India breathes and lives cricket! This was evident in last year’s viewership report, which displayed a massive YoY surge in T20 Cricket World Cup viewership by 158%. But these emotions peak at the finale, when cricket fans wear their feelings on their sleeves, displaying the incredible opportunity for brands and advertisers to maximize outcomes with data-driven advertising. By tracking the optimal time when viewers are most likely to engage with an advert, brands can easily catch maximum user attention. These insights emerge highly effective against changing consumer behavior midway through the T20 Cricket World Cup fixtures and help brands triumph ad competitiveness in the final days. Also, as we get closer to D-Day, consumers can be seen actively engaging in ads conveying the spirit of the T20 Cricket World Cup.
That being said, brands with team and player sponsorships are at a huge advantage here! By employing engaging storytelling they can easily shift user attention towards their offering and enhance brand awareness. But to score a home run in this year’s Finale, one needs to be a step ahead and the prowess of AI-driven consumer insights can be a game changer! AI helps leverage invaluable insider information on changing consumer behavior and trends to support brand sustenance in the highly competitive T20 Cricket World Cup market. Not to mention, it helps brands comprehend their consumers’ needs better and innovate tailored ads accordingly. For example, a sportswear brand uses consumer insights to tailor its advertising strategies, leveraging its target audience’s heightened interest in the Indian cricket team, identifying optimal engagement times, and determining ideal web ad placements. By leveraging these insights, it will evaluate enhanced fan attention and reinforce its market resonance.
Moreover, data analytics leverages brands the opportunity to target well defined marketing segments and then maximize viewer’s WC enthusiasm with customised rich media innovations. Brands can mould the spirit of WC in their ads and engage with a wider audience. This gives viewers an improved brand experience, leaving a good first impression that boost effective brand recall. And by incorporating a Call to Action (CTA) button, they can seamlessly drive more conversions.
With data-driven advertising they are exposed to endless possibilities to outshine competitors. The brands can personalise the customer experience and scale globally with access to premium in-app inventories, declaring the authenticity of the brand’s products and boosting consumer trust in them. Further, with targeting parameters like location, context, dayparting, language, demographics, OEM apps & devices, etc., brands can easily distinguish their target audience from the crowd during the finale and ensure smooth execution of ad campaigns. Adding to it, A/B testing helps them find optimal ad placements with the highest conversion efficiency and fosters improved decision-making.
Moreover, it leverages real-time data reports that enhances adaptability and enables brands to effectively navigate challenges. This strategic approach supports long-term objectives with proactive engagement both before and after key events. For instance, pre-tournament activities such as fans’ active online searches for team news and player statistics, and subsequent updates on highlights, commentary, and reactions, create extended opportunities after the finale for brands to leverage cricket’s influence.
Thus, the T20 Cricket World Cup shows immense opportunities for brands to maximize on India’s enduring passion for cricket. Here, by harnessing AI-driven insights alongside human creativity, they can seize the moment during the finale and also build lasting connections with consumers. This blend of technology and human intelligence promises a future where ad campaigns not only capture attention but also precisely meet viewer interests, driving meaningful engagement and fostering brand loyalty in the competitive sports landscape.
Written By — Sanjeev Bankira, Country Head Applabs, India & MENA
