
The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game—it’s one of the biggest marketing opportunities of the year. While brands traditionally spend millions on TV commercials during the event, the digital marketing impact of the Super Bowl is just as significant. From social media engagement to influencer marketing, brands can capitalize on the excitement to boost visibility, drive sales, and create lasting impressions.
Whether your business is a major player in the corporate world or a small local brand, this Sunday is a prime opportunity to connect with your audience and make an impact.
Big Brands and Big Budgets: Super Bowl Ads Dominate
For large companies, the Super Bowl has long been a playground for high-budget advertising campaigns. In 2025, the cost of a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl could reach upwards of $7 million. With an audience of over 100 million viewers, brands like Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and Amazon use the Super Bowl as a stage to launch innovative and unforgettable ads.
But with that high price tag comes immense pressure. The commercials must not only stand out in a crowded marketplace but also drive tangible results. As a result, large companies often go all-in with their digital marketing strategies, integrating social media campaigns, interactive content, and influencer partnerships to extend the life of their Super Bowl ads. This creates a multi-layered approach that ensures their message reaches the right audience, both during and after the big game.
In 2025, many big brands are expected to leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create interactive ad experiences that capture the attention of consumers. These ads go beyond mere viewership—they are designed to engage and encourage users to take action on social media, sign up for services, or even make immediate purchases through direct response.
How to Make a Big Impact: Marketing Touchdowns for Small Businesses
While small businesses can’t compete with the massive budgets of Fortune 500 companies, the Super Bowl still presents an incredible opportunity to engage with a larger audience. Thanks to the rise of social media, small businesses can tap into the hype both before and after Super Bowl Sunday without breaking the bank.
- Leverage Social Media to Participate in Conversations
While big companies dominate TV ads, social media is a more level playing field. Small businesses can join in on Super Bowl conversations with creative posts and hashtags. Consider running a themed campaign around the game, such as offering discounts for each touchdown or creating fun polls and quizzes based on game predictions. Use relevant hashtags like #SuperBowl2025 or #SuperBowlAds to ride the wave of viral conversations. - Create Super Bowl-themed Content
Even if your business doesn’t sell football-related products, you can still create content leading up to the big game by utilizing blog posts, videos, or infographics that tie into the event. For instance, a small restaurant could showcase a Super Bowl recipe, while a local gym could offer fitness tips for halftime workouts. The key is to keep the content fun and relevant while making sure it aligns with your brand’s message. - Run Time-Sensitive Promotions
Capitalize on the buzz surrounding the Super Bowl with limited-time offers. Flash sales, discounts for the winning team’s fans, or exclusive promotions available only for the weekend can draw in customers looking for a deal. Highlight these promotions across your social media channels, and consider partnering with local influencers or micro-influencers to amplify your reach. - Engage with Customers Through Live Streaming or Real-Time Interactions
Interactive marketing is huge in today’s digital age, and the Super Bowl is a perfect opportunity for live engagement. Whether you’re hosting a watch party at your bar or offering real-time commentary on Twitter, be sure to engage your audience as the game unfolds. Running polls, contests, and giveaways in real time can generate buzz and excitement around your business. - Take Advantage of User-Generated Content
Encourage your customers to create content around your business during the game – especially during halftime. This could be as simple as sharing pictures of their party with your product or service in the frame. Ask for shoutouts on social media in exchange for a chance to win a prize. User-generated content creates a sense of community and allows your brand to expand its reach in a more organic, authentic way.
Takeaways: It’s More Than Just the Game
For both large and small companies, the Super Bowl is not just about the event itself—it’s about the incredible potential for engagement. No matter the size of your business, it’s important to remember that the game is a moment to elevate your brand, connect with your audience, and create experiences that extend far beyond the game. Whether you’re crafting an interactive social media campaign or sharing a unique promotion, the key is to align your marketing efforts with the excitement around the big day and be authentic with your messaging.
This is your chance to step up to the digital marketing goal line—don’t miss it!
See the 10 Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025 in our latest blog post here.