides itself on innovation or cutting-edge technology, align your pitch with these values. Show how incorporating drone footage into your content strategy reflects and reinforces their brand identity.
Propose Cost-Sharing: If a sponsor is hesitant to foot the entire bill, suggest a cost-sharing model where multiple sponsors contribute to the drone pilot budget in exchange for shared exposure.
Outline a Content Plan: Present a detailed content strategy that incorporates drone footage, showing sponsors exactly how their investment will be used to create compelling, brand-boosting content throughout the season.
By partnering with a skilled drone pilot, you're not just capturing stunning footage – you're investing in the future of your career and your sponsors' brands. The unique perspectives, increased engagement, and professional-quality content that drones provide can set you apart in a competitive field and offer unparalleled value to your sponsors.
Remember, in the world of professional skiing, it's not just about how you perform on the slopes, but how you showcase that performance to the world. With a drone pilot by your side, you'll be ready to soar above the competition and take your career to new heights. So gear up, pitch those sponsors, and get ready to revolutionize your content game!