A "Shark Tank" in the US or "Dragon's Den" in Canada appearance can be a game-changer for your business, but Founders don't let it be limited to just a brief moment in the spotlight.
Instead of letting that 15 minutes of fame fade away, use the extra exposure, connections and credibility to build momentum, attract customers, and capitalize on additional opportunities.
And with all opportunities it's important to map out a pre - during - post marketing strategy for both your company brand and your personal brand.
Here are 10 strategies we recommend to our founder clients at The Brand Audit to turn 15 minutes of fame into long-term success
1. Behind-the-Scenes Stories
- Share the journey leading up to the pitch: preparation, nerves, and strategy. "How We Got Ready for Our Pitch on Shark Tank"
- Film "Pitch Bloopers".
- Post photos or videos from backstage, highlighting the emotions before and after stepping into "the tank" or "the den." Use humour or funny memes that fellow Founders could relate to with the experience.
- Do a funny recap of How It Started vs. How It's Going
- Discuss unexpected moments or learning experiences.
- Share handwritten notes, pitch drafts, or product sketches to show raw creativity
- Share what you disagreed with during your pitch or critique advice from the investors in a respectful but provocative way.
- Reveal key moments from the pitch that didn't make it to TV. Use text overlays like: "When the cameras stopped rolling..." or "The Sharks said THIS off-air!"
2. Real-Time Reaction Videos
- Record yourself or your team reacting to your episode airing.
- Record a "day in the life" video leading up to a watch party.
- Record reactions from your watch party at multiple angles.
- Share thoughts on what you wish you’d said or done differently.
- Do a video of “What investors see vs. what I feel inside” — Show stoic investor faces vs. your internal panic with exaggerated expressions or voiceovers.
- Do a video of "How it feels with the Shark / Dragon says no". Use funny audio like “It’s fine, I’m fine, everything’s fine” while pretending to hold back tears.
- Create a montage of times you wish you could rewind during the pitch: “That one line I shouldn’t have said...” or “When I realized I forgot the numbers...”
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Use TikTok's POV trends to show your internal dialogue during the pitch:
- "POV: You’re waiting for [Investor] to say something positive..."
- "POV: You realize you’ve been talking for 10 minutes straight without breathing."
3. Investor Collaboration
- Showcase any ongoing work or mentorship from your Shark / Dragon if you secured a deal.
- Share selfies of you and the Shark / Dragon and tag them on social channels for added amplification.
- Create content around lessons learned and insights from working with the Dragon / Shark.
- Film exaggerated “Sharks” arguing over who gets to invest in your product using funny effects or dramatic slow-mo.
4. Audience Engagement Content
- "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) sessions on social media to answer audience questions about your experience.
- "What It’s Really Like Facing the Sharks" Video
- Polls to ask your followers how they would have handled certain questions or moments. “What would you have said if they asked this question?
5. Product Evolution Updates
- Share how feedback from investors or the show influenced your product or strategy.
- Highlight new product launches, pivots, or growth milestones as you take in the Shark's / Dragon's advice.
- Share how you navigated post-episode supply chain issues, demand surges, or PR challenges
6. Data-Driven Storytelling
- Post growth metrics or key wins that came after the episode aired.
- Compare "before vs. after" insights to show the impact of the exposure.
- Share what you would do differently if you had another chance to pitch.
- Use voice changers or silly TikTok filters to reenact your pitch in a light-hearted way.
7. Social Proof Highlights
- Put as seen on 'Shark Tank' on social media posts, profiles and your website.
- Reshare customer stories or reviews gained due to the visibility boost.
8. PR Content Strategy
- The media looks for credibility in a company or brand by seeing how it's recognized in other media outlets Leverage your 15 minutes with media outlets to discuss your experience, pitch journey, and lessons learned.
- Ensure backlinks point to your website to boost search authority.
- Write thought leadership articles about the challenges of entrepreneurship and scaling a business after major exposure.
9. Inspire other Founders
- Write articles or film videos offering advice to other entrepreneurs wanting to land on TV. " 5 Lessons Every Entrepreneur Can Learn from My Shark Tank Experience".
- If you didn't secure the deal talk about the power of no and why it was the right move for your business.
- Prompt other entrepreneurs to share their "wildest pitch stories" or "biggest lessons learned."
10. Build an SEO-Friendly Content Hub
- Create a dedicated landing page: Feature your Dragon’s Den/Shark Tank pitch video (if allowed) or a recap, plus key takeaways.
- Optimize for search keywords: Use phrases like “[Your Product] on Dragon’s Den” or “What Happened After [Show Name] Pitch?”
- Include FAQs: Address common questions about your experience, product, and deal (or lack thereof). This boosts long-tail keyword rankings.
Note: This blog is copyright of The Brand Audit. We would love you to share this content, but please always credit any ideas shared to Christina Minshull or The Brand Audit. Unauthorized copying is a violation of intellectual property law and may result in legal action.
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