The AFL Grand Final isn’t just the biggest sporting event in Australia—it’s also a golden opportunity for Melbourne businesses to connect with local audiences, boost brand awareness, and drive sales. With thousands flooding the city and millions tuning in, here are powerful marketing strategies to help your business score big during the 2025 AFL Grand Final.
1. Leverage the AFL Buzz in Your Branding
From themed promotions to limited-edition products, aligning your business with the AFL Grand Final builds immediate relevance. For example, cafés in Richmond or Fitzroy could launch “Finals Fever” coffee specials, while retailers could add footy-inspired displays to attract foot traffic.
Make sure your website and social channels highlight these offers with SEO Melbourne keywords such as “AFL Grand Final deals Melbourne” or “footy finals offers near MCG.”
2. Optimise Local SEO for Match-Day Searches
Fans are constantly searching for “pubs near MCG showing AFL,” “where to watch AFL Grand Final in Melbourne,” or “food delivery Grand Final day.” Businesses can capture this demand by creating dedicated landing pages or blog posts optimised for these queries. Claim and update your Google Business Profile with adjusted opening hours and highlight AFL-related promotions.
3. Run Social Media Campaigns with AFL Themes
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will be buzzing during finals week. Use creative hashtags, footy-themed competitions, or user-generated content challenges (“Share your game-day setup to win”). Geo-targeted ads around the MCG and inner suburbs ensure your brand stays visible to fans gathering nearby.
4. Partner with Local Venues and Events
Sponsorship of AFL-themed events, live sites at Federation Square, or local footy club celebrations can deliver brand exposure to thousands. Collaborate with Melbourne pubs or restaurants to offer exclusive discounts to their customers, and request backlinks from their websites to boost your domain authority.
5. Capitalise on Game-Day Foot Traffic
Businesses near the MCG, Richmond Station, and the CBD can use outdoor signage, flyers, and quick “tap-and-go” promotions to catch the crowd moving to and from the stadium. Consider limited-time “game day happy hours” or discounts on merchandise for fans wearing team colours.
6. Measure Campaign Performance Post-Grand Final
Track how your AFL promotions perform using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and social media insights. Look at spikes in website traffic, foot traffic, and online conversions. Use this data to refine strategies for future events like the Melbourne Cup or Australian Open.
Kick Goals with Your Marketing
The AFL Grand Final isn’t just for the players—it’s a chance for Melbourne businesses to be part of the city’s biggest celebration. By aligning your marketing strategy with footy fever, you’ll not only increase short-term sales but also strengthen long-term customer loyalty. For expert help tailoring these campaigns, contact our team at Zite Marketing and dominate SEO Melbourne this finals season.
External link: AFL Grand Final on Wikipedia
