Standing Out in Sports Media

Maximizing Your Value: How to Stand Out in Sports Media

Ways to showcase unique skills and perspectives.

The sports media landscape is evolving, and standing out requires more than just talent—it demands strategy, authenticity, and creativity. Even though the career field is growing, it’s just as competitive as ever. So many people are amazing at what they do and can nail the job, but the difference lies in the work ethic and personality that you possess. Figuring out what makes you, YOU is so important. Let’s dive into how to set yourself apart from the competition.

Embrace Your Story

Your journey is your differentiator. Whether you’re a former athlete, a die-hard fan, or someone with a unique cultural perspective, your experiences shape how you tell stories. Share your personal connection to sports in your work to create authentic and relatable content. For example, I grew up with brothers and wanted to play football just like them. I tried to start a girl’s team in middle school but was denied, and met with severe sexist criticism. I began to play other sports and figured out that through photography I could get onto the football field. My story shows I have not only been passionate about sports for years, but that I am determined, and find ways around tough situations. 

Develop a Signature Style

Whether it’s the way you shoot video, design graphics, or write copy, create a distinct style that sets you apart. Consistency in tone, visuals, and storytelling will make your work instantly recognizable. For me, this became a game changer when designing and defining my photography/sports media brand, Mitchell Sports. I made sure all posts were cohesive, with matching watermark logos, and photo frames. I kept similar color palettes on my website, and media platforms, making sure everything can be viewed as one. Having your signature brand or design shows you are put together, organized, and professional, even if this is just Instagram. 

Stay Ahead of Trends

Incorporate emerging platforms and formats, like short-form video, augmented reality, or interactive storytelling. Keeping up with trends ensures your work stays fresh and engaging for a modern audience. While this might not seem important if you have a law-based, or business-based job, keeping up with what’s working is always important. When working for a sports team, the idea is to get fans clicking, watching, or listening, and knowing what the people like is important, especially in the fast-paced world of today. 

Highlight Your Soft Skills

Technical skills are crucial, but soft skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability can set you apart. Showcase these in your interactions and projects to demonstrate you’re a team player with a unique edge. As previously mentioned, a lot of people can be really good at the basic parts of a job. For example, any photographer can have great technical skills, but a good sports photographer gets unique angles and has a bright personality towards the athletes they are around. The personal touch and storytelling skills will elevate a candidate over another. Employers will be eager to hire the person who will go the extra mile, or uplift coworkers on days that are hard. Be a leader, be loyal, be supportive, be MORE! 

Champion Inclusivity and Creativity 

Women bring a fresh perspective to an industry often dominated by one narrative. Focus on telling diverse stories that resonate with a wide audience. Highlight underrepresented athletes, teams, and fans to broaden the reach and relevance of your work. Bringing unique perspectives to the table is an underrated skill most dont practice, and few naturally have. Get good at brainstorming, and find a good way to get your creative juices flowing. Not only will this be impressive to your boss, but it will hit harder to fans. The smaller stories are often the ones that resonate with fans the most. For example, during a softball game this past fall, I sought out young fans and asked them for their favorite player. By pure chance, I met two girls who flew to the game from several states away, just for 24 hours. I filmed the girls doing a trivia challenge and had their favorite player sneak up behind them during it. That video racked up more views than any other this season. GO GET THE SMALL STORY!

Advocate for Yourself

Be your own biggest cheerleader. Speak confidently about your skills, accomplishments, and aspirations in interviews, meetings, and casual conversations. Self-advocacy helps others see your potential. Trust that your experience and your skills are going to get you where your meant to be. If you lack confidence in yourself, employers are going to have a hard time being confident in you too. 

Standing out in sports media isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking it. By embracing your unique perspective, honing your skills, and staying proactive, you can carve a space for yourself in this dynamic industry. Remember: your value lies in what makes you different, so own it and let it shine.

If you’ve got tips or experiences to share about standing out in sports media, I’d love to hear them. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries together!