How to Start a Community Around Your Indie Game
Building a thriving community around your indie game can be a game-changer for its success. Not only does it create a dedicated fan base, but it also fosters engagement, feedback, and word-of-mouth marketing. In this article, I’ll explore the essential steps to start a vibrant community around your indie game.
1. Define the Purpose and Goals
Before you dive into community building, it’s crucial to clearly define the purpose and goals of your community. This foundation will guide your actions and help you measure success effectively. Utilize the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting framework to outline your objectives.
For example, your goals might include:
- Specific: Increase engagement among players and gather valuable feedback.
- Measurable: Attain 500 active community members within the first six months.
- Achievable: Regularly release updates and content to maintain interest.
- Relevant: Foster an environment where players can connect not only with the game but also with each other.
- Time-bound: Achieve the above milestones within the first year of the game’s launch.
2. Define Your Ideal Users
Understanding your target audience is paramount for successful community building. Start by identifying the kinds of games your ideal users are interested in. What other indie games do they play? What are their preferences, demographics, and behaviors? This information will help tailor your community’s content and engagement strategies to resonate with your audience.
3. Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the appropriate platforms to host your community is a strategic decision. Identify where your target audience spends most of their time online. For the indie game community, platforms like Twitter and Discord have proven to be effective.
- X (Twitter): Ideal for short, engaging updates, polls, and sharing visual content. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
- Discord:Perfect for fostering real-time conversations, organizing events, and providing a space for players to interact. Create dedicated channels for different topics to keep discussions organized.
4. Define Your Onboarding Process
The onboarding process sets the tone for new members’ experience in your community. Begin by focusing on personalized 1:1 connections to make newcomers feel welcomed and valued. Here are a few things to focus on when recruiting your first 10 members:
1. Direct Interactions: Reach out to new members individually through direct messages on social media platforms or email. Welcome them to the community, express genuine interest, and offer assistance if needed.
2. In-person or Virtual Meetings: For a more personal touch, consider scheduling in-person or video/phone meetings. This allows you to introduce yourself, share your enthusiasm for the game, and answer any questions directly.
3. Highlight Immediate Value: Emphasize the benefits of being part of the community from the start. This could include exclusive content, early access to updates, or a platform to voice their opinions and shape the game’s future.
4. Encourage Engagement: Once onboarded, guide new members toward participating in ongoing discussions, sharing their experiences, and contributing their ideas.
Remember, the goal is to make new members feel like they belong and that their involvement matters.
Starting a community around your indie game can lead to a passionate player base, valuable feedback, and organic promotion. By defining clear goals, understanding your audience, choosing the right platforms, and focusing on a welcoming onboarding process, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating an engaged community that helps your indie game thrive.
