Creative Ways of Marketing

[InterfaceLeader]

Well, I help market a game development company: specifically the games set within the Iron Grip Universe. The main problem is that the original game is good, but has some flaws, and the next game isn't out (yet). So I'm trying to find ways to get people interested in the Universe and the stories/characters, so we have a fanbase in place that will (hopefully) be our first line of customers for the next game.

With this in mind, I started a fictional blog recently, written from the POV of two of the characters. The problem is, I'm not entirely sure how to get people interested in the blog. I'm running an art competition, with a $300 first prize! But, I've advertised this competition on places like DeviantArt, and so far it doesn't seem to have attracted much notice at all

I have very little luck with competitions in general: nobody enters! So how do I get people to try for it?

Also, how do I market a fictional blog in general?

[Brutha]

I have very little luck with competitions in general: nobody enters! So how do I get people to try for it?

I don't think that you can make a good competitions without having at least a small fanbase beforehand.

You should seek the fanbase of the first game and ask them what they want.

[rebelwithacause]

You might see if there is any following on youtube on your subject...

Then just make some videos using your keywords in the title, and in your blog domain name...and you can upload it there and then social bookmark to places like Digg, stumbleupon, delicious, etc...

Also, if you find that there is an audience on youtube, you can get a piece of software called trafficgeyser, and then
upload the video(s) to a bunch of high traffic video directories...

You can also write articles on your subect at ezinearticles.com...and squidoo.com...they are
ranked very highly in Google...so if you have those main
keywords for your game, then people will find you...

And like Brutha says, if you can get access to the fanbase, or a list, or do a JV with a list owner...that would be great...

I hope that helps...

[Nicketas]

Iron Grip Rules!

We need more people to play it!

Listen, Contact valve and ask them to make an announcement for your mod.

Tell them it will drive up sales.

And make DAMN SURE the game is in good shape when they make that announcement.

Listen, if the game is fun and visceral and the bugs are mostly ironed out, people will play it and tell their friends.

Get Some Damn Good Videos and Trailers. Now. Post them on YOUTUBE, METACAFE.COM (producer rewards), and REVVER.COM

Contact game server admins and clans and show them your game.

Basically, you need to go madly, madly viral. Hit all of the major hubs of the gaming community HARD.

Also hit up gaming forums.

You need to make your game a lot better, then Go MADLY VIRAL. If you have a hard time getting people to help you make videos, then Make some basic bots for your game or hire someone on elance.com to do it.

Target people of influence.

You need to release a quality update, even if it's a small one, then tell the world.

One front page announcement from valve will get players in.

Tell valve it will tie in nicely with their holiday bundles to help drive up sales for their games.

They'll do it.

You need proof that the game is not just worth playing, but that it's violent and fun.

Then show that proof to the top hubs of the gaming community & industry.

Contact gaming magazines and show them your new update also.

Do it do it do it.

[Andreas]

Interesting. This is the second time today that a discussion could benefit from this thread: Still Not Making Much Money in which Steve even shares his thoughts about how to grow a fanbase.

Highly recommended.

[1000feet]

When you want creative marketing, publicity stunts are a good way to get free exposure. You probably don't want to do something like set a record by walking a tightrope between hot-air balloons at a higher altitude than anyone else, but you can do anything original and remarkable even if it's not directly related to what you're doing. As long as your name is on it and people talk about it you'll see more people showing up. In this case, you probably want to do something unusual online relating to games.

[rebelwithacause]

On that tone there is the gurilla book series on marketing and Publicity...check out Amazon.

Tons of great ideas in there as well.

Creative videos on you tube and then blast out through trafficgeyser to all the top video directories are great.

A perfect example of great publcity is what Rich Schefren just finished up.

He put on a video contest and gave away some prizes...

All the people made fund and creative videos that promoted him and his site...

Now he has a big list, but definitely a great example of being creative and getting a lot of traffic...

[AndrewPavelski]

Post in gaming forums. Visit other gaming websites and tell them to check out your game. Make T-Shirts to wear with the URL and a graphic on them to promote the site, use StumbleUpon, tell all of your friends that may be interested. Print out posters / flyers and post them up at game stores in your town.

Good luck. If you are determined enough and keep taking action good things will happen!

Originally Posted by InterfaceLeader

Well, I help market a game development company: specifically the games set within the Iron Grip Universe. The main problem is that the original game is good, but has some flaws, and the next game isn't out (yet). So I'm trying to find ways to get people interested in the Universe and the stories/characters, so we have a fanbase in place that will (hopefully) be our first line of customers for the next game.

With this in mind, I started a fictional blog recently, written from the POV of two of the characters. The problem is, I'm not entirely sure how to get people interested in the blog. I'm running an art competition, with a $300 first prize! But, I've advertised this competition on places like DeviantArt, and so far it doesn't seem to have attracted much notice at all

I have very little luck with competitions in general: nobody enters! So how do I get people to try for it?

Also, how do I market a fictional blog in general?