The Patriots and the Seahawks will be battling it out at this year's Super Bowl XLIX. Please, keep in mind that I am not a huge sports fan. I typically get more excited about the commercials than the actual game. I do not feel bad though, because I secretly suspect everyone in the industry gets either more or as excited about all of the great ads. 

With that being said, I am from Pittsburgh where even the people that do not like sports technically like sports. I can easily say "I am not really into sports" while cheering on the Pens, Pirates, or Steelers. 

What we need to cover this week is pretty obvious with the Superbowl only being 10 days away. 

Social Media Gears Up

We have been seeing social media platforms adding Super Bowl specfic features to prepare for the upcoming game. 

Facebook

We are huge fans of Facebook advertising. We love to find better ways to reach who we want to talk to and keep up on trends from some of our favorites in the industry. 

Recently, Facebook added a feature that will allow marketers to target Super Bowl fans in real-time. 

Targets

• Football fans
• Anyone liking, commenting, or sharing content related to
  • Party planning
  • Recipes
  • Flatscreen tv purchases
  • TV commercials

To deliver that Super Bowl audience, Facebook is leaning heavily on what people are talking about on Facebook, not only what they're liking. And Facebook will be scaffolding the keywords it uses to identify whether people are talking about the Super Bowl.

For example, if enough people talking about the Super Bowl mention the word "Arizona" -- where the game will be played -- then that keyword will be used to find other posts that mention "Arizona" but not "Super Bowl" to determine if they're also Super Bowl-related.

 Tim Peterson, AdAge

Tumblr

As mentioned earlier, I am one of the people out there that are slightly more excited about the ads than the actual game. NBC is now catering to my demographic by releasing ads directly to tumblr as soon as they air. 

Currently, the Tumblr hosts NFL-related images, GIFs and memes, but it will switch over to more ad-centric content on Super Bowl Sunday. A spokesperson added that because the livestream of the game will have different ads than the broadcast version, NBC Sports thought the Tumblr page would help give the TV spots digital presence. 

Michelle Castillo, AdWeek

So for those of us who are pumped on the ads, we can keep score from our phones, tablets, and computers. Halftime lovers can also stream the show. 

We Love Superbowl Ads

What can we expect from this year's ads? Well, we know Doritos and Newcastle love to get their fans involved. We absolutely love this since it always makes for wonderful, hilarious ads that help people break into the industry. 

What Else? 

• Anheuser-Busch was top rated for their "Puppy Love" ad, and we can typically expect them to pull at our heart strings. 

Well, Super Bowl XLIX can brace themselves for "Puppy Love's" sequel "Lost Dog". Get out the tissues, everyone, who knew Bud could be so sappy? 

• BMW will be taking some of the spotlight with a 60 second ad for their i3 electric car after not being involved for 4 years.
• Carnival Corp will be hitting the screens during the game with their first ever Super Bowl ad.
• Dove Men+Care plans on analyzing masculinity with their 60 seconds of fame as well as launching a social media campaign during that time. You can check out their Father's Day ad to get an idea. 

• Oh and there is always GoDaddy with their ridiculous and sometimes repulsive ads. Despite their previously racy ads, they actually held a contest to find its newest star. Is it an attractive woman and an unlikely man making out? Nope! It is a puppy named Buddy and beloved NASCAR star Danica Patrick. We are way too curious to wait 10 days. 
• Last one, we need to include the incredibly excited Skittles for their first Super Bowl ad. They were actually so excited that they released some teasers. Seriously, it is like a movie trailer for an ad. Props to you Skittles, I get overly excited too. Plus in 2009 they changed their product to be vegan friendly, so we are really psyched to see them during the game. 

How to Jump on The Band Wagon

Here is the thing about the Super Bowl; the ads are wonderful, but the budgets require millions of dollars. You may be thinking, "But Blue Archer, I will never win the Doritos contest, they are already voting, and I just can't afford a million dollars." It is okay, neither can we. 

How to Get Involved Without a Massive Budget

• Utilize Facebook's new paid ad segment mentioned above. If you're reading this, there is a strong chance you also love Facebook advertising. 
•  Get your logo at one of the local spots hosting the game. It is most likely being played at a bar somewhere in your city. 
• Or better yet, host a viewing! It will be a lot cheaper renting out a place to show the game than it would be to advertise on the TV during it.
• Pump up your Twitter by live tweeting the event. Be sure to include video clips and pictures. You can even take an industry spin and link to NBC's Tumblr. 

We know yesterday's #BrandChat was packed with great championship ideas. 

Q6: Examples of creative branding opportunities for small and local businesses around championships. #brandchat

— Brand Chat (@brandchat) January 21, 2015

A6. Local business expos introduce the community to merchants, gets support from big names and creates a draw #brandchat

— Carmella Lanni (@vegecomgirl) January 21, 2015

@brandchat A6: Look at your local events. You don't need the Superbowl - what's the "superbowl" like event in your community #brandchat

— Maria Elena Duron (@mariaduron) January 21, 2015

A6. This October, watch for the @ImInStitchesLLC Bobbin for Apples Bowl. #bobbins #brandchat

— Gerald Moczynski (@GeraldMoczynski) January 21, 2015

Have any other ideas?  If you have any, be sure to Tweet at us. We would be happy to follow up and share them. 

Edit: GoDaddy recently pulled its 2015 Super Bowl ad staring Danica Patrick. The controversy stemmed after referencing selling dogs on the internet which greatly upset the public. Danica released a PSA regarding responsible pet ownership and adoption that discouraged puppy mills or selling animals online. 

GoDaddy ensured the public that the star of the ad, Buddy, was adopted by a long term employee and has a loving home. 

Encouraging responsible pet ownership and adoption in advertising is extremely important considering the problems that the United States have with puppy mills, poor breeding practices, and unwanted pets that end up in shelters.