How Brands Are Gearing Up for the Winter Olympics

This weekend, one of the most-viewed sporting events in the world kicks off in PyeongChang, South Korea. But it's not just athletes that will be strutting their stuff on the world's biggest stage.

For the brands that serve as official sponsors, the Winter Olympics provide a perfect opportunity to combine their storytelling chops with the natural drama of international competition.

Here's a look at how some of those brands are highlighting their roles as official sponsors, using everything from influencer marketing strategies to virtual reality experiences.

Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group, one of the largest companies in Asia, focused their social campaign on those Olympic moments that may seem small, but have a larger-than-life impact.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone Tires is focusing on the athletes, the Olympics version of influencers. Telling the stories of these competitors is a great strategy, even if their connection to tires is tenuous.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola celebrated the longevity and history of the Olympics, and the brand's long-standing tradition of supporting the games, on Facebook and other platforms.

Dow

Dow, the official chemical company of the Olympics, will stress #ScienceOnIce and #GameTimeScience on a brand Twitter account focused on sporting events.

 

GE

The Olympic Games are an opportunity to showcase not just the world's greatest athletes but also the technology that makes the games come alive. GE is focusing on how its digital solutions are keeping the games in motion and changing the way we view them.

Intel

Intel is also using advances in technology to bring a new experience to the Olympics. The tech giant is touting its True VR system as a new way for audiences to become immersed in the games.

Omega

The differences between gold, silver and bronze medals can be based on a tenth of a second. So watchmaker Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympics, is showcasing how it's "recording dreams."

Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble and its many brands are also featuring Olympic athletes on social media, and looking at their journeys through the lens of its #LoveOverBias campaign.

Visa

Visa is partnering with athletes to focus its promotion on their personal accounts, another influencer marketing strategy to reach a broad audience in an authentic way.

 

Connect with Samantha: @samantha_c_wood