It can be difficult for you to introduce your new game to the market, especially when you have no scope of marketing. The marketplace of gaming is as crowded as any other marketplace.
Perhaps, it is expected to expand further by 200 billion US Dollars by 2023. Huge investments by big companies push the small studios out of the market. These factors make it difficult for a new game to be launched smoothly.
So if you want to enter the market, you need a robust plan. A marketing strategy places your idea of the game before it is launched in the market. It makes it easier for your game to attract the target audience.
Marketing strategy
Marketing strategy for your game will comprise of the essentials you need to plan your strategy, and the components used in promotion. A perfect strategy is a combination of both elements.
Essentials of marketing
Following discussed factors are some of the important things that can increase your brand visibility in the eyes of a gamer:
1. Set goals
Goal setting is important for anything you intend to achieve. It provides direction and a road map to your objectives.
You can start by setting long-term goals and short-term goals. You have to make sure that the goals you set for your game are attainable and measurable. Timeless goals often lose their aim in the way to reach them.
Some of your goals before launching can include:
- Desired income
- Conversion rates for your game
- Estimated sales and distribution
- Anticipated downloads
2. Know your target audience
Before you launch your game in the market, it is vital to study your target audience. This will save your time and cost to promote your game to the people who have no interest.
Do market research and analyze what your audience likes and thinks? And on what platforms do they spend their time usually? These questions will help you to use your marketing components successfully.
3. Brand identity
Creating a brand identity and generating trust is the most important act to enter the industry. With the gaming industry being so big and robust, you need to sustain your brand. You can consider the following tips:
- Be consistent and trustworthy
- Create a good quality content
- Be transparent
- Honesty and loyalty
4. Distribution platform
There are multiple platforms available to distribute your game. You need to decide the marketing strategy depending on the distribution channels you select for your game.
If you have a casual game, consider submitting it to sites like Big Fish Games and Yahoo Games. Check out the best-selling games on each site. Analyze what kinds of games do well there and how you can develop your game to reach those standards.
Components of marketing
So many games launch in the market, only 10% can make their place and capture 90% of the revenue generated. What is the science behind this?
Well, because the rest of the games didn’t approach a good marketing strategy, or maybe they were not early enough to start marketing.
Let’s look into some of the tips and platforms you can use to do marketing for your game:
1. Social media
Who doesn’t have access to the platform of social media? With the help of different social pages, you can reach out to a wider audience. It is reported that 79% of social media users prefer live chats and quick responses.
You can make a video trailer on YouTube to create awareness, along with a social page on Facebook. Connecting through social pages, allow users to interact with each other and discuss the games.
2. Website
Prospect users expect an online presence so it’s easy for them to find information. Perhaps, a website for your game is equally important as you will have a retail store.
However, the website has the benefit of being available to viewers all over the clock and every day. The website you make to represent your game should have all the necessary elements.
It should contain everything that the market expects to know about your game and brand such as game trailers and images, date of release and customer service, etc.
3. Blog posting
Posting blogs is one of the most cost-effective methods of creating awareness among gamers. It is an 86% approach of the firms in terms of marketing as compared to any other approach.
If you post a blog on your website or social page, it’s a great place to share knowledge about the game with the audience. However, you can also opt for guest blogging to increase exposure.
4. Use of influencers
If you plan to use influencers for your game promotion, this can be a valuable asset in your marketing strategy. They have access to different platforms with a good number of followers.
Their power of influence can be a healthy approach to penetrate the industry. Your options can be from a celebrity to a famous sportsman or anyone well-known among people.
5. Game flyers
Making flyers for your game before it hits the markets, is another cost-effective yet creative idea to attract the audience. Using this technique has always been favorable in terms of marketing.
You can distribute them at your launch party or even post them on your website and social pages. Flyers are a great contribution to creating brand awareness. So typically what things can you include in making a flyer?
- Your game photograph
- A game logo
- Color theme
- Simple and clear text
Conclusion
To conclude, launching a new game in the market requires proper planning and strategy so your game. To survive in the market, you need to be smart and work ahead of launching your game.
However, you can use multiple platforms to launch your game and take certain steps to promote your brand.
On the other hand, using specific things related to your game can prove to be unique in creating brand identity. You can go for a custom gaming logo to represent your brand or opt for an influencer to promote your launch.
Whichever strategy you select to promote, it should be planned and organized so you can meet your desired targets.
