![Videogame: how to plan your social media content [template]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-2_a218877f-1852-41b1-9927-3352887a7371.png?v=1715864031&width=1100)
You're a game developer. Let us pose a question - are your social media posts effectively attracting gamers to your latest video game release?
We're asking because we've noticed that many developers face challenges when it comes to crafting engaging social media content that resonates with gamers.
That's why we've created a free social media planner template, specifically designed for game developers. This resource is designed to streamline your process and teach you how to engage your audience with every update.
Additionally, if you're looking to enhance your game's visibility with proven tactics and strategies, be sure to explore our Marketing Pack for Game Developers.
Continue reading to learn how you can utilize this tool to boost your game's online presence and ensure that each post significantly impacts your success.
What social media platforms are best for promoting a videogame?
Contrary to popular belief, not every social media platform is relevant for your videogame marketing strategy.
This is mainly due to varying user demographics, content formats, and engagement dynamics. For example, platforms like LinkedIn, primarily used for professional networking and B2B communications, offer little value for videogame developers aiming to attract gamers and engage with the gaming community on a personal level.
Actually, as a game developer, you have to strategically select platforms focusing on those that enable visual storytelling, real-time engagement, and community building, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Discord. We have made it easy for you to understand with the table below.
Finally, please note that we have included specific guides for every relevant platform in our pack for game developers who want to grow their audience.
The best social media platforms for a videogame
| Social Media Platform | Relevancy Level for a Videogame | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Twitch | High | Twitch's live streaming format is ideal for showcasing gameplay, engaging with users in real-time, and building a dedicated community through interactive content. |
| YouTube | High | With its vast user base, YouTube allows game developers to reach a diverse audience, share trailers, tutorials, and gameplay videos, and use targeted ads. Its comment and community features also help in building engagement and feedback. |
| Discord | Medium-High | Discord's focus on community and real-time communication can help game developers create dedicated servers for their games, engage with players, and provide updates and support. |
| Medium | While Twitter can be used for real-time updates and customer service, its text-heavy format and fast-paced nature might not be as effective for visual storytelling and in-depth engagement. | |
| Low | LinkedIn’s professional focus and B2B orientation make it less relevant for game developers aiming to engage with individual gamers and showcase gameplay experiences. | |
| Medium | Instagram is useful for visual content and can attract gamers with high-quality screenshots and short videos, but it may not drive the same level of engagement as platforms dedicated to gaming. | |
| Medium-High | Reddit appeals to niche communities and can be a great platform for engaging with dedicated gaming subreddits, but it requires careful navigation of community rules and norms. |
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How to get started on social media for your videogame?
Setting up and managing a social media account for your video game is something you can definitely handle on your own, especially when you're just starting out.
It might seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and creativity, it's quite manageable. We've broken down the process for each platform in our marketing strategy pack for video games, complete with step-by-step guidance.
Identify Your Target Gamers
First up, you need to pinpoint who your game is for.
This step is essential because your social media tone, style, and content will all be shaped by what resonates with your audience.
Think about your game’s genre, themes, complexity, and the typical player demographics. Are your players hardcore gamers, casual party gamers, or something in between? Knowing who you're engaging with will help you craft your messages effectively.
Optimize Your Social Media Profiles
When setting up your profiles, make sure your game’s social media bio includes key information that instantly captures interest.
This should include the genre of your game, any unique selling points like "Award-winning narrative" or "Cutting-edge VR compatibility," and links to your game’s trailer, website, or where to purchase or download it.
Is It Time-Consuming?
Yes, initially it might take some time to set everything up and get familiar with best practices.
However, once you establish a routine, managing your social media can become as regular and straightforward as checking your email.
Should You Hire a Professional?
Whether you need to hire someone depends on how comfortable you are with social media and how much time you can invest. Starting on your own is a great way to learn what engages your audience.
If your game gains traction or managing social media becomes too overwhelming, consider bringing in a professional with experience in digital marketing for video games.
7-Day Social Media Kick-Off Plan for Your Game
Let's outline what you should focus on in the first week of launching your game's social media presence. For a more detailed 30-day plan, check out our marketing strategy pack for video game developers.
| Day Number | Actions | How to Do It Well |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the right platforms | Identify where your target gamers are most active. Twitch, YouTube, and Twitter are often key for gaming. |
| 2 | Set up your profiles | Use compelling visuals for your profile and cover photos. Ensure all bio details are filled out, including links to gameplay videos or your game’s community forum. |
| 3 | Identify your target audience | Define who your game is designed for and tailor your content to match their interests and gaming habits. |
| 4 | Plan your content | Create a content calendar that includes updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and interactive posts that engage your audience. |
| 5 | Start posting | Introduce your game, the development team, and unique features. Keep the tone engaging and inclusive. |
| 6 | Engage with your community | Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and feature user-generated content. Community building is crucial. |
| 7 | Analyze and adjust | Review which types of posts gain traction and which don’t. Use these insights to refine your strategy moving forward. |
What are the best strategies to increase the followers of your videogame organically?
Here is a table of 12 very specific and creative content tactics a video game developer can use on social media to organically increase their followers, along with the types of content that gamers engage with the most.
This table is concise and summarized. If you require a detailed description, complete with step-by-step actionable tips, and winning theories derived from studies of actual real-life use cases of successful video game promotions, please refer to our gaming strategy pack.
| Strategy | How to make it so it brings you profit |
|---|---|
| Exclusive Game Teasers | Release exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming games or new features. Use short, engaging videos or images to spark curiosity and discussions among your followers. |
| Developer Diaries | Share behind-the-scenes videos or blogs detailing the game development process. This can include interviews with developers, art design discussions, and coding challenges, helping to humanize your team and build a community. |
| Gamer Challenges | Host gaming challenges or competitions with your followers. Offer in-game rewards or merchandise for winners, which encourages participation and sharing among their networks. |
| Streamer Collaborations | Partner with popular gaming streamers to showcase your game. Their followers get exposed to your game, potentially increasing your game's visibility and player base. |
| Interactive Polls and Quizzes | Engage your audience with polls and quizzes related to your game's lore, character choices, or upcoming features. This interactive content keeps followers engaged and encourages them to visit your profile often. |
| Virtual Events | Host virtual events such as online tournaments, Q&A sessions with the developers, or live story expansions. These events can generate buzz and foster a strong community around your game. |
| Exclusive Beta Testing | Offer your followers the chance to beta test new games or features. Share their feedback and experiences on social media to generate interest and show that you value community input. |
| Gameplay Tips and Tricks | Post tips, tricks, and strategies for your games. This type of content is highly valuable for both new and experienced players and can help improve their gameplay, keeping them engaged with your game longer. |
| Highlight Player Creations | Showcase the best user-generated content, whether it's fan art, mods, or custom game levels. This not only celebrates your community's creativity but also encourages others to contribute their own creations. |
| Anniversary Events | Celebrate the anniversary of your games with special events, content releases, or retrospectives. This can reignite interest in older titles and maintain engagement across your game portfolio. |
| Eco-friendly Gaming Initiatives | If your company focuses on sustainability, share your initiatives like reducing digital waste, optimizing energy use in games, or supporting environmental causes through your platforms. |
| Limited-Time In-Game Offers | Create urgency with limited-time in-game offers, exclusive items, or special events available only to your social media followers. This encourages people to follow you to not miss out on unique gaming experiences. |
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What are some common social media mistakes to avoid as a videogame?
As a video game developer or publisher, navigating social media can be as intricate as designing a game level. Below, you'll find a detailed table that highlights common social media mistakes in the gaming industry, their potential impacts, and strategic recommendations to enhance your online presence.
| Mistake # | Mistake Description | Consequences | What Not to Do | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignoring Player Feedback | Damage to game reputation and player loyalty. | Do not dismiss comments, bug reports, or player reviews. | Engage actively with feedback, addressing both praise and criticism swiftly to show players their input is valued. |
| 2 | Inconsistent Updates | Players lose interest and community engagement drops. | Avoid long periods of silence or unpredictable update announcements. | Maintain a regular schedule for game updates and announcements to keep the community engaged. |
| 3 | Overly Promotional Posts | Players may unfollow or ignore posts due to perceived spamminess. | Don't focus solely on pushing sales or new releases. | Balance promotional content with engaging, fun, and relevant posts that contribute to the community. |
| 4 | Low-Quality Visual Content | Creates a poor impression of your game's quality. | Avoid using blurry screenshots or poorly produced videos. | Use high-resolution, captivating images and videos from your game to draw players in. |
| 5 | Ignoring Gaming SEO Practices | Missed opportunities to appear in search results and attract new players. | Don't neglect relevant keywords and trending topics in gaming. | Incorporate popular gaming keywords, hashtags, and trends in your posts to boost visibility. |
| 6 | Not Collaborating with Gaming Influencers | Missed opportunities for broader reach and credibility. | Avoid isolating your game from the broader gaming community and influencers. | Partner with influencers and other game developers for cross-promotions and to expand your audience. |
| 7 | Not Showcasing Unique Game Features | Difficulty in differentiating your game in a saturated market. | Do not rely solely on generic game descriptions or features. | Highlight unique aspects of your game, such as innovative gameplay mechanics or story elements, to stand out. |
| 8 | Underutilizing Player-Generated Content | Loss of potential authentic endorsements and community building. | Don't ignore the content that players are creating about your game. | Encourage and share fan art, gameplay videos, and other user-generated content, giving proper credits. |
| 9 | Poor Crisis Management | Risk of escalating negative situations into public relations disasters. | Avoid ignoring or defensively responding to crises or controversies. | Handle crises transparently and professionally, showing your commitment to resolving issues and improving the game. |
| 10 | Lacking Personality in Communication | Failure to connect with the gaming community on a personal level. | Don't let your social media voice be too corporate or impersonal. | Inject personality and a sense of fun into your interactions, reflecting the spirit of gaming and your brand. |
| 11 | Not Analyzing Engagement Data | Missed insights into player preferences and content performance. | Avoid the "post and forget" approach. | Utilize analytics tools to monitor engagement and adapt your strategy based on what content resonates with your audience. |
| 12 | Ignoring New Social Media Features | Falling behind in an ever-evolving digital landscape. | Don't stick rigidly to old methods or ignore new social media platforms and features. | Stay updated on new social media trends and experiment with innovative features to engage your audience effectively. |
How to implement a successful system on social media for your videogame?
When it comes to social media management for video games, it's all about engaging your audience with compelling content and interactive experiences.
Developing a strategy for this involves a mix of creativity and genuine interaction with your gaming community.
How to track results?
For tracking the effectiveness of your social media efforts, analytics are your best friend. Each social platform provides specific tools to help you measure your impact.
For platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can utilize Insights; for Twitter, there's Analytics. These features help you monitor engagement rates, follower growth, and the overall reach of your posts.
Key performance indicators for video games might include engagement on posts related to game updates or events, the number of downloads or sign-ups driven by social media, and user-generated content, such as screenshots or videos shared by players. An increase in these metrics usually means your strategies are on point.
What marketing budget?
Regarding the right marketing budget for your video game, there isn't a universal figure. However, for an indie game or a mid-sized studio, starting with a weekly budget of $100 to $500 on paid advertisements can be a good way to gauge effectiveness.
This budget allows you to experiment with various ad formats, targeting options, and platforms to discover what delivers the best return on investment. You can adjust your spending based on the results and objectives of your campaign.
While paid advertisements aren't essential, they are highly beneficial. We delve deeper into this in our strategy pack. With the decline in organic reach on social media, paid ads are crucial for ensuring your game reaches both existing fans and potential new players.
The advantages include increased visibility, targeted reach (allowing you to focus on specific demographics, locations, interests), and valuable insights from ad performance data. This last point is crucial as it enables you to continuously refine your strategies for better outcomes.
How often should you post?
The rule of thumb here is consistency over frequency.
For video games, posting once a day on visually driven platforms like Instagram and Facebook is ideal.
Utilizing Stories and live streaming offers additional, informal ways to engage daily. On Twitter, where interactions are more dynamic, two to three posts a day can keep your game relevant without overwhelming your audience. The goal is to maintain a steady presence that keeps players interested and engaged without overdoing it.
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Where can you get the social media strategies that will actually work for your videogame?
We understand the hesitation many game developers feel about diving into the world of social media marketing.
It's not uncommon to view the sphere of digital promotion as intimidating, especially when terms like "player engagement" and "retention metrics" seem like a foreign language.
Developing a game is already a full-time commitment, and finding the time, resources, or budget to dedicate to what might seem like an unnecessary luxury can feel overwhelming. Add to that the skepticism born from past marketing attempts that didn’t yield results, or the belief that the quality of your game should naturally attract players, and it’s easy to see why stepping into social media marketing might be overlooked.
Recognizing these challenges, our team has crafted a strategy pack specifically tailored for game developers like you.
This set of tools is designed to simplify the process, breaking down the jargon into simple, actionable steps. We've focused on strategies that are not only cost-effective but are also easy to implement, ensuring they don't require a large upfront investment or deep marketing expertise.
Our gaming strategy pack addresses each concern, from the misconception that significant financial resources are necessary, to the challenge of keeping up with the fast-paced evolution of digital marketing.
We offer clear, straightforward solutions that highlight the value and effectiveness of social media, aiming to transform skepticism into optimism.
By doing so, we aim to make it easier for you to see the potential in leveraging social media to enhance your game's visibility and player engagement, without detracting from the core development of your game.
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