Sponsoring GamJams.net

GamJams.net has been called everything from "THE cycling hub of the Mid-Atlantic and then some," to "DC's not-so-serious clearinghouse for race pics, reports and videos." Some people have even called it "a great resource!" and "awesome!" and "amazing," but these people never seem to show up when I need a lead-out.

There are some pretty innovative sponsorship approaches available through GamJams.net, but first here's a little bit about the site:

• GamJams.net is published for the community of bike racers in the DC/MD/VA/DE region.
• According to USA Cycling, there are approximately 5000 licensed racers in these areas.
• Since its launch at the beginning of the 2007 season, over 3000 different people have visited GamJams.net. The vast majority (85%+) are from the DC/MD/VA/DE region, with most of the remainder coming from PA, NJ, NC, and one guy out in Fort Collins, Colorado.
• The site receives 400-400 visits per day, and currently logs over 25,000 page views per month. Visitors spend 4.5 minutes each on the site, at about 3 pages per visit (not including all the pages the site links out to, which is one of its primary functions).
• The GamJams Ambassador Network includes the sites of 30 additional local racers, each with the same targeted content. The Network receives 3000 page views per day from 700 visitors.

Compared to broader cycling sites or publications that cover pro racing, these are not massive numbers. But they do represent almost complete penetration into the racing community in the site's target region, which, combined with the site's focus exclusively on content that is uniquely relevant to racers in this area, allows for some very focused and productive grass roots sponsorship opportunities.

Benefits of sponsoring GamJams.net

• Ideally, you'll sell more of whatever it is you're trying to sell.
• It allows national advertisers to benefit from a local, grass roots initiative. Buying a full-page ad in a cycling magazine lets you "target" us "attractive demo" customers with "media precision". If that's working out for you, keep doing it. But sponsoring GamJams.net (in particular the cross-media programs that include site and race sponsorship) means you're putting your budget where racers can benefit from it. You're not selling to us; you're supporting us. And any enthusiast responds much better to companies who support their passion, rather than those who exploit it.
• And because it's local (currently), it is easier to evaluate the ROI for national advertisers by simply focusing on sales increases in this region, relative to others.

Who should sponsor GamJams.net?

• Cycling manufacturers whose products are remarkable in design and easily distinguished on the road.
• Companies looking for deeper penetration for a brand or new product. Newer products and companies will benefit more from GamJams.net than well entrenched industry leaders.
• Manufacturers with value-positioned products or lines. Part of the mission of GamJams.net is to draw more people into competitive cycling. If the cost to ante up is a $9000 bike, there's a lot of risk to trial. Competition quality is essential, but I'm not interested in promoting the super premium stuff here.
• Brands outside of cycling, but who are known to cyclists for their support of the sport elsewhere. These include sponsors of pro or elite teams and major races, companies whose ads run during cycling telecasts, advertisers who have creative executions specifically designed to appeal to racers, and 7-Eleven (you guys have a lot of goodwill leftover here). Grass roots support will amplify your cycling-based commitments elsewhere.
• Innovative and creative companies everywhere. You have a great advertising or sponsorship idea? Let's hear it.

Who is not allowed to sponsor GamJams.net?

• Local bike shops, restaurants, and other business who already sponsor (or ought to sponsor) local teams and races. You keep supporting the teams directly. I'm not about to compete with them for your budget, so your money is no good with me. But GamJams.net does aim to promote the clubs and races you're involved with, helping you achieve a better return on what you're already spending.
• Internet and mail-order bike shops. Sorry guys - I know you've got the most budget for online advertising, but I've gotta show love to our local shops. They're the heart and soul of local racing.
• Head-on Pain Medication. I just really hate your ads.

For information on specific programs or to talk about customized initiatives, send an email and we'll talk.