It’s Blackademic! Trivia gets the party started! The brand celebrates the greatness and diversity of Black culture through trivia in a way audiences have never experienced before. Each game blends entertainment with cultural pride, featuring topics that range from music and movies to history and current events. For the launch of their new Dem Aint the Words, It’s Blackademic! set out to create an unforgettable experience that would engage both loyal fans and new players while amplifying their signature blend of fun, education, and community.

The client needed a marketing strategy to successfully launch Dem Ain’t the Words, generate excitement across multiple audiences, and convert that excitement into both event participation and product sales. Specific challenges included:

• New market positioning: Introducing Dem Ain’t the Words as a fresh twist while staying true to the brand’s educational roots.

• Audience segmentation: Engaging both existing fans and new audiences unfamiliar with the game.

• Launch momentum: Building buzz leading up to launch day and sustaining engagement afterwar

We developed a comprehensive marketing strategy combining digital and in-person engagement to maximize awareness and participation.

Key components included:

1. Social Media Campaign

   • Multi-platform strategy with Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook as primary channels.

   • Content pillars highlighting music history, behind-the-scenes trivia, and influencer engagement.

   • Interactive content such as polls, mini-games, and user-generated challenges to drive participation.

2. Event Planning & Activation

   • Designed launch events that doubled as gameplay demonstrations, influencer meet-ups, and content creation opportunities.

   • Curated music-focused environments to align with the theme of Dem Ain’t the Words.

3. Partnership Development

   • Identified potential collaborations with DJs, cultural organizations, and media outlets to extend reach.

4. Paid Media Integration

   Recommended targeted ad campaigns to boost visibility in high-engagement audiences.

Key steps included:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitated feedback sessions with leadership, program staff, and partner organizations.

2. Document Review: Analyzed existing program materials, partner agreements, and ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle standards to identify alignment opportunities.

3. Data Integration: Synthesized survey and interview data from providers to capture their priorities, motivations, and challenges.

4. Framework Development: Created visual, plain-language logic models and a unified theory of change to serve as both strategic and communication tools.

5. Differentiated Pathways: Mapped 18-month activity and outcomes timelines for home-based and center-based providers, tailored to their operational realities.

View Marketing Proposal Here

Detailed launch calendar with 6-week pre-launch, launch week, and 4-week post-launch activities.

Social media content plan with creative concepts, posting cadence, and platform-specific tactics.

Event activation guide with venue recommendations, run-of-show, and audience engagement strategies.

Partnership outreach templates for influencers, cultural institutions, and brand collaborators.

• Increased Visibility: Expanded brand presence through consistent and creative multi-platform storytelling.

• Community Engagement: Events attracted both loyal players and first-time participants, creating a strong launch atmosphere.

• Sales Momentum: Social media and event synergies drove early product adoption and created ongoing interest in future editions.

• Brand Positioning: Strengthened It’s Blackademic! as a leader in culturally relevant games while opening the door for themed editions in other niches.

“We came to Brandy with an idea, and she elevated it in ways we couldn’t have done on our own. Her bold vision and creative strategy aligned perfectly with what we set out to achieve.”

Nakeia Jones, Founder, It’s Blackademic!