How to promote a game for free?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by Cractax, Feb 15, 2012.

  1. #1
    Good day.
    I'm developing a text-based mafia game at the moment, and looking for ways to promote the game for free. I've tried Facebook etc, but don't look like it helps. I'm new at the international "mafia-game" market, and have no contacts to help me out. So like the title says; How can I promote my game for free?

    I hope you guys maybe have some guides or experience you want to share.


    Best regards,
    Cractax
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  2. GMF

    GMF Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Mhh... text-based... Well, I guess there are a few gaming sites where you can try to submit your game...

    Do you want to sell this game, or is it free?
     
    GMF, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  3. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #3
    You must have traffic or people that clicks the "vote" button to get higher rank at those sites.
    I'm not selling the game, just trying to get more players, or more people that may contribute to the development.
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  4. eaglesflamenco

    eaglesflamenco Greenhorn

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    #4
    facebook is the best way as there are tons of traffic everyday
     
    eaglesflamenco, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  5. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #5
    How to promote on facebook? Whats the best way to get people watch the games facebook-page?
    For free tough
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  6. tankard

    tankard Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Join various gamer groups on Facebook and post useful/funny posts on their walls. If it's a popular group, chances are some of their members will hop over to look at your fanpage.

    You have to make a cool and interesting fanpage for your game. When visiting other groups, make sure you toggle "use as YourFanPageName" instead of your real name.
     
    tankard, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  7. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #7
    Thanks, I'll give it a try.
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  8. zubizubi

    zubizubi Active Member

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    #8
    I don't think you have any other great ideas rather than facebook.
     
    zubizubi, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  9. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #9
    I would love a bit guidance about facebook promoting though, if anyone is interested(?)
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  10. Tomastamm

    Tomastamm Well-Known Member

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    #10
    Facebook fan page, google+
     
    Tomastamm, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  11. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #11
    Well, figured out that I can spend a bit money. So I've started a "Share this picture and win xx".
    The prize is a $100 gift card at newegg, but nobody seems to even care about it (no shares). Anyone know why nobody gives a sh*t about it?
     
    Cractax, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  12. GeeksHosts

    GeeksHosts Peon

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    #12
    Try posting on web gaming forums, do email marketing and tell your friends to tell their friends about the game.
     
    GeeksHosts, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  13. Simbolic

    Simbolic Peon

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    #13
    Well,start at low,find some low populated website/forum,they wont pay you if they are really unpopular,then move on to advertising find some free stuff,google it...you have to start at some point
     
    Simbolic, Feb 15, 2012 IP
  14. tankard

    tankard Well-Known Member

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    #14
    Hi, thank you for your PM. I suppose others might find it useful, that's why I respond here. I hope you don't mind.

    My main question when arriving to your page is: what is it and how do I download it? Is it an online game? The FB page doesn't give me the answer.

    In FB search bar, type "static iframe tab" and download the app. You will need two tabs - one will be your Main headline tab, the other one will be a live link to your game.

    Build a cool/scary/interesting headline tab and make it your default tab. When a new visitor arrives, the headline tab is the first thing he sees. Use the headline tab to explain why is this game so cool and where to get it. ALSO ask them to like your page. Use html or an image to build the headline tab.

    On the wall, make regular interesting posts about gaming industry, mafia history, crime, etc etc...

    Also do what I said in my previous post.

    Because your FB page only has 40 likes. Nobody reads your updates - that's why nobody shares the image.

    And another thing - give me one good reason why I'd want to share a boring yellow picture of two lame chapmagne glasses with my friends? No offence, I know that you didn't create the pic, but still... what's the point? If you want me to share something with my friends, give me something cool to share.
     
    tankard, Feb 16, 2012 IP
  15. Cractax

    Cractax Peon

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    #15
    Thank you so much for your response, tankard!
    I agree, its absolutely no information at the facebook page. I'll have to write something I guess ;p

    I'll check out the application right now, looks like it may work. Shouldn't be much problem to create something interesting.
    Well, I have to get more followers then!

    You're right, the picture is lame. I'll try to make a cool picture :)
    Thank you SO much for the advices!
     
    Cractax, Feb 16, 2012 IP
  16. Seo Novice

    Seo Novice Peon

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    #16
    I think you need to get a little bit of a userbase going before contests. I'd suggest looking online to see how other people built up their games and emailing websites with a lot of web-based games. Armoredgames and newground might be worthwhile to look into.
     
    Seo Novice, Feb 16, 2012 IP
  17. casinomegamall

    casinomegamall Peon

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    #17
    If you don't have any issue then submit your game on some other websites and then pick a URL of your games and submit that game to some forum sites and If you don't mind share your games with us here.
     
    casinomegamall, Feb 16, 2012 IP
  18. wolflin

    wolflin Greenhorn

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    #18
    Give it away to 20 reknowned reviewers! Write a blog (get pings)! Backlink to crap out of the offering site!
     
    wolflin, Feb 17, 2012 IP
  19. nihangshah

    nihangshah Prominent Member

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    #19
    Ask people to review your game, upload gameplay videos on YouTube or stream it live on Twitch.tv
     
    nihangshah, Feb 17, 2012 IP
  20. wolflin

    wolflin Greenhorn

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    #20
    Very wise!
     
    wolflin, Feb 17, 2012 IP