Learn how to market your video game with these 16 affordable marketing strategies. From social media to community engagement, get expert tips for indie developers.
Are you curious about how to market your video game and make it a hit? In this article, we’ll learn 16 Proven Strategies on how to market your video game.
We’ll guide you through practical steps to boost your game’s visibility and success. We’ll discuss everything from understanding your audience to using social media effectively.
Marketing a video game can be tough, but with these tips, you’ll reach more players and grow your game’s popularity. So let’s dive in!
Foundation: Building an Online Presence
Imagine your video game’s website as its own personal billboard in the vast world of the internet. It’s where you grab gamers’ attention and show off your awesome creation. Here’s why having a professional website is a must-have:
Create a Website for Your Video Game
A polished website makes a great first impression on potential players. It is a great tool in video games marketing It shows you’re serious about your game and builds trust with them.
Now, let’s get down to business! Here are the key ingredients your website needs:
- Captivating Game Description: This is your chance to tell the story of your game! Write a clear and short description that explains what kind of game it is, the plot, and what makes it stand out from the crowd.
- Highlight the Features: What makes your game unique? Is it action-packed and intense? Does it have a deep and compelling storyline? Listing these features will give gamers a taste of what they can expect.
- Trailers & Screenshots: A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words! Include a trailer that hooks players with exciting gameplay and stunning visuals. Add screenshots to give them a closer look at the world and characters they’ll be exploring.
- Blog (Optional): A blog is a great way to keep players engaged. You can post behind-the-scenes content, updates on development, or even fun facts about the game.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for players to reach out! Include your email address or other contact details so gamers can ask questions or just say hi.
The good news? Coding skills are not required! Website builders like Fungies allow you to create a professional website for your game in minutes. Even if you don’t have any coding knowledge. They offer drag-and-drop editors and pre-made templates. So you can focus on building your online presence and leave the technical stuff to them. Now that’s what we call a win-win!
Start a Developer Blog
Think of your blog as a way to chat directly with future fans. Here’s how it can help you:
- Keep players in the loop: Share development updates about your game. Let them know what cool features you’re working on or what challenges you’re overcoming.
- Build excitement: Announce development milestones, like finishing a level. This will get players pumped for the release!
- Give them a peek behind the curtain: Share concept art, early sketches, or funny stories from the development process. This will help players connect with your game on a deeper level.
Posting regularly is key. Aim for short, frequent updates to keep players interested and coming back for more.
Build an Email List
An email list is your direct line to future players and how to promote a game. Here’s how to grow it:
- Website sign-up forms: Make it easy for visitors to your website to subscribe for updates. Offer exclusive content or early access info as an incentive.
- Social media: Promote your email list on your social media channels. Let everyone know what awesome stuff they’ll miss out on if they don’t subscribe!
Once you have an email list, you can use it to:
- Send out newsletters with game updates and news.
- Announce special promotions or discounts.
- Get feedback from players through surveys or polls.
Set Up a Discord Channel
Discord is like a super cool online clubhouse for your game’s community. Here are some tips for running a sweet Discord server:
- Organize your server: Create different channels for chatting about the game, sharing ideas, or just hanging out.
- Keep it clean: Set up some basic rules to make sure everyone has a fun and positive experience.
- Be the host with the most: Actively participate in discussions, and show your appreciation for your community.
By building an online presence, you’ll lay the foundation for a successful marketing campaign for your video game. This will help you spread the word, connect with players, and get everyone excited to play your game!
Content Creation and Sharing: Showcasing Your Game
Now that you have a strong online presence, let’s dive into creating content that will grab gamers’ attention and get them excited about your game!
Make a Compelling Trailer: Hook ‘Em With a Story
A trailer is like a movie preview for your game. It’s your chance to capture gamers’ interest in a short amount of time. Here are some tips for creating a trailer that gets them hooked:
- Highlight Key Features: Showcase the coolest features of your game! Is it the intense action? A captivating story? Show these elements off in the trailer to give gamers a taste of what it’s like to play.
- Fast-Paced Gameplay: Keep things moving! Use fast cuts and exciting music to create a sense of energy and excitement. Gamers want to see what your game is all about in a short burst.
- Share Platforms: Once you have your trailer masterpiece, share it everywhere! Upload it to YouTube, post it on social media, and embed it on your website. The more places people can see it, the better.
Share High-Quality Screenshots: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Great visuals are key to attracting attention! Eye-catching screenshots can stop gamers in their tracks and make them want to learn more about your game. Here’s why screenshots are important:
- First Impressions Matter: Screenshots are like a window into your game’s world. High-quality visuals showcasing stunning environments, or exciting action will grab gamers’ attention.
- Variety is Key: Don’t just show the same screenshot over and over again. Share a variety of visuals that highlight different aspects of your game, like environments, and gameplay moments.
Make a Demo: Let Players Experience It Themselves
There’s nothing quite like letting gamers try your game for themselves! A playable demo is a fantastic way to:
- Showcase Gameplay: A demo allows gamers to experience the game’s mechanics and controls firsthand. This is a great way to give them a real feel for your game and see if it’s something they’d enjoy playing.
- Gather Feedback: Demos are a goldmine for feedback! Players can tell you what they like, and what they don’t like, and suggest improvements. Use this feedback to make your game even better before launch.
Offering a demo shows gamers you’re confident in your creation and gives them a chance to experience it for themselves. This can be a powerful tool for building excitement and anticipation for your game’s release!
Social Media and Community Engagement
You’ve built your online base, now it’s time to spread the word! Social media and online communities are awesome places to connect with future players and build a buzz around your game.
Leverage Social Media
Not all social media platforms are created equal. Here’s how to target the right audience:
- Pick your platform: Is your game more action-packed? Maybe Twitch or YouTube are a good fit. For story-driven games, check out Instagram or Twitter. Find the places where your target audience hangs out online.
- Post awesome stuff: Share regular updates about your game’s development. This could be funny gameplay clips, concept art sneak peeks, or polls asking for player input. Keep it interesting!
- Talk to your fans: Respond to comments and messages. Answer questions, show appreciation for follows, and even run fun contests or giveaways. Engagement is key!
- Hashtag hero: Use relevant hashtags to get your content seen by more people. For example, if your game is a space shooter, try using hashtags like #indiedev and #spacegames. Also, keep an eye out for trending topics and see if you can creatively tie them to your game.
Join Forums and Subreddits
Forums and subreddits are online communities where gamers gather to chat about their favorite games. Here’s how to market a video with your online presence:
- Be helpful, not salesy: Don’t just spam links to your game everywhere. Contribute to discussions by offering valuable insights or sharing cool gaming experiences. Then, when it feels natural, you can mention you’re working on a game and maybe share a link if it’s relevant.
- Respect the rules: Every forum and subreddit has its own guidelines. Read them carefully and follow them to avoid getting banned.
Engage with Your Community
Building a community around your game is super important. Here’s how to keep your fans happy:
- Listen up!: Pay attention to player feedback. It’s free market research! See what people like (and dislike) about your game and use that info to make it even better.
- Fan appreciation station: Show your players you care! Host online events, contests, or Q&A sessions where you answer their burning questions. This will keep them excited and invested in your game.
Influencer Outreach
So you’ve built an online presence and a community – awesome! Now, let’s get some gaming websites and cool influencers talking about your game. This is where press and influencer outreach comes in.
Create a Press Kit
Think of a press kit as a super informative package about your game. It should include all the cool stuff journalists and influencers need to write awesome articles or reviews. Here’s what to put in it:
- Game description: A clear and concise explanation of what your game is all about.
- Features list: Highlight the coolest features that make your game unique.
- Screenshots and trailers: Eye-catching visuals are key! Include screenshots and trailers to show your game in action.
- Contact information: Make it easy for journalists and influencers to reach you with questions.
Once your press kit is ready, upload it to your website or create a downloadable link. This way, anyone interested can easily access it.
Write a Press Release
A press release is a short announcement about your game. It’s like a news story you send out to gaming websites and journalists to get them interested. Here’s what to include:
- Catchy headline: Grab their attention with a clear and exciting headline that tells them what your game is about.
- Newsworthy info: Announce a game launch date, a new feature reveal, or anything else exciting happening with your game.
- Call to action: Tell journalists or influencers what you want them to do, like write a review or check out your website.
Once your press release is written, research gaming websites and journalists who cover games similar to yours. Then, send them your press release directly.
Get Reviews from Gaming Websites or Content Creators
Reviews from gaming websites and influencers are like gold for marketing a video game! Here’s how to get them interested in your game:
- Find the right fit: Don’t just reach out to everyone. Look for reviewers and influencers who play games in the same genre as yours.
- Be polite and professional: Introduce yourself and your game. Briefly explain why you think their audience would enjoy it. Offer them a free copy of the game in exchange for a review.
- Be patient: Reviewing a game takes time. Don’t pester them for a response, but a friendly follow-up email is okay.
Collaborations and Launch Strategies
Now that you’ve built an audience and gotten the press buzzing, let’s explore some final marketing strategies to launch your game with a bang!
Cross-Promote Your Game
Teaming up with other games can be a win-win situation for marketing a video game! Here’s how to find awesome partners:
- Look for similar games: Find games that complement yours, but don’t directly compete. This way, you can reach each other’s audiences and expand your reach.
- Team up for cool events: Brainstorm joint marketing ideas! This could be anything from offering bundle deals with each other’s games to co-hosting online tournaments.
Participate in Game Jams and Competitions
Game jams and competitions are awesome ways to get your game noticed! Here’s the deal:
- Game jams: These are short, intense events where developers create games within a limited time frame. They’re a great way to test your skills, get feedback from other developers, and potentially win prizes. Popular jams include Ludum Dare and Game Jam.
- Competitions: Many gaming websites and organizations host game development competitions. Winning one can give your game major exposure!
Launch on Multiple Platforms
The more places your game is available, the more players can enjoy it! Here’s why launching on multiple platforms is a smart move:
- Reach a wider audience: Different platforms have different audiences. By launching on PC, consoles, or even mobile devices, you can reach more players who might love your game.
- Think outside the box: Consider alternative platforms like streaming services or subscription boxes. This can help your game stand out from the crowd.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, knowing how to market a video game is essential for reaching a wider audience and achieving success. By following these 16 proven strategies, you can effectively market a video game, increase visibility, and boost sales.
And if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to build a stunning website for your game, check out Fungies. With their easy-to-use website builders, you can create a professional online presence in minutes, no coding skills required. Focus on showcasing your game while Fungies handles the technical side. Get started now and give your game the spotlight it deserves!
