While the Seattle Mariners have struggled on the field this season, they are enjoying success in another way – through their social media efforts. Many seats may be empty in Safeco Field, but there’s no shortage of Facebook fans and Twitter followers for the Mariners, myself included.

The Mariners use Twitter in a much more effective and interactive way than many of their MLB opponents. Most teams use Twitter as nothing more than an extension of their website – streaming articles with little or no opportunity for interaction, but not the Mariners. @TheRealMariners are constantly having conversations with fans, asking trivia questions, updating breaking news and keeping a running commentary of the game. If you happen to be at Safeco for a game and tweet a picture from your seat, it’s very likely they’ll retweet it. Have a song you want heard before the game? Tweet your request to @TheRealMariners with the hashtag #MarinersDJ and your favorite tune may be echoing through the ballpark in no time.

The Mariners are also leading the way on Facebook. In July, they hosted their first ever “Facebook Fest” where Facebook fans were offered discounted tickets, access to a pre-game happy hour, and a pretty sweet shirt, if I do say so myself. Each post by the Mariners generally gets upwards of 100 comments and encourages a dialogue between fans, with the Mariners often including their feedback as well.

The Mariners are further engaging with their online community by offering another opportunity for their fans and followers to connect – in real life. On August 10th, the Mariners are hosting their 2nd Annual Social Media Happy Hour. Mariners pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith (@Hyphen18) is scheduled to appear along with other “social media savvy guests from the Seattle sports scene.” Did I mention there’s another awesome shirt included? Count me in!

By using social media to keep their fans informed, engaged and feeling like part of a community, the Mariners offer a unique way for fans to stay connected and support their home team. Whether celebrating Ken Griffey Jr.’s career (and subsequently causing #ThanksJunior to trend in Seattle the day he announced his retirement) or simply welcoming a Twitter follower to the game, the Seattle Mariners truly ‘get’ social media.

As told by Abby Taylor, Listening/Outreach Manager, Nology Media

They Get It is a series of blog posts about brands, nonprofits and individuals who use the power of social media in ways that truly change the experience for their audience, their community and those around them. These stories are told in the voice of a Nology Media team member. Did you enjoy this post? Like Nology Media on Facebook!