With the help of leading social media solutions provider ThePort Network, the Atlanta Falcons officially launched FalconsLIFE (www.falconslife.com), a new fan-pleasing social networking community. ThePort seamlessly migrated 25,000 members of the team's conventional message board system along with their profile and registration data into a greatly expanded Web 2.0 interactive experience. This migration strategy allowed the FalconsLIFE community to open its doors with over 25,000 registered members.
Through the new FalconsLIFE, fans can develop their own unique profile pages, publish blogs, upload and share videos and photos, initiate surveys, participate in online discussions and more.
ThePort's turnkey solution enables sports teams to cost-effectively transform their Internet image to boost web site traffic and enhance fan interest and satisfaction. Old-style message boards can be quickly migrated into contemporary social communities that give fans new ways to participate and build relationships online. Importantly, the new FalconsLIFE also incorporates the team's design preferences and other custom elements.
"FalconsLIFE allows our fans to stay connected in ways not previously possible," said Dan Levak, Falcons Director of New Media. "For the Falcons, it's a new way for us to learn from and interact with our most important audience. We've already gained important insight into what our fans care about and ways we can provide them with maximum value."
In addition to giving fans an online way to connect with one another, FalconsLIFE provides The Atlanta Falcons with new revenue streams -- including unobtrusive online advertising, product merchandising and opportunities with corporate sponsors. For example, fans can communicate with "Miss Merchandise" to learn about, and possibly influence, the introduction of new Falcons apparel. Likewise, sponsors can participate in FalconsLIFE to offer incentives and gain visibility for their products, as well.
With 25,000 fans already ushered into the new FalconsLIFE, Levak believes site membership will grow substantially -- hopefully by as much as 20 percent annually -- with the integrated Web 2.0 social networking features.
ThePort has supported the Falcons' online social media programs and overall Internet strategy, helping Levak explore new ways to provide added value to fans while supporting marketing goals. One positive result is a 2007 InfoWorld 100 Award for a "Socially Immersive Next-Generation Fan Site."
"The Atlanta Falcons are at the forefront of the league when it comes to implementing new social media solutions," said ThePort CEO and Co-Founder Bob Cramer. "They understand the value of the web as a medium for reaching and bonding with their supporters. FalconsLIFE is an aggressive project that is already paying off through new revenue streams and stronger relationships with fans."
About ThePort Network
ThePort™ Network, Inc. provides an integrated suite of enterprise-class social media solutions that enables media companies, associations and sports teams to build and manage branded Web 2.0 communities that facilitate high-engagement marketing, foster increased member-to-member interaction and create additional revenue opportunities. ThePort Social Media Suite is offered as a service over the Internet and is comprised of ThePort Start Page, ThePort Social Network and ThePort Rich Media Blog Publisher. Based in Atlanta, Ga., the company's customers include Cox Newspapers, The Atlanta Falcons, RCI and TradeKing. For more information, visit www.theport.com.