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app store optimization aso indie game marketing mobile game marketing pinterest video game market research

Mobile Game Marketing App Marketing Success with Pinterest

Keys to Mobile Game Marketing and Mobile App Marketing Success with Pinterest

Pinterest mobile game marketing aso
Pinterest mobile game marketing aso

Pinterest is a household name. Its advertising functionality? Significantly changed the online advertising landscape. The new Ad products, video ads, and other ad types?  Positively allow mobile marketers to leverage this growing social media network to their advantage. 

 

Marketers who focus on mobile marketing can no longer create a marketing strategy that excludes Pinterest.

Why, you ask?  Firstly because Pinterest has been providing incredible results.  Consider this:

 

  • 50% higher click to purchase rate
  • 2600% increase in website traffic from Pinterest
  • 90% lower CPM
  • 40% higher subscription rate
  • 70% increase in account signups
  • 40% increase in revenue

 

In this post, allow us to inform mobile game marketing and mobile app marketing professionals.  Start by learning how to use Pinterest to get the best of your online marketing strategies. Stay with us till the very end. Let’s get started!

 

Pinterest for Mobile Marketers

 

For mobile marketers, Pinterest offers a range of weapons.  From one mobile marketer to another, I applaud you and encourage you to learn About Me, reach out, if I can be of service.  Can we say, various ad types for different marketing objectives? Let’s take a closer look.

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app store optimization aso crossy road DISCOVERABILITY indie game marketing mobile game marketing twitter Uncategorized

Crossy Road Indie Game Marketing: At Home Update

Crossy Road At Home:  Hipster Whale Indie Game Marketing

crossy road hipster whale indie game marketing aso video game marketing
crossy road hipster whale indie game marketing aso video game marketing

2020.  What a year!  Just as the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world…  Indoors dining, bars, and pubs?  Gyms and barbershops too?  The same businesses and politicians leading the charge to reopen the world’s economy?   Retreating, back-peddling… Most of them, at least.  Right back to closures until further determination.  This year?  We have come to know hibernation.   Virality and PandemicNo longer obscure, esoteric concepts.  But rather something touching our lives.  As in each and every single day… What’s one to do with all the idle free time, stuck indoors?  For many of us, screen time, video games, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Apple Music, you name it.  The enterprising maestros at Hipster Whale?  The indie game marketing experts who made Frogger bigger, faster, better… In App Purchase micro-transaction style…

In case anyone questions Crossy Road’s Ubiquitous “Translation: Everywhere” Marketing, and Discoverability, Check It Out on the App Store, Google Play, Amazon Store, Android TV, and More…

Frogger retro video game indie game marketing crossy road hipster whale
Frogger retro video game indie game marketing crossy road hipster whale Source Replay Museum

 

Indie Game Marketing – Crossy Road Topical Promotion, Minus Wukong’s AAA Pomp and Awareness

Clearly there are more than one way to do indie game marketing right.  As the world stays home, we keep busy with either work or play.  In September, we were wooed, wowed, and ahhhed by the indie blockbuster Black Myth Wukong. Like any well-heeled AAA, the Chinese indie future classic teased an awe-inspiring gameplay trailer via IGN.

Black Myth Wukong AAA graphics Game Science Unreal Engine
Black Myth Wukong AAA graphics Game Science Unreal Engine

Other indies?  Some opted for a lower-key reveal. The play side of things has seen significant changes. Many encouraged people to stay at home. In other words, play at home, having fun, infection-free, and healthy.

Early on in the pandemic, many developer-publishers banded together.  Given hyper-competition – from hyper-casual idle games to eSports – and the state of the video game industry, it was understandably inspiring.  Many games offered unlimited playtime, boosters and power-ups…FREE.  Again to keep people entertained while isolated.

 

With everyone doing their part, Crossy Road has adapted to the theme of the pandemic and has released their new At HOME update.

What’s so special anyways?  Crossy Road’s At Home update was very inclusive.  As in encompassing the environment art and map.  Busy city highways and railroad tracks evolved into living rooms with rugs, furniture, and Roombas.  The pandemic and shelter in place are here to stay a while?  Why not embrace and laugh and celebrate the change.

 

New At HOME Crossy Road Content

The update has an overhaul on the map that features interiors rather than the colorful exteriors that we are used to seeing on the Crossy Road app. The main focus?  Its cast of adorable playable and unlock-able characters.  While traditional console gamers may see this as nickeling and diming, for most mobile, Amazon, or Android TV players of Crossy Road?  Merely in-app purchases where the individual purchases are already in line.  As in in line with what we have already paid in $.99 to $3.99 bundles.  Totally consistent with video game pricing that we have already seen and embraced.

 

Our famed chicken crossing the road is now a chicken who’s crossing across to the other side of his apartment with a coffee mug in its hand. The new playable character roster includes:

 

  • Home Chicken
  • Cat-in-a-Box
  • Frying Pan
  • Sad Plant
  • Laundry
  • Slippers
  • Toaster
  • Toothbrush
  • Toilet Paper

 

Marketing strategies across platforms

Mobile game marketing is a relatively newer field compared to marketing console or computer games. Clearly I’m over-simplifying.  Anyone in video game marketing can attest to this.  There’s a complete art and science in fields like Instagram marketing, Tiktok marketing, video game market research, app store optimization, and more.  In the last decade, we have seen some amazing marketing.  For games like Candy Crush, Temple Run, Angry birds, just to name a few.  But arguably the best mobile game marketing still comes down to one avenue, one channel.   Word of mouth.  Whether in-person, from one friend to another.  Or aptly disguised as user generated content or UGC.

Just in case anyone questions this…  Just look at the clever update post.  One that lets us relax and laugh at the technical challenges of working from home.  Not to mention a deluge of many many web conferences.  Complete with audio issues?  Been there, done that.

 

Crossy Road Hipster Whale Facebook indie game marketing humor work from home aso webconference
Crossy Road Hipster Whale Facebook indie game marketing humor work from home aso webconference

 

In the last month, Among Us the game has seen a surge in users after PewDiePie played the game. Now everyone and their uncle is playing among us and sussing everybody.

Crossy Road is an endless version of one of Frogger, which many of us think of as the grand-daddy of the entire genre.

Not to take anything away from other accomplished studios making video games.  Clearly we have seen browser games like sheepish come out that mimic the gameplay. Crossy Road?  It brings out the same game with a whole LOT more humor and characters.  Translation? Engagement and long-term retention.  All by keeping the game fresh and interesting.

 

With new updates every few months, Crossy Road has retained its users by offering more characters and terrains to play in. although the gameplay remains the same, the unlock-able merchandise is the main marketing way.

 

App Store & Google Play Store

When it comes to App Store Optimization (ASO), there are a handful of things that you can keep in mind to market your app successfully. These include:

  • Title
  • Description
  • Screenshots
  • Reviews
  • Backlinks
  • Number of Downloads
  • Engagement
  • Keywords
Crossy Road by Hipster Whale app store optimization mobile game marketing iOS
Crossy Road by Hipster Whale app store optimization mobile game marketing iOS

When we compare how differently the app has been uploaded on App Store and Play Store, it is apparent that the Play Store app page just has the video.

To understand the gameplay and art style of Crossy Road?   Plenty good enough to understand both.   And for a player to decide whether it’s his or her game.  Or Not.

 

The video also contains different characters.  And more importantly how to unlock them via in-game purchases. Or by playing the game and earning coins.  Translation into game design terminology?  Pay or Grind.  One way or the other.  You know you want these characters!

 

 

The game boasts over 100 Million downloads plus a 4.5 rating, which is good enough for an app to be listed as some of the most games played and is also recommended in similar game searches. So overall, for the Play Store, the app is pretty well handled.

 

Looking at the App Store for iOS, there is a slight difference in the way it is marketed over there.

The game similar to Android is advertised with a trailer video, but along with that, there is also a description which reads, “Hop till you drop, Crossy-Road is a perfect retro-style romp.”

For a detailed analysis of marketing retro video games?  Check out the post about Wreck It Ralph, and how it was done with classic marketing genius.

Donkey Kong Wreck It Ralph Source_Fanon

On the one hand, the App Store has a video – updated with the At HOME video content.  By contrast, the Crossy Road page on the Google Play store does not. You know what else?  The App Store game page uses the Endless Arcade Hopper line below the title above the rating of the game.  This further describes the gameplay on iOS.  On the hand, the game page on Google Play Store merely uses the developer’s name.

 

What does this mean in layman’s terms?  A better description converts an app page visitor into a download much more successfully. Although the star ratings being the same on both stores, the listing on the App Store is superior.  The more descriptive screenshots – illustrating the game play – makes the App Store likely higher-converting than that on the Play Store.

 

 

Facebook Marketing

What does this all mean in terms of the player community?  For one, the Crossy Road community has been very active.  Translation:  on Facebook the community has expressed plenty love for the At HOME updates. Yes, the Hipster Whale team changed the cover photo and profile picture.  But they went further.  By coming up with a few creative posts, the team has entertained the community.  All the while, keeping the community active in asking questions and contributing to the conversation.

Crossy Road Hipster Whale pandemic at home update humor toilet paper work from home aso
Crossy Road Hipster Whale indie game marketing pandemic at home update humor toilet paper work from home aso Source Facebook

 

A unique artwork and caption highlights how we all have been maintaining a safe distance and have been using online methods to communicate with each other.

 

 

Finally, the big reveal, the latest At HOME update on Facebook, is a video that has a caption highlighting some of the main features of the update and what to expect.

 

 

The update looks like fun, and the way it is presented to the people who are struggling with the lockdown is a good way to increase more downloads.

 

Indie Game Marketing: Twitter

With Twitter, the posts related to the At HOME update are the same as Facebook, but with the addition of the hashtags, #CrossyRoad #Quarantine life added to them.

Crossy Road Hipster Whale At Home update aop store optimization aso zoom webconference
Crossy Road Hipster Whale At Home update aop store optimization aso zoom webconference Source Twitter

 

 

 

With similar posts across both platforms, the word has gotten out pretty well, and any users who are regular players will be rushing to check out the new update as soon as they can.

 

Since the update is something that everyone can relate to, creating graphic posts with captions that connect to people through both copy visual and caption is the best way to go. The At HOME update is very well advertised on both platforms, keeping all these points in mind.

 

Twitch

Crossy Road on twitch has seen some activity in the form of streamers playing the game with the last Crossy Road Pac-man update. With the new update, streamers will need to be pushed a little to start advertising the game once again.

 

Since Crossy Road is not much of a competitive game and most twitch channels are running due to highly competitive games, creating content that is humorously appealing will do the trick.

 

 

The At Home update has been promoted has a lot to do with how people cope with the pandemic and the drawbacks that come with it, letting us acknowledge and laugh at the limitations and constraints that we ALL deal with.

The whole update is about how we are well acquainted with the things we have inside our homes, and our technological devices are what’s keeping us sane in this house arrest sort of a situation.

 

The game is light-hearted and fun to play to pass the time, and combining the comfort of your own home with the gameplay is a gentle reminder of how we are lucky enough to be the ones who are still safe, and we need to stay safe. The update is a sort of public service message to everyone to stay put and stay at home a bit more in these trying times.

 

The developers, along with providing the users with a fun new update, made sure they did their part in flattening the curve as many other forms of media have done. Kudos to the team for doing their part and promoting this update, and let’s hope we all come out of this alive and kicking. Stay Safe.

 

 

 

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app store optimization battle royale instagram instagram marketing Lilith making video games mmo mobile apps mobile marketing real time strategy Rise of Kingdoms RTS

Rise of Kingdoms: Mobile Marketing RTS ASO

Rise of Kingdoms: MMO RTS Mobile Marketing ASO?

 

Holy tamale.  As a video game marketing professional, I keep tabs on a lot of games.  What am I after?  The consumer insights and business intelligence.  In short, the data.  Why?  So I can better help my own clients optimize mobile marketing.  Literally optimize brand pillars, ASO, advertising strategy, etc.  RTS, RPG, FPS, MOBA, Connect-3, or otherwise…

Why Rise of Kingdoms?  For starters, the game is well over 2 years old. Its revenue?  SensorTower estimates the game racked up 1.2 million downloads and $24 million in revenue in September, across the world.

Put aside what the agencies say for a minute. Mobile Game and App Marketing CAN be understood and mastered – even by first-time mobile game and app founder-entrepreneurs.  Allow me to explain.  While not a precise science, that averages $2 revenue per same-period install.  Very very respectable.

To nail Mobile Game and App Marketing, I break things down to the basic building blocks:  the Brand Pillars, the Organic (App Store Optimization or ASO) and the Paid Activation (Ads & Paid Promotions)

Let us explore each one in detail.  What are the Brand Pillars, you ask?  These are the high-level positioning statements for the mobile game or app.  Take Rise of Kingdoms as an example.  These are the headers from the Full Description on its Google Play Store.

Real-Time Battles

Seamless World Map

Eleven Unique Civilizations

Exploration & Investigation

Unrestricted Troop Movements

Alliance System

Conquer the Kingdom

RPG Commanders

Translation?  Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Meets Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) Meets Builder

Can we say Clash of Clans meets World of Warcraft mets Age of Empires?  As a marketer I typically do not recommend marketing or publishing a mobile game that crosses more than two genres.  Why?  Think of the gamers and consumers.

Age of Empires PC 4X Civilization Game RTS Builder
Age of Empires PC 4X Civilization Game RTS Builder

And what about the lack of a branded IP?  How does this game have a.legitimate chance against huge IPs like Star Wars and Madden?  Yes, it’s true this game is lacking a true mass market IP.  But keep reading, and you’ll come to appreciate its content genius.

Clash of Clans Supercell mobile game RTS strategy ASO
Clash of Clans Supercell mobile game RTS strategy ASO

Rise of Kingdoms Played Up  Military Legends, National Pride.  Be the Gamer Japanese, Chinese, British, Italian, or otherwise.

Think for a minute of the Role Playing Commanders.  To men and women familiar with Western civilization?  What does the name Julius Caesar convey?  Military genius.  Golden Age of the Roman Empire.

What about Cao Cao?  In Eastern Chinese civilization, Cao Cao was the military genius of his age.    A notorious general who required no introductions.  Branded?  No.  Trademarked or trade-named entity?  Hardly.  Known entity and taps into  awareness amongst fans of Chinese military history?  ABSOLUTELY.

World of Warcraft WOW Blizzard PC MMORPG role playing game
World of Warcraft WOW Blizzard PC MMORPG role playing game

Again the marketing genius is apparent.  At least to THIS video game marketer.  If you’re a fan of Strategy games (RTS) like Clash of Clans, you’ll love Rise of Kingdoms.  Love Civilization Builder games like Age of Empires?  Rise of Kingdoms is a Can Not Miss.  Love WOW?  Gotta check out Rise of Kingdoms.

Of course Lilith Games, when making video games, did an awesome job of gathering market feedback and consumer insights.  And let’s not forget.  It’s no easy feat to deliver gameplay invoking Clash of Clans.  Nor straightforward to deliver a civilization builder experience like Age of Empires.  And few devs have replicated the MMORPG experience that is WOW.  To deliver all 3?  In one game?  Magic.

For ASO Rise of Kingdoms Clearly Set Its Aspirational Targets in its App Store Descriptions and Keywords.

And what about its organic activation?  Great question.  Let’s take a look.  Lilith did a wonderful job of ASO.  It knows its Apple and Google Play search algorithms very well.  Just take a quick look at its set of target keywords (courtesy AppTweak)

Note Rise of Kingdoms and its use of owned branded keywords.  Think “rise of kingdoms juego” “rise of civilization game.”  Both in English and foreign languages like Chinese, Spanish, etc.

Now compare that against Clash of Clans.  Note COC’s focus almost exclusively on its owned key phrases “Clash of Clans”, “Clan games.”  Add to that its use of (presumably) the same key phrases in Arabic and Chinese.

Rise of Kingdoms Clash of Clans Target Keywords Apptweak ASO App Store Optimization
Rise of Kingdoms Clash of Clans Target Keywords Apptweak ASO App Store Optimization

 

Using  AppTweak, You Can Readily See the Game’s Mobile Advertising Creative Strategy Execution, Down to the Individual Creative and Message

Want to know  Lilith Games’s paid activation strategy?  Mobile analytics tool AppTweak makes it easy to see ad evolution over time, and the current running ad creative.  Take a look below and see for yourself.

You can readily see the A/B tests that Lilith is running.  Want to drill down on ROK’s ad strategy in France?  Note its A/B/C tests between showing one photorealistic image of one military legend Boudica.  Now see the one of Boudica presented alongside Joan of Arc and Pelagius of Spain.  And how about the spider diagram to appeal to the heavily analytical strategic player?  Brilliant!

Rise of Kingdoms China France US ASO advertising creatives
Rise of Kingdoms China France US ASO advertising creatives

Want to know even more about Lilith Games’s advertising strategy?  In other words, really REALLY know how they’re advertising.  Are they using dynamic creative optimization?  And what is the split between static Image banners and Videos?

Mobile analytics tools like AppTweak will do that as well.  The screenshot below shows a simple breakdown of Lilith Games’s split of advertising across Facebook’s properties.  Think Messenger, Audience Network, Instagram, and Facebook.

Rise of Kingdoms Lilith social advertising ad A/B optimization ASO
Rise of Kingdoms Lilith social advertising ad A/B optimization ASO

Few Mobile Breakout Hits Are Successful by Accident.  With Hard Work and the Right Tools, You Too Can Optimize the Brand Pillars, Organic Activation, and Paid Activation.  Without the $$$ Agency.

 

As you can see, the above is not black magic.  First start by creating a short list of your game’s target features and feature sets. By studying the target keywords and App Store descriptions and assets of competitors, you can formulate a solid set of Brand Pillars to fit your ASO strategy and ad strategy.

Stay up to speed on the latest store requirements for the App Store and Google Play Store separately.  And of course, A/B test, test, and test some more.

Invest in a powerful mobile analytics tool like an AppTweak.  Readily understand how YOUR competitors are targeting THEIR competitors via keywords.  Understand how THEY are spending their Ad budgets.  And learn from THEIR A/B tests, past and present.  How do THEY maximize discoverability?

With hard work, and a bit of luck, you too can publish your own version of a Rise of Kingdoms.  New to the industry?  Want to learn the ropes?  Better yet, just starting to explore video game careers?  Check this out.  Got more questions? How can I help?