![\"A](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-alexander-kovalev-3977908-600x400.jpg\")
Streaming is one of the most exciting ways to create content around the things you love \u2013video games, music, sports, or whatnot. It\u2019s incredible because, unlike videos-on-demand (VOD), you can talk to your viewers in real-time. Which makes it 1000x more fun than talking and recording in front of a camera.\u00a0
\nAside from having the opportunity to share your ideas, connect with like-minded people, and build a following, another great thing about streaming is the monetization potential. Like VODs uploaded on YouTube and other platforms, your stream can be a source of secondary (maybe even primary) income.\u00a0
\nFinally, becoming a streamer is an excellent way to develop yourself since it teaches you many skills. Streaming would teach you to be confident, charismatic, and a good presenter/communicator. Skills relevant in the real world, especially if you\u2019re trying to make it big.\u00a0
\n\n
Where to Start
\nIf you\u2019re interested in becoming a streamer, we\u2019ve written several articles to make the journey easier for you. We also have classes you can enroll in, so you can accelerate your progress in becoming a master streamer.\u00a0
\nCheck out these other articles on our blog to learn more about streaming:\u00a0
\nThis article will cover in-depth the best platforms to stream games you can use to jumpstart your streaming career. We\u2019ll give you some pros and cons, plus tips on how to win on these platforms. So, buckle up, and let\u2019s start our journey to find the best platforms to stream games.\u00a0
\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a heavy gamer, you should already be familiar with Twitch. It\u2019s one of the pioneers in the live-streaming space, which is why it\u2019s also the most popular and one of the\u00a0best platforms to stream games.\u00a0
\nPros:\u00a0
\nCons:\u00a0
\n\n\n
Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world. They have close to 3 billion registered users on the platform. Aside from that, they also have a wide array of audience groups, which makes it the perfect platform for non-gaming streams. And also one of the best platforms to stream games. The platform also hosts streams of different events, performances, and gatherings for its users to access.
\nPros:\u00a0
\nCons:\u00a0
\n\n\n
YouTube is the world\u2019s largest video company. In terms of users, they\u2019re behind Facebook, with more than 2.5 billion users globally. They\u2019re known to serve all kinds of video content to their audience \u2013 from long-form videos to shorts and live streams. Typically, YouTube content creators use the Live function to cater to their existing audience.\u00a0
\nPros:\u00a0
\nCons:
\n\n
The Best for You
\nChoosing from\u00a0best platforms to stream games is still something you need to decide on your own. Each platform has its pros & cons \u2013 which you\u2019ll need to evaluate based on your goals.\u00a0
\nTo summarize, all three platforms have massive audiences and can help you reach your target viewers. The primary difference maker is the type of audience watching on these platforms. Plus, the amount of engagement and monetization potential you\u2019ll have.\u00a0
\nFor us, the best strategy streamers can do when choosing platforms is picking a combination of channels and utilizing each to its full potential. For instance, if you\u2019re streaming Valorant, you\u2019d want to do your live streams on Twitch & Facebook Live. Then, you can upload your highlights on YouTube and Facebook/Instagram as a VOD. This strategy allows you to tap various audiences across different channels. Making it easier to scale your following.\u00a0
\nRemember when Yoda said, \u201cOnce you start down the streaming path, forever, it will dominate your destiny, consume you it will.\u201d to Luke? Yeah, neither do we. But we\u2019re pretty sure that, much like joining the dark side, becoming a streamer will change your life too \u2013 fingers crossed that it\u2019s for the better!\u00a0
\nSo good luck in your quest, young Padawan. Think of us as your Yoda \u2013 but instead of being old and green, we\u2019re young and yellow.
\n![\"a](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-alena-darmel-7862509-scaled-e1677492797765-721x400.jpg\")
In the past: brands used professionals as their brand influencers. People like scientists, doctors, and engineers appeared in ads to give credibility to a brand.\u00a0\u00a0
\nBut sometime in the past, those strategies stopped working because people saw too much of them and stopped trusting these paid professionals.\u00a0
\nBut aside from that, consumer decision-making started to shift. From being functional buyers who buy for the features and quality of products. To lifestyle and aspirational buyers who purchase to ascribe to a particular lifestyle portrayed by celebrities.\u00a0
\nThat shift paved the way for a new breed of brand influencers \u2013 celebrities.
\nAfter years of celebrities dominating every marketing channel, consumers started to lose their trust in these stars, especially since many people gained access to how much brands pay celebrity endorsers.
\nThis gap created a need for newer brand influencers.\u00a0
\nDue to the increasing popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, plus the emergence of streaming sites like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live, many people started creating their own content, replacing traditional celebrities.
\nNowadays, there are millions of internet celebrities all over the world \u2013 from social media lifestyle influencers to gurus, and entertainers. All have followers ranging from a couple of thousand to tens of millions.\u00a0
\nThis massive reach and engagement encouraged brands to move their budget to micro-influencers. A 2019 study by Rakuten Marketing shows that brands spend 40% of their influencer budget on micro-influencers versus 28% on celebrity influencers.
\n\n
Most micro-influencers create niche content based on their passions and interests. That\u2019s why they can effectively reach people with the same interest. For instance, video game streamers like iamBrandon reach gamers who love to watch gaming content instead of TV.\u00a0
\nAnd because micro-influencers have a relatively smaller following (less than 50,000), they can engage more with their tribe. They are ultimately building a stronger relationship with their fans.\u00a0
\nAs a brand, you\u2019ll have your pick of influencers for your business. You can choose professionals like doctors, scientists, etc. You can also use traditional celebrities like movie stars and athletes. Or you can work with rising stars like fashion creators, lifestyle curators, internet athletes, or video game streamers.
\n\n
Video games, gaming content, and live streaming have grown exponentially. Currently, there are 3.6 billion gamers worldwide (that\u2019s close to half of the entire population!) There are also more than 7 million active live streamers across different streaming platforms like Twitch and Facebook Gaming. And in 2021 alone, 8.8 billion hours of video game live stream were watched worldwide.
\nThis is why brands like PepsiCo, KFC, and Lexus have partnered with Twitch streamers to promote their brand to gamers!\u00a0
\n\n
One of your most important marketing objectives will constantly be introducing your brand to more people and increasing your potential customers because it helps your business stay on track for consistent growth. Working with gaming brand influencers is one of the best ways to show your brand to more people.\u00a0
\nSince there has been some drastic change in how and where people consume media, video game streamers can help you reach audience segments who abandoned television and other traditional media channels.\u00a0
\nAs of 2021, there are 1.2 billion video game content viewers worldwide. And as we mentioned above, the watch time reached an all-time high of 8.8 billion hours.
\nThese numbers show that gaming channels are viable for communicating your marketing message to potential customers.\u00a0
\nDon\u2019t believe us?\u00a0
\nBig brands like Uniqlo, Nike, and Adidas have partnered with gaming companies to create merchandise catering to the gaming audience. Moreover, brands like Pringles and KFC have gone above and beyond sponsorships by developing tailored gaming programs to reach gamers.\u00a0
\nOn a minor note, many big and small companies are also reaching out to gaming streamers and content creators as brand influencers to feature their products on their videos and social feeds.\u00a0
\n\n
People buy from brands they trust. Without trust, your product/service will be one of a thousand choices that consumers will never choose, and you\u2019ll play a losing game.\u00a0
\nOne time-tested way brands build trust is by affiliating themselves with credible spokespeople. As we mentioned, brands used to get professionals as brand influencers, then celebrities, and now they\u2019re turning into internet influencers like video game streamers.\u00a0
\nSo why should you work with micro-influencers like video game streamers instead of celebrities?\u00a0
\nIn a study by Social Bakers, micro-influencers get 60% more engagement on their posts than celebrities and macro-influencers. This stat means more potential customers can see your brand by working with them.\u00a0
\nBut why?\u00a0
\nMicro-influencers are usually regular people who share their passions with the world. Because of this, they\u2019re more relatable to the common folk.\u00a0
\nAnd since they have smaller audiences, they also tend to have a more engaged audience than celebrities because they can personally interact with their fans.\u00a0
\nThese factors build a stronger connection and trust between them and their fans, making them ideal spokespeople for your brand.\u00a0
\n\n
One of the ways to ensure a business\u2019 profitability in the long term is by making themselves relevant to younger audiences because young people are poised to be their customers in the future.\u00a0
\nStudies show that brand loyalty built at an early age tends to carry over to adulthood. Hence, if you can create a good relationship with a younger audience, you\u2019re more likely to keep them loyal to your brand for a long time.\u00a0\u00a0
\nSo how do video game streamers help you build this relationship?\u00a0
\nMost video game streamers’ audiences are younger people between the ages of 16 to 34. This means many of these people already have the purchasing power to buy from your brand.\u00a0
\nAnd if they don\u2019t, they have considerable influence on their parents\u2019 buying decisions for them. So even if you\u2019re not influencing the primary decision-maker and buyer, you\u2019re still influencing their influencers.\u00a0
\nFinally, even if these customers cannot buy your products at the moment, they are on their way to having the financial capacity to buy since they\u2019re working their way up the ladder.\u00a0
\nThis trend is why luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Valentino are penetrating the gaming scene with in-game and physical merchandise.\u00a0
\nIn fact, when Louis Vuitton designed the trophy case for League of Legends\u2019 2019 Summoner\u2019s Cup, they were able to put their brand in front of almost 100 million unique viewers. This trophy was eventually bagged by FPX \u2013 a Chinese League of Legends team.\u00a0
\nAnd as we all know, China is one of the biggest luxury goods markets in the world.\u00a0
\n\n
Most video game streamers have a natural approach to creating their content. This style makes them more relatable to their audience. And since they don\u2019t have many followers like celebrities, they can personally engage with their fans.\u00a0
\nThis situation gives them better engagement rates and trust scores than celebrities.\u00a0
\nBut what does this mean for your brand?\u00a0
\nSince their audiences are more likely to hear them out completely (even their spiels on the brands they promote), you\u2019re more likely to communicate your marketing message to potential customers.\u00a0
\nBy expressing your message clearly, potential customers will be able to understand what your brand brings to the table \u2013 making them more likely to consider buying from you.\u00a0
\n\n
Combining all the factors we mentioned above, working with video game streamers can bring in more sales for your brand because they will introduce your brand to a broader audience, help you build trust for your brand, and help you relay your marketing message clearly.\u00a0
\nBut aside from driving traffic and sales for your brand, working with gaming influencers can be more cost-effective than working with macro-influencers since they\u2019re more affordable and flexible with their rates.
\n\n
Working with gamers and streamers as your brand influencers can be your catalyst for growth. These personalities can help introduce your brand to a broader market, build trust and credibility, and generate conversions for your brand at a lower cost — making them valuable assets for your brand.\u00a0
\nIf you want to learn more about how to work with micro-influencers, you can download our ebook: The Power of Gaming Influencers: How They Can Help Grow Your Brand.
\nYou can also check out our influencer marketing-related articles below:\u00a0
\n![\"A](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/nadjib-br-51Ms-0PbCHo-unsplash-711x400.jpg\")
As a business leader, we know you\u2019re on a quest to find the best marketing strategies to grow your brand. You\u2019re looking for ways to increase your revenue and reduce your expenses so that you can increase your profits. And if you\u2019ve been a reader of our articles, you\u2019ll know that we\u2019ve been talking a lot about Influencer Marketing lately. About its advantages and benefits for businesses. Plus, the types of influencers you can work with based on your company\u2019s goals.\u00a0
\nIn this article, we\u2019ll take you deeper down the world of influencers. We\u2019ll help you navigate the digital space, so you can find influencers for your brand.
\n\n
Welcome to the world of influencer marketing! As a business leader, you know that building a robust online presence is vital for growing your business. But with so many channels and platforms to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to find influencers for your brand.
\nOne strategy gaining popularity in recent years is working with influencers. Influencers are people who have built up a large following on social media. They are admired and respected by their fans, and business leaders think they\u2019re crucial in influencing consumers during their buying journey.\u00a0
\nBut in this endless world of the internet with all kinds of personalities \u2013 from white knights to trolls and everyone in between, where do you find influencers for your brand? More importantly, where can you discover magical influencers to help you grow your business?\u00a0
\nThe short answer is: EVERYWHERE.\u00a0
\nThese magical creatures as scattered around the internet \u2013 across different platforms and mediums. From Instagram to TikTok, YouTube to blogs and forums, there are influencers on almost every platform. A recent study found that 61% of influencers are on Instagram, making it the most popular platform for influencer marketing.
\nBut don’t limit yourself to just one platform. Influencers come in all shapes and sizes, and the key is to find the right fit for your brand.\u00a0
\nSo come on, let\u2019s go on an adventure to find influencers for your brand!
\n\n
Before you go on a quest scouring the internet to find influencers for your brand, you first need to know what kind of magical creature you\u2019re on the hunt for. It\u2019s hard to go on a quest without a clear outcome in mind because then, you\u2019ll be running in circles.\u00a0
\nHere are some steps you need to take to decide what kind of influencer you need for your business.\u00a0
\n\n
You first need to know what kind of ideas, feelings, and thoughts you want people to have when they come across your brand. That\u2019s why you need to identify what kind of brand you are.\u00a0
\nWho are you? Are you a fun and outgoing brand for the masses? Or are you a serious and conservative luxury brand for the elite?\u00a0
\nKnowing these things is the first step to find influencers for your brand because this would help you figure out which influencer/s to partner with (and avoid). Remember: you wouldn\u2019t want someone who has ZERO resemblance to your brand representing you.
\nOnce you know what your brand stands for, you need to establish what goals you want to achieve for your influencer marketing campaign. Do you want to introduce your brand to new markets? Are you looking to penetrate your existing market deeper? Do you want to change how people see you? Or do you want more people to be curious about your brand?\u00a0
\nA clear goal will be beneficial in your quest to find influencers for your brand because your goal dictates what type of influencer you need. And what kind of content they need to produce for your brand.
\n\n
Once you know who you are, you must learn about your target customers. Beyond their demographics, you need to know their interests \u2013 hobbies, entertainment, aspirations, etc.\u00a0
\nKnowing what they like (and don\u2019t like) helps you find common ground between your brand and your customers. For instance, if your customers are teenagers and you\u2019re trying to sell them the latest smartphone, you\u2019ll need to know how your brand fits their life.\u00a0
\nDo they need a phone that can record them doing a sick ollie in the skate park or a phone where they can play all the latest mobile games?\u00a0
\nIf you know what your customers want and what you have in common, the following steps to\u00a0find influencers for your brand will be a walk in the park.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\n
Now that you have all the work cut out for you let\u2019s go to the easy part: find influencers for your brand
\n\n
The first thing you want to look at is your competitors. Shocker, right?\u00a0
\nBut really, it\u2019s important you evaluate your competitors and see whom they are using as their brand\u2019s influencers because it can point you in the right direction. You see, influencers who are already influencing for your competitors will most likely be out for the running as your influencer.\u00a0
\nThe good news is that from your competitors\u2019 influencers, you can quickly identify which niches and influencer groups you can tap. For instance, your competitor is using the #1 gamer in the country to endorse their brand. Then, you can use the number one team or the 2nd to 5th ranked players in your country.
\nA competitor review is one of the easiest ways to find influencers for your brand.\u00a0
\n\n
The next place to visit in your quest to find influencers for your brand\u00a0are the taverns (social media platforms) your consumers go to. Check out whom they watch on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Observe who are the trendsetters and respected figureheads in the different sub-cultures they belong in.\u00a0
\nScouting these channels would give you an insight into possible partners and influencers for your brand since you know whom your consumers trust.\u00a0
\nYou can stalk your customers by using third-party research and insights databases.\u00a0
\n\n
There are many places where you can mingle with these influencers \u2013virtually and physically.\u00a0
\nBut one of the best ways to find influencers for your brand (and connect with them)\u00a0is to join various groups and events these people participate in. Here, you can directly ask them about their audience and explore the possibilities of a partnership.\u00a0
\nJust make sure you\u2019re 100% transparent with them on the expectations and deliverables. Plus, vet them well and ensure they\u2019re aligned with what your brands stand for.\u00a0
\n\n
The easiest way to find influencers for your brand is to work with agencies and other experts. These groups can make the process easy and smooth since they\u2019ll handle everything you need \u2013 from searching to vetting to negotiating.\u00a0
\nOn top of that, working with influencer specialists would give you more peace of mind since you have people who are experts in running influencer campaigns. This allows you to not stress over the little things and focus on what you do best \u2013 running your business.\u00a0
\nAt GGWP \u2013 we can connect you with different gaming influencers so that you can reach a wider (and younger) group of people.\u00a0
\n\n
Once you have a list of potential influencers \u2013 whether from your quest or an expert\u2019s work- you now need to evaluate your candidates and pick the right ones.\u00a0
\nWhen choosing, always remember the following:\u00a0
\nFrom there, you can now choose your influencer/s and work with them in creating engaging content for your brand.
\n![\"Brand](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/daniel-lincoln-VQj-pE0DyAw-unsplash-scaled-e1677487680498-610x400.jpg\")
Businesses that want to succeed in the modern marketplace need to upgrade their teams and arsenal to survive and thrive. The market is rapidly changing, and old tricks and strategies won\u2019t do the job anymore.\u00a0
\nJust look at the cemetery of obsolete brands \u2013 forgotten by the new generation.\u00a0
\nToday, for brands to succeed in conquering the world, they need to upgrade their toolkits and add more characters into the mix. Some of the essential characters brands need to add to their team are brand influencers through influencer marketing.\u00a0
\nBrand influencers are people who have a lot of followers and connections in the digital space. They are well respected and loved by their fans. That\u2019s why they have a lot of influence on people\u2019s purchasing decisions.\u00a0
\nBusinesses love working with these characters because they can encourage their followers to buy a product with a single post.\u00a0
\nNow imagine what having several of these characters can do for you in your quest for your brand\u2019s glory!\u00a0\u00a0
\n\n
Different kinds of brand influencers can help you in your mission to grow your business. Each type can help you with a specific objective that\u2019ll bring you closer to winning.\u00a0
\nSince all of them have pros and cons, you must be careful in choosing your brand’s influencers to get the most returns from each of them.\u00a0
\nIn this article, we\u2019ll divide brand influencers into two major categories. And list down the different types of influencers for each category. This format would help you choose the right mix of influencers for your marketing campaigns.\u00a0
\n\n
The most common way people categorize brand influencers is by filtering them out based on their audience size.\u00a0
\nNano-influencers
\nThe smallest audience size in the bunch. Nano-influencers are those with a thousand to ten thousand followers.\u00a0
\nSince these influencers have the smallest reach, they also charge the lowest fees, making them perfect for smaller businesses with limited budgets and lower marketing targets.\u00a0
\nThe upside for these influencers is that since they have a smaller audience, they also have the most engaged audience since they have more bandwidth to engage on a personal level.\u00a0
\n\n
Micro-influencers
\nHaving a decent audience size, micro-influencers have anywhere between 10 to 50 thousand followers.\u00a0
\nLike Nano-influencers, these Micro-influencers are relatively cheaper than other influencers and still have a high engagement rate with their audience. These influencers are perfect for growing businesses that need to reach a wider audience without spending a lot.\u00a0
\nThe most significant advantage of working with micro-influencers is that they have a decent following \u2013 which is suitable for raising brand awareness. And because they already have a decent audience size, they are more credible and can create social proof.\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nMid-tier influencers
\n\u00a0Being more popular than the Micro & Nano-influencers, mid-tier influencers have anywhere between 50 to 500 thousand followers.
\nMost brand influencers that fall into the mid-tier category can be considered local celebrities and niche content creators. These people have built a following by showing they can create relevant and relatable content.\u00a0
\nThis means that mid-tier influencers are reaching more people and are more trusted by consumers. However, at this point in their social media journey, their engagement rates are lower than those of the Micro and Nano-influencers. Something they make up with the volume of reach.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\n
Macro-influencers
\nNow we\u2019re entering the big leagues. Macro-influencers have anywhere between 500 thousand to a million followers.\u00a0
\nThese Macro-influencers have serious reach, reputation, and credibility in their respective spaces. Most are already atop their respective niches and considered well-respected characters.\u00a0
\nThey can help your business amplify your reach and introduce your brand to more potential customers. However, it already comes with a higher price tag and less room for negotiation.\u00a0
\n\n
Mega-influencers
\nAnd the biggest of them all. Mega-influencers are those with more than a million followers.\u00a0
\nThese mega-influencers are atop the food chain already. They\u2019re immensely popular and have a global following. Since most of them are celebrities, athletes, and entertainers, they become icons of aspiration for consumers.\u00a0
\nThe global reach of these mega-influencers comes at a hefty price tag. This is why these brand influencers are only reserved for those who can afford multiple 6-figure deals with these influencers.\u00a0
\n![\"A](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/kadyn-pierce-DM3AxUubhg0-unsplash-600x400.jpg\")
Aside from categorizing influencers by audience size, we can also put them into personality buckets. This segmentation helps you decide which buying stage an influencer can deliver the most value.\u00a0
\n\n
Celebrities
\nFrom the word itself, celebrities are known by millions of people worldwide. They have the most extensive reach among all the influencers since they are known across different platforms. Think Kardashians, movie stars, and internet celebrities.\u00a0
\nAs mentioned above, celebrities are aspirational icons. It means that the people who follow and listen to them usually aspire to the lifestyle they have.\u00a0
\nCelebrities are perfect for marketing campaigns around brand awareness since they have a massive reach. But they\u2019re also perfect for campaigns with an aspirational message\u2014like Nike with their professional athletes.\u00a0
\n\n
Subject-matter Experts
\nThese brand influencers may or may not have the reach of celebrities, but they have more respect and credibility. Unlike celebrities who are influential because of their fame and reach, subject-matter experts are known for their skills and knowledge. Gordon Ramsay, Gary Vaynerchuck, and Jordan Peterson can be good examples of influencers who are well respected in their field because of their ability.\u00a0\u00a0
\nIf celebrity influencers were aspirational icons suited for lifestyle, subject-matter experts are influencers who influence with their technical know-how. These influencers are perfect for solidifying your products\u2019 technical advantages and features.\u00a0
\nFor instance, computer companies use pro gamers, artists, and game developers as their subject-matter experts to solidify their products\u2019 technical capabilities and specs.\u00a0
\n\n
Niche
\nHere, you can categorize gamers and streamers, make-up tutorial vloggers, and fashion influencers. Niche influencers are closer to subject-matter experts than celebrities. These brand influencers create a lot of content around a particular niche. They have a lot of knowledge and experience related to their niche, but they are not as credible and respected as subject-matter experts.\u00a0
\nWhat sets niche influencers apart from subject-matter experts is the degree of technical knowledge they have about a particular topic. While subject-matter experts are credible for their highly specialized expertise and requirements, niche influencers have extensive knowledge closer to consumers\u2019 needs.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThis means niche influencers are excellent for solidifying your brand\u2019s user experience to your customers since niche influencers are a close representation of your consumers.\u00a0
\n\n
Internal Influencers
\nBased on their persona, the last kind of brand influencer is the internal influencer. These are the people who work inside your company as employees and experts. They may or may not have many followers, but they still carry some weight of influence because of their upfront experiences with your brand.\u00a0
\nInternal influencers are usually used on a company\u2019s pages. They\u2019re the best tool to humanize the brand and give people access to what\u2019s happening behind the doors.\u00a0
\nUsing internal influencers can help your brand solidify its marketing message by showing how your company adheres to it and strives to deliver value to your consumers.\u00a0
\nMoreover, internal influencers can help you acquire talent by showcasing your company\u2019s culture.\u00a0
\n\n
Since there are many brand influencers to choose from, it\u2019s crucial for you to have at least a framework on how to choose the right influencers for your brand. So, here are three quick tips you can apply when planning for your influencer marketing campaign.\u00a0
\n\n
Marketing campaigns usually have a specific objective. It can aim to increase awareness, build brand credibility, create consideration, or encourage conversions. Knowing your campaign\u2019s primary purpose will help you decide what kind of brand influencer you need to work with.\u00a0
\nFor example, you are a global brand that wants to introduce your products to more potential customers. Then, you\u2019ll need to find an influencer with a broad reach, especially on demographics you\u2019re not covering.\u00a0
\n\n
Aside from knowing your goals for the campaign, you also need to know whom you\u2019re targeting and what they are interested in. Knowing their interests will make it easier for you to know whom they watch, like, and trust\u2014ultimately leading you to who can influence them the best.\u00a0
\nFor instance, you\u2019re an old brand that has undergone a major rebranding. Now, you want to introduce your brand to the younger market. The best approach would be to segment your audiences by interest, then look for the top influencers in those niches.\u00a0
\n\n
Once you know your goal and target audience, you must establish who you are and how you want people to see your brand. This is important in shortlisting potential influencers because knowing how you want to be seen will eliminate influencers who aren\u2019t aligned with your values.\u00a0
\nYou wouldn\u2019t want someone loud and lewd representing your conservative brand, do you?\u00a0
\n\n
If you\u2019re motivated to succeed in your quest to make your brand the best, you must take influencer marketing seriously. You need to be discerning and strategic about the influencers you partner with. Choosing the right influencers for your brand is much more critical than getting influencers with the most reach and engagement. It\u2019s about how they fit your goals and your brand\u2019s image. And how influential they are with your target customers.\u00a0
\nUltimately, you won\u2019t want to bring the wrong gear to a battle, would you? \u00a0
\n![\"A](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-rodnae-productions-7915365-600x400.jpg\")
Years ago, creative advertisements were the number one marketing strategy brands used to grow their business. Eye-catching images with a striking headline and copy were the name of the game if you wanted to sell.\u00a0
\nBusinesses would spend millions (if not billions) every year to create different kinds of creative, funny, quirky, and unique advertisements on various platforms \u2013 TV, Radio, Print, and even digital in its early stages.\u00a0
\nBut now, traditional advertising strategies are become obsolete by the day. Consumers stopped paying attention and trusting branded ads and content.\u00a0
\nHaving virtually unlimited access to information, consumers are now wiser and more discerning with their purchase decisions. Gone are the days when brands could sway consumers to buy with flashy TV advertisements and discounts.\u00a0
\n\nWith this massive shift in consumer behavior, influencer marketing strategies have been booming \u2013 creating a new powerful channel for brands to engage and influence their audience.\u00a0
\n\n
The evolution of technology and the internet created what we now know as Web 2.0 \u2013 a movement known for democratizing content creation.\u00a0
\nSince almost anyone with an internet connection can upload their content on the internet for millions of people to see, many people ventured into becoming content creators on different platforms and mediums. These people documented themselves and the things they enjoyed \u2013 from cooking to fashion, gardening, and even gaming.\u00a0
\nThe creator economy gave birth to a legion of internet stars on different platforms. You have traditional bloggers, vloggers, social media celebrities, and many more, gaining millions of fans by the minute.\u00a0
\nThis paradigm shift changed the way people consumed media. People spend less time watching TV, reading newspapers and magazines, and listening to the radio. Instead, they are online –reading blogs, watching videos, and streaming music.\u00a0
\nInternet content creators started ruling the world. People began to trust them more than any other source \u2013 brands, news outlets, etc. These internet celebrities were now some of the world’s most trusted people, and brands needed to do something to capitalize on this wave.\u00a0
\n\n
In this new media economy, brands started using the clout of internet celebrities as leverage to encourage people to buy. Attaching their brands to the growing popularity, strong engagement, and credibility of these influencers proved beneficial as they saw better returns on these campaigns.\u00a0
\nThis new marketing strategy is what we now know as Influencer Marketing.
\nAccording to a study by Statista, influencer marketing is expected to be a $22 billion industry by 2025. This is because influencer marketing is an effective way for businesses to reach their target audience and drive sales.\u00a0
\nAn example of a successful influencer marketing campaign is when Funko, a company that produces pop culture collectibles, partnered with popular Twitch streamer Ninja to promote their Fortnite-themed Funko Pop figures. Ninja, who has a large following of Fortnite players and fans, shared unboxing videos and photos of the figures on his social media accounts. He also featured them in several of his streams. Aside from using Ninja, they also partnered with different gaming influencers on YouTube and Twitch.\u00a0
\nThis campaign generated a significant buzz and sales for Funko and helped increase brand awareness and credibility among Ninja’s followers.
\nIn a nutshell, Influencer Marketing is when you make your brand more popular and trustworthy by using influential and trustworthy ambassadors as spokespeople.\u00a0
\n\n
![\"Business](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-scaled-e1677400405555-800x322.jpg\")
Influencer marketing can help your business in more ways than just increasing reach. Including influencer marketing in your strategies is the upgrade you need to compete with your competitors and win over more customers. Below, we\u2019ll show you the different impacts of influencer marketing on your business.\u00a0
\n\n
Influencers have thousands of followers across different platforms. Some even have millions and more. This number of eyeballs is perfect if you want to introduce your brand to more people. Another great thing about using influencers to increase your brand\u2019s visibility is the lower financial investment you make since influencers don\u2019t charge as much as network companies to show your brand to their viewers.\u00a0
\nMoreover, besides having tons of followers on different platforms, influencers are also usually known as figureheads in a specific niche. For instance, there are influencers known as beauty and fashion icons, while others are in the performance and athletics space. Since they serve a particular niche, it\u2019s easier for your brand to target people interested in your products.\u00a0
\nHaving an effective way to target people based on their interests can significantly reduce your marketing expenses and improve your results \u2013 ultimately enhancing your brand\u2019s ROI.\u00a0
\nAn example of a brand that utilized influencers to increase its visibility is the energy drink company G Fuel, which invested a sizeable sum in various gamers like PewdiePie, moistcr1tikal, and one_shot_gurl to promote different flavors. Not only did this influencer campaign reach millions of gamers, but this also steadily increased the online searches for G Fuel\u2019s products \u2013 which meant people showed intention to purchase the product.\u00a0
\n\n
Most influencers have an engaged audience. This is because they create relatable and relevant content people want to watch. Plus, they can directly engage with their fans through social media and live-streaming platforms.\u00a0
\nSince influencers have an engaged audience, their audience tends to pay better attention to them when they are telling a story. That\u2019s the kind of respect they get from engaging and building rapport with their community.\u00a0
\nThis engagement helps brands communicate their marketing messages more effectively since consumers are less likely to tune out or skip the marketing message because it\u2019s coming from a respected and liked source. Ultimately, this helps your brand communicate your value proposition to potential customers. It is making them understand what you can do for them\u2014and increasing the chances of conversion.\u00a0
\nAn example of this is a campaign by Ubisoft. The brand wanted to promote its new game, “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,\u201d and increase its pre-order numbers. To achieve this, they partnered with several well-known YouTubers and Twitch streamers who create gaming content.
\nThe influencers were provided with early access to the game. They were asked to create sponsored content showcasing the new features and gameplay, such as the game’s brand-new storyline in ancient Viking times, the new combat mechanics, and the game’s open world.\u00a0
\nThese influencers shared personal opinions and thoughts on the game in a relatable and convincing way. This type of content helped to generate excitement and anticipation among their followers who were interested in finding the next game to play.
\nIn addition to the sponsored content, Ubisoft also used influencers to create a series of challenges and competitions that incentivized their followers to pre-order the game. These challenges were designed to present the game’s different aspects and mechanics, like stealth, combat, and exploration.\u00a0
\nUltimately, this campaign highlighted the new features of the Assassin\u2019s Creed game, which drove pre-orders for the game.\u00a0
\n\n
Influencer marketing can be an effective tool for brands to increase their sales and conversion rates. Partnering with influencers who have a large fanbase, brands can reach a highly targeted audience and influence them to take specific actions, such as buying a product.
\nOne of the key benefits of influencer marketing is that it can drive purchase intent. Since influencers are trusted by their audience, their opinions and recommendations often carry weight when making a purchase decision.\u00a0
\nBy working with influencers in creating high-quality user-generate content, you can leverage this trust to increase purchase intent among your target audience. This can be achieved through calls to action, discounts, or other incentives encouraging people to buy.
\n\n
Influencer marketing can be what your business needs to increase its profitability and growth. Studies show that influencer campaigns can generate up to $5.20 for every $1 spent on influencers. Moreover, another study shows that influencer marketing campaigns can generate up to 11x more ROI than traditional forms of digital marketing.\u00a0
\nWith these numbers in mind, it\u2019s no wonder why many businesses are choosing to allocate more of their budget to these activities.\u00a0
\n![\"An](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/abillion-BiYAClEcx_s-unsplash-scaled-e1677397188533-646x400.jpg\")
One of the biggest struggles of businesses is creating marketing content that works. That\u2019s why they rack their brains, looking for clever stories, creative executions, and fun ways to promote their brand. And more often than not, these cost them a lot of money since they need to work with agencies, talents, production houses, and more.\u00a0
\nDespite the hefty investment in creating these marketing campaigns, there\u2019s still no guarantee that they will work for the brand. Hence, there\u2019s still a considerable risk of failure and money down the toilet.\u00a0
\nThis enormous challenge for businesses launched a quest to find better ways to create content that converts. Content that capture attention, drives traffic, influences purchase behavior, and generates sales.\u00a0
\n\n
Over the years, customer recommendations have been one of the most powerful marketing tools in every business\u2019s arsenal. Studies show that more than 88% of consumers consider customer reviews when purchasing products. That\u2019s because customer feedback creates trust and builds credibility since these come from people who have already experienced a brand.\u00a0
\nIn traditional advertising, customer feedback mostly comes in the form of word-of-mouth. People telling their friends and families about their experiences with a particular brand and recommend it (or tell people to avoid it) based on their experience.\u00a0
\nBut in the era of the internet, word-of-mouth evolved into the word-of-mouse. Instead of just telling their friends and family about the products they use, consumers now join different channels to express their satisfaction (or discontent). And with that, word-of-mouth marketing became User-Generated Content (UGC).\u00a0
\nSimply put, UGC is content your customers create on the internet. It could be a review on sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or your product checkout page. It can also be photos or videos they upload on their social media profiles. And if they\u2019re a content creator, it can be something they post on their blog, YouTube channel, and other accounts.\u00a0
\n\n
![\"People](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/john-schnobrich-2FPjlAyMQTA-unsplash-600x400.jpg\")
Several studies show that user-generated content is an effective marketing strategy for businesses. Consumers trust customer feedback and UGCs 50% more than branded content. Moreover, these types of content can increase a brand\u2019s conversion rate by up to 4.5x compared to traditional marketing tactics.\u00a0
\nEpic Games, the creator of Fortnite, is one of the brands that leveraged user content to growth hack their brand and accelerate their user base.\u00a0
\nThe game\u2019s developers included a \u201creplay\u201d feature that allowed players to record their highlights and share them with friends. This increased the number of videos uploaded on various channels like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch, ultimately increasing the game\u2019s visibility.\u00a0
\nMoreover, to reward players who come up with jaw-dropping highlights, Epic Games also created a YouTube channel where they showcase content created by the players.\u00a0
\n\n
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool to connect with your audience and drive growth. It provides people with a unique and authentic perspective on your brand. Plus, it builds trust and credibility with your audience while providing valuable insights into customer preferences and needs.\u00a0
\nIn this section, we will explore how UGC can power up your gaming business and help you to stay ahead of the competition.\u00a0
\n\n
Customers posting UGCs about your brand increases your reach organically since they\u2019re showing your brand to the people around them. By posting your brand, they\u2019re encouraging their circle to explore your brand and check if you\u2019re a good fit for them too.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nMoreover, since people mention your brand (and your website) in their posts, your SEO score and search rankings significantly improve. This happens because search engines track your brand\u2019s backlinks and digital mentions and use them to measure your brand\u2019s popularity and relevance.\u00a0
\nBy improving your brand\u2019s visibility through UGCs, you can increase the number of potential customers.\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nUser-generated content (UGC) can improve a brand’s credibility and trustworthiness. According to studies, consumers trust UGCs 50% more than branded content. That\u2019s because UGCs, such as customer reviews, social media posts, and videos, provide an authentic and unbiased perspective on a brand.\u00a0
\nWhen potential customers see that other people have had positive experiences with your brand, it makes them feel confident that they\u2019ll have the same experiences too.
\nNintendo is an example of a gaming brand that effectively uses UGC to improve its credibility. They regularly feature user-generated content on their social media channels, such as fan art, cosplay, and gameplay videos.\u00a0
\nThis showcases the creativity and passion of their fanbase and provides a relatable perspective on the brand and its products. This helps increase trust and credibility among potential customers and solidify brand loyalty among existing customers. It also encourages users to create and share content on social media, which helps Nintendo expand its reach and increase brand awareness.
\n\n
Building on the two previous ideas, we can see that user-generated content can ultimately increase your brand\u2019s sales since it helps you reach more potential customers and builds your brand\u2019s credibility in the eyes of these people. In a research conducted by Power Reviews, it was discovered that shoppers who view products with reviews are 52.2% more likely to convert.
\nOne example of a brand that effectively uses UGC to increase sales is Steam. The brand has a user review system on their platform. Here, customers can leave reviews and ratings on the games they purchase.\u00a0
\nThis UGC is then used to generate a “review score,” displayed on the game’s page in the store. This review score is a powerful tool for consumers, as it helps them decide whether to buy the game.\u00a0
\n\n
User-generated content is not just a marketing play for your business. Aside from helping you reach more customers, build credibility, and increase conversions, UGCs give insight into your customer\u2019s behavior.\u00a0
\nWhat they say about your product tells you what potential customers would love (and hate) about it. It can also show surprising uses for your products that you might have yet to consider.\u00a0
\nThese insights can help you improve your product and make it more relevant to your customers. Ultimately, this enables you to build better relationships with your customers.\u00a0
\n\n
Traditional advertising strategies can be costly and may only sometimes yield the desired results. On the other hand, UGC is a cost-effective solution, as customers and fans create it instead of you. This means businesses can leverage the content without investing a significant amount of money. Additionally, UGC can also help save time and resources since you can repurpose and share it across different platforms.\u00a0
\nAn example of a brand that effectively uses UGC to decrease its costs is Minecraft.\u00a0
\nMinecraft has a dedicated community of players who create and share their own mods, skins, and maps. These are additional content can be downloaded by players to enhance their gameplay experience.\u00a0
\nThis UGC not only helps to increase engagement and retention for the game but also helps to decrease costs for the company since Minecraft doesn’t have to invest in creating additional content for the game.\u00a0
\nAdditionally, since the creators are proud of their work, they share it and promote the game on various social media platforms. This increases brand awareness and drives sales with no costs to the company.
\n\n
If you don\u2019t have a user-generated content strategy yet, you can start by building a library of content posted by your existing customers. From there, you can start sharing those across different platforms. Scrub various platforms and see what people are saying about your brand.\u00a0
\nYou can also launch campaigns to encourage your existing customers to post their reviews, testimonials, and unboxing videos on their social media pages. This can help you grow your library further.\u00a0
\nOnce you think you\u2019ve maxed out your UGC potential from your existing customers, you should expand your library to include influencers. Influencer UGCs have a broader reach potential for your brand, plus the right ones can deliver better credibility than ordinary customers.\u00a0
\n![\"An](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-design-477x400.png\")
Should you have a Hive Social or a Mastodon account for your stream?
\nSocial media platforms like Hive Social & Mastodon are important tools for streamers to increase their viewers and followers. They can use it to promote their channel and engage with their followers. And they can also use these channels to increase their revenue.\u00a0
\nOutside Facebook, Twitter is one of the more popular websites for streamers because it allows them to easily engage and interact with their fans outside the stream. It\u2019s also one of those platforms where you can properly curate your account based on your interests \u2013 goodbye, grandma, and other relatives who share nothing but clickbait!\u00a0
\nMoreover, Twitter has a \u201clive\u201d function where you can simultaneously stream with other platforms. This helps you reach a ton more potential viewers who aren\u2019t on Twitch or anywhere else.\u00a0
\nAnyway, given the recent hullabaloo surrounding Twitter, a lot of users are jumping ships and looking for an alternative. And in recent weeks, a Hive Social \u2013 a platform founded by a college student took waves. As of writing, they now have more than 1.5 million active users \u2013 having 400,000++ signups coming from the last week or so.\u00a0
\nSo, what\u2019s all the fuss about this new platform, and should you jump on the trend?\u00a0
\n\n
![\"An](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-24-at-4.11.19-PM-705x400.png\")
Hive Social is a 3-year-old social media platform created by a college student \u2013 Kassandra Pop. During her interviews, Kassandra said that she created the platform because she was getting tired of Instagram and Twitter\u2019s algorithm and ad-heavy experience. She wanted to create a platform that\u2019s more enjoyable to the end-user \u2013 a place where they can interact and engage with their friends, share their interests and hobbies, and showcase their personality.\u00a0
\nWhat came out from her was a mashup of Instagram, Twitter, and MySpace.\u00a0
\nSimilar to most social media sites, users need to register for Hive Social with their personal information. Then, they can customize their profiles by adding their preferred pronouns and zodiac signs. Aside from that, users can also customize their profile\u2019s color schemes to fit their personalities.\u00a0
\nA throwback feature of Hive Social is being able to put music on your profile \u2013 similar to MySpace and Friendster.\u00a0
\nNow in terms of scrolling through your feed and content, the experience is closer to Instagram, than Twitter. The platform has a lot of pictures, videos, and GIFs which are arranged chronologically. This feature can be used to share your stream\u2019s highlights and whatnot. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no live stream feature at the moment.\u00a0
\nOne of the things the platform boasts is its chronological feed. This means you get to see posts from your friends based on when they posted them \u2013 much like the old days of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This means you\u2019re more likely to see all the posts of your friends since there\u2019s no algorithm gatekeeping you. It\u2019s also good for you as a streamer since your fans will be able to see your content in real-time.\u00a0
\nAside from having a feed for your besties, Hive Social also provides you with a Discover feature where you can check out trending content based on your interests. As a streamer, this is a great feature that can help you reach potential viewers.\u00a0\u00a0
\nUnfortunately, Hive Social is currently running exclusively on a mobile app on iOS, which makes it very limiting since android and desktop users don\u2019t have access to the platform yet.\u00a0
\n![\"An](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-24-at-4.11.12-PM-705x400.png\")
Another social media alternative that gained a lot of traction from the ruckus surrounding Twitter is Mastodon. However, unlike Hive Social, Mastodon is a relatively older social media platform. It was created and released in 2016 by Eugen Rochko.
\nIn some ways, Mastodon is like Twitter because it\u2019s a text-heavy and sort of chat-based platform. However, in our opinion, it\u2019s closer to social media apps like Reddit and Discord because of how it runs.\u00a0
\nBasically, Mastodon is free and open-source software that allows its users to microblog. However, its main difference with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram is that instead of having a feed, you get different communities called \u201cInstances\u201d.
\nInstances are independent \u201csocial platforms\u201d where people of similar interests can interact. Each Instance has its code of conduct, terms of service, privacy policy, moderators, etc. In a nutshell, Instances are like Subreddits or Rooms \u2013 where people can interact with each other. The key difference is that you\u2019ll have a distinct account for each Instance you\u2019ll join.\u00a0
\n\n
Since a lot of users are leaving Twitter, content creators and streamers are looking for the next big platform, trying to be one of the pioneers.\u00a0
\nBeing a pioneer on a social media platform means it\u2019s easier for you to build an audience since you already have a leg up on your competitors. Plus, you can be one of the few people who might get preferential treatment.\u00a0
\nIn our honest opinion, we think streamers would be better off trying Mastodon as their next social media platform since it\u2019s been around for longer. Meaning, Mastodon is more stable and has stronger backend support to handle large traffic volumes. Plus, Mastodon has more active users as of writing \u2013 7,000,000 users vs. Hive\u2019s 1,500,000.\u00a0
\nBut the biggest advantage of Mastodon is the Instances feature since it allows you to engage with people who have the same interests as you \u2013 same games, same platforms, etc. This means you can engage more potential viewers in these Instances versus having a generic feed.\u00a0
\nHowever, we think Hive Social is a wildcard too in terms of brand growth. Their features are quite appealing and can help content creators and streamers grow if they can perfect their user experience and backend stability.\u00a0
\nOne of the promising features of Hive Social that we\u2019re watching is their discover feed. As we\u2019ve seen on Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitter the discover feed is one of the best sources of new traffic for streamers.\u00a0
\n\n
Creating an account on these platforms can bring benefits to your stream since you can reach new viewers with limited competition. However, focusing on growing on these platforms might be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you might find the right audience and drive a lot of high-quality traffic. But on the other, your potential viewers might still be stuck on older social media platforms.\u00a0
\nIf you make an account on these platforms, treat them as secondary platforms, more like a wildcard investment. Continue focusing on growing your social media presence on more stable platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and Twitch \u2013 then repost your content on these pages.\u00a0
\nThat way, you\u2019re getting the best of both worlds. If you’re keen on growing your audience, check out this comprehensive article we wrote on: How to get more viewers on your stream: 11 actionable strategies to make your stream awesome
\n\n
![\"An](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-alena-darmel-7862617-scaled-e1677225335235-659x400.jpg\")
The question “how to be a successful streamer” has popped into the heads of everyone who plays video games at least once in their life.
\nSee, the most successful streamers in the world have more in common than you think. There are a lot of ideas, techniques, and strategies they use to grow their stream and increase their revenue. In this article, we compiled all the best lessons you can learn from the world\u2019s best streamers, so you can be a successful streamer too.\u00a0
\n\n
Successful streams don\u2019t happen randomly. The best streamers know that they need to keep their streams fun, entertaining, and engaging. That\u2019s why they spend countless hours studying previous streams, ideating new concepts, and preparing for the stream before they go on-cam. They also spend a lot of time practicing in front of a mirror, recording themselves, and asking for feedback.\u00a0
\nIf you want to be a successful streamer, you need to be willing to put in the work. Going through the non-glamorous parts of your stream, so you can perfect your craft. You need to be a consummate professional.\u00a0
\n\n
Making it big in streaming doesn\u2019t fall into your lap. PewDiePie, Ninja, and all the other top streamers didn\u2019t sit all day on their couches waiting for success to happen. They made it happen. They worked hard.\u00a0
\nIf you\u2019ve been reading our articles, you\u2019ll know by now that succeeding in streaming doesn\u2019t just come from the stream itself. There are a lot of back-end tasks you need to work on. A lot of research, planning, and preparation (see above) go with it. But also a lot of non-streaming and gaming-related stuff you need to do, like marketing, community management, social media, etc.\u00a0
\nBecoming a successful streamer takes a lot of grinding before you reach the top. So be sure to bring all your energy into it.\u00a0
\n\n
A lot of streamers want to turn their stream into a project that\u2019ll replace their 9-to-5 job. Something they do full-time and rakes in a lot of money. Almost everyone who streams dreams to\u00a0be a successful streamer and earn a 7-figure income every year.\u00a0
\nFor you to accomplish this goal, you need to treat yourself as a business, not just a passion project or something. You need to not only have a good product (your stream), but you also need a good management strategy in place. That means you need to know how the money is flowing, where it\u2019s being invested, and how you\u2019re growing your income.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\n
Watch all your favorite streamers, and you\u2019ll see how different their first stream is from their current ones. Observe how different everything is \u2013 from their setup to their playstyle to their personality.\u00a0
\nThat\u2019s because they know it\u2019s important to grow and innovate. What worked before might not work anymore because people love novelty and they get bored easily. This would also explain why there are a lot of one-hit-wonder streamers \u2013 gamers who get millions of views and then suddenly vanish into thin air.\u00a0
\nIf you want to be a successful streamer, you need to always level up. Come up with new ideas on how to be more engaging, more entertaining, and more likable. That’ll help you keep your current audience and attract new ones consistently.\u00a0
\n\n
The fastest way to come up with new ideas and innovations for your stream is by keeping an ear to the ground. Always be in the know about what your audience likes to watch. What trends are catching their attention? Then, come up with ideas on how to integrate this.\u00a0
\nBy listening to trends and what your audience wants, it\u2019ll be a hundred times easier to come up with effective ideas to grow your stream and be a successful streamer.\u00a0
\n![\"Your](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pexels-roberto-nickson-7238759-600x400.jpg\")
One thing successful streamers know is that your setup is not the most important thing about your project. A lot of them started with their regular gaming PC, a webcam, and earphones with a mic \u2013 things you most likely have already.\u00a0
\nThe truth is: you can get a million views with a basic setup. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true \u2013 you can have the best streaming rig and still, no one would watch your stream.\u00a0
\nThe best of the best know that your content is 100x more important than your equipment because people don\u2019t care about your rig (unless that\u2019s your channel\u2019s main topic).\u00a0
\n\n
Here\u2019s the truth every beginner needs to know: you don\u2019t need to be in the top 1% of gamers to start a stream. You don\u2019t need to be the best player to be a successful streamer \u2013 you\u2019re not trying to be a world champion.
\nStreaming is more about being likable, entertaining, and engaging. Those three are different skills from gaming altogether. Watch some of the most viewed streams and you\u2019ll see a lot of average to above-average players who aren\u2019t that far from your skill level \u2013 a real testament that you too can succeed in streaming without needing to be a great player.\u00a0
\n\n
One of the skills every streamer needs to master is knowing how to build a relationship with their audience. If you look into the most successful streamers across all platforms, you\u2019ll see that a lot of them engage with their audiences regularly. And they engage like they\u2019ve known each other for years.\u00a0
\nThis makes their viewers feel like they\u2019re close friends \u2013 making it harder for them to leave and abandon the stream (\u2018coz who would leave their friends hanging, right?)\u00a0
\n\n
The most common trap unsuccessful streamers fall into is trying to please everybody. They try to do a lot of things all at once, making them look like a poorly remixed mashup of your favorite songs.\u00a0
\nThe most successful streamers know that they\u2019re not for everyone. Not everyone would find their streams entertaining \u2013 they might even have haters for their personality, but it\u2019s fine. Because they only need to appeal to their target audience to\u00a0be a successful streamer.\u00a0
\nIf you want to succeed, focus on your strengths and what your audience wants. If your audience loves watching your epic fail gaming moments, then keep on giving them those. Don\u2019t turn into a pro-gamer one day, just to appeal to more people. Chances are, you won\u2019t be able to get those viewers and your current audience will stop watching.\u00a0
\n\n
PewDiePie has always been comedic and loud on his streams. And a lot of people find his humor funny \u2013 as evidenced by his millions in views and earnings. Not a lot of streamers dare to be as flashy as him, that\u2019s why he stands out from the millions of streamers out there.\u00a0
\nIf you want to succeed, you need to develop a distinct style that would set you apart from everyone else. This is going to be your secret weapon for success.\u00a0
\n\n
Nothing happens overnight. Especially success. Your first stream won\u2019t have a million views in an instant. Hell, you might not even break 50 views on your first hundred streams. And a hundred views might come at stream number 200.\u00a0
\nSuccessful streamers know this. And yet, they stayed consistent. They kept on streaming even if no one was watching. They kept going online even if it took months (even years) before they got their first check.\u00a0
\nThey kept on going because they understood they had to be consistent first before they could be successful streamers.\u00a0
\n\n
Your success will never be all yours. It will be because of different people \u2013 your mentors, your competitors, your partners, and everyone else around you. You need all these people to help you on your journey, so we suggest you start making a list!\u00a0
\nLook for successful streamers you want to learn from. Break down their streams and take notes. Reach out, ask questions, and build a relationship. Make them your mentors.\u00a0
\nLook for streamers who are on the same journey as you. Use them as a benchmark and chase them. Have healthy competition with them and let them push you to be a successful streamer. You can also turn these competitors into allies by collaborating with them and working together to grow your streams.\u00a0
\nLook for brands whom you\u2019d want to endorse and partner with. Add value to their campaigns, and you\u2019ll be rewarded handsomely.\u00a0
\nStart reaching out to the different people who can help in your journey to\u00a0be a successful streamer.\u00a0
\n\n
The richest streamers don\u2019t just have one income stream \u2013 they have plenty. That\u2019s because they know they can compound their money better if they\u2019re rewarded not with the time and effort they put in, but with the value they create.
\nThis is why you\u2019ll see a lot of streamers dabble in content creation, merchandising, and even coaching.\u00a0
\nYou can check out this article if you want to learn about the different ways to earn as a streamer.\u00a0
\n\n
Successful streamers (and content creators) know how powerful the algorithm is. They understand how much influence it holds over their success. And how important it is to stay updated with how it\u2019s changing.\u00a0
\nIf you want to be a successful streamer, you need to learn how to craft your streams around what your audience and the algorithm want.\u00a0
\n\n
These ideas have helped thousands of streamers go from zero to a hundred. It helped them turn their passion for gaming into a lucrative career. For most of them, it took them years to learn all these lessons. But now, you have them all in one article. Use these to level up your stream, so you can be a successful streamer too. Good luck!\u00a0
\nIf you\u2019re like us, video games are a big part of your life, and you\u2019d want to earn from playing games.\u00a0\u00a0
\nSince we were young, games have been our constant companion through the ups and downs of life. It\u2019s where we met a lot of friends, learned about life, and found solace when things got tough.\u00a0
\nFor the longest time, it was just a hobby for us. Something we do to relax after a long day at work. Or a bonding activity we do with our friends every weekend.\u00a0
\nBut did you know that there are many ways you can earn from playing games? You can turn your interest into a full-time job paying way more than your 9-to-5!\u00a0
\nIf you\u2019re serious about monetizing your passion for gaming, there are two ways you can do it: make it your full-time job or treat it as a side hustle.\u00a0
\n![\"Here](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/How-to-earn-from-playing-games-10-ways-to-monetize-your-passion-for-gaming-600x400.jpeg\")
Being an esports player is the gaming equivalent of making it to the NBA, NFL, or MLB.\u00a0
\nA lot of gamers dream of stepping into the world stage. They dream of making the biggest clutch plays to win the tournament \u2013 a highlight for the ages. Surrounded by thousands of fans cheering for them on the biggest game of their life \u2013 a chance to win the annual championship.\u00a0
\nLike becoming a pro athlete, not everyone can become a professional esports player. Only the best of the best can reach the top of the gaming hierarchy. You\u2019ll need a lot of skill, talent, and connections to get into the world of professional gaming.\u00a0
\nIf you choose to go down this route, you need to train 12+ hours a day, grind to rise through the rankings, and join smaller tournaments where scouts can discover you. In our opinion, this is one of the hardest ways to\u00a0earn from playing games.
\nHow much money can you make as a competitive esports player?\u00a0
\nAverage e-sports players make around $60,000 a year from salaries. This doesn\u2019t include endorsement deals, sponsorships, and prize money from tournaments.\u00a0
\nOther factors on your income are the games you play \u2013 the more popular, the better, your skill level, and your team\u2019s success. For instance, the highest-earning esports player is N0tail (total earning: $7,000,000++), who plays Dota 2. Dota 2\u2019s annual event, The International, is known to pay tens of millions of dollars to the winning team.\u00a0
\n\n
Gaming events and tournaments won\u2019t be fun without your analysts, shoutcasters, and commentators. They add color to the game by talking about what\u2019s happening while engaging the audience with stories and whatnot.\u00a0
\nUsually, analysts, commentators, and shoutcasters know a lot about the game but do not have the skill to become professional esports players. Instead, they have the personality to go on camera and provide additional entertainment during the game.\u00a0
\nThis is not a direct way to earn from playing games because you’ll actually be earning by commenting on games, not playing it. But, it’s still a good way to monetize your passion for gaming.
\nHow much money can you make as an esports analyst/commentator?\u00a0
\nEsports analysts make an average of $48,000 every year from salaries. Like esports players, they can also earn extra from endorsements and sponsorships. However, they don\u2019t get prize money since they\u2019re not playing.\u00a0
\nIdeally, analysts & commentators increase their income by doing other gigs on the side, like streaming, hosting smaller esports events, and playing in smaller competitions.\u00a0
\n\n
If you\u2019re not a fan of going in front of the camera but still love following esports events, you try to start your own esports blog (or join an existing one). Here, you\u2019ll cover different esports events \u2013 watching games and writing articles about them. You\u2019ll also be covering various events around the esports world, like team updates, team events & fan meets, roster movements, etc.\u00a0
\nSimilar to being a commentator, you won’t be earn from playing games per se. But being an esports journalist can be a different kind of fun since you get to travel the world, interact with the players, and even get exclusive interviews. Still want to play? Use your play time to learn more about the games you cover, so you can put out the best content!\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make as an esports journalist?\u00a0
\nFull-time esports journalists earn between $29,000 to $75,000 a year in salaries. In comparison, the top-ranked journalists can make up to $115,000 annually.\u00a0
\nIf you\u2019re starting your own blog, you\u2019ll need to invest a lot of time, money, and effort to get things on the ground. It will take time to earn from your blog and make it a full-time job. However, once you gain a lot of traffic and credibility, your earning potential also skyrockets.\u00a0
\n\n
Becoming a YouTuber/internet celebrity is one of the most common career paths today. That\u2019s because being a YouTuber is a lucrative endeavor that has the potential to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars \u2013 maybe even more \u2013 every month. This makes YouTube-ing one of the common ways you can earn from playing games.
\nAs a YouTuber, you\u2019re gonna create different content related to the games you love. It can include game guides, tips and tricks, reviews, highlight reels, etc. These videos would generate views and generate ad revenue.\u00a0
\nOnce you have enough viewers, additional potential income streams will open up.\u00a0
\nYouTube can also be your main esports journalism platform since many gamers prefer to watch than read. Instead of writing updates and stories, you can make videos about it.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make as a YouTuber?
\nYour potential income from YouTube varies depending on your videos’ views and how many videos you upload. For instance, you can make two weekly videos with 200,000 views each. That\u2019ll earn you approximately $7,200 every week.\u00a0
\n\n
Another way to earn from playing games is to become a live streamer.
\nLive streaming has gained much popularity because of how authentic and engaging it is for viewers. Unlike YouTube, live streaming gives viewers real moments, not highlight reels. Since live streaming happens live, viewers can also interact with their favorite streamers.\u00a0
\nIf you want to learn more about how you can start a live-streaming career, check out these resources we created just for you.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make as a live streamer?
\nStreamers have different income sources. Which makes it hard to tell how much you can make from streaming. But if you want a detailed look at how much you can earn as a streamer, better check out this article we wrote on that topic!
\n\n
![\"There](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Part-Time-600x400.jpeg\")
If you\u2019re good at the game(s) you play, but don\u2019t want to quit your day job, one of the ways you earn from playing games is by becoming a coach. Nowadays, many players want to make a career out of gaming and need some coaching to get better.
\nTo be a coach, you first need to have the credibility to teach others. That means you need to excel in the game you\u2019re teaching \u2013 maybe even pro-levels \u2013 before people would trust you and pay good money for your coaching services.\u00a0
\nThe good thing about being a coach is that you can do it whenever your schedule permits.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make as a one-to-one coach?
\nYour rates as a coach would depend on your skill level and how in demand the skills you\u2019re teaching are. For instance, if you\u2019re a master sniper at CS:GO, you can charge up to $100 per hour.\u00a0
\n\n
Coaching is not for everyone because it takes a lot of time to sit down and teach your students. Plus, it\u2019s not something you can scale massively because you can only earn as much as your schedule permits.\u00a0
\nHere\u2019s where selling a course comes in. Instead of one-to-one coaching, you can record your lessons and demos, then sell them as a complete course.
\n\u00a0Creating courses is a good idea because you can sell different courses for different skills, and you only need to record each module once.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make as a course creator?
\nCourses can range from $39 to $79, depending on the game, the scope, and the teacher. For illustration purposes, say you have a $50 course on how to be a Deadshot on CS:GO, and you\u2019re selling 30 courses monthly. That means you\u2019re earning $1500 each month for a recording you did in a day!\u00a0
\nUnlike one-to-one coaching, you have virtually unlimited scaling capabilities because people worldwide can buy your course and take it at their own pace.\u00a0
\n\n
Gamers who are in it for fun and want to earn from playing games on the side usually sell their in-game items for cash when upgrading. This is an excellent way to earn if you don\u2019t want all the hassles of creating a monetization strategy.\u00a0
\nAll you need to do is keep on grinding to get rare items people would pay for \u2013 then sell them at a premium. Not only did you enjoy the challenge of obtaining those items, but you also got some profit. Not bad if you\u2019re just gaming for fun.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make selling in-game items?
\nThere\u2019s no average price or guide on how much you can make selling in-game items. Usually, what you earn is relative to how valuable and rare the items you sell.\u00a0
\n\n
Another way for casual gamers to earn from playing games is by offering in-game services.\u00a0
\nThis strategy is quite popular in MMORPG games, where missions can be pretty challenging to accomplish alone. As a service provider, you can help other players complete dungeons, quests, and missions for a fee.
\nOn other games, these service providers help gamers grind and climb the rankings by playing support roles. For example, you can hire a player to play Sage as support when ranking up in Valorant.\u00a0
\nHow much money can you make by offering in-game services?
\nYour earnings would vary depending on what quests/missions you need to accomplish. The more complex the tasks, the higher you can charge.\u00a0
\n\n
One of the newest ways gamers can earn from playing games is by uploading their highlight reels on FreshCut.gg and earn $FCD tokens.\u00a0
\nHere\u2019s how it works.FreshCut.gg is a platform that rewards gamers and viewers for their actions. By uploading clips and getting reactions from viewers, you can earn $FCD, then exchange it on crypto exchanges.\u00a0
\nYou can learn more about it at: https://freshcut.gg/
\n\n
In our opinion, the best way to earn a lot from your passion for gaming is to combine these different income streams to build one profitable monetization machine, so you can earn from playing games. Good luck!\u00a0
\nOne of the most common questions streamers ask is, “how can I get more viewers for my stream.”
\nThat’s because views and viewers are two of the most critical metrics in monetizing your channel. It\u2019s the first (and sometimes only) metrics advertisers and sponsors look at when partnering with content creators and streamers.\u00a0
\nHaving millions of viewers made PewDiePie, xQc, Summit1g, Ninja, and Shroud millions of dollars from streaming.\u00a0
\nIf you want to be part of their ranks, too, here are 11 ways to make your stream stand out, and get more viewers.
\n![\"Get](\"https://ggwpacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Get-more-viewers-scaled-e1675072123711-882x800.jpeg\")
\n
Strategy #1: Engage more with your audience\u00a0
\nThe first thing you need to have before you try to get more viewers for your stream is to keep your existing viewers. The last thing you want is to get 20 new viewers every day while also losing 20. Because if that happens, you\u2019ll stay stagnant \u2013 which is a problem many streamers get.\u00a0
\nThe best way to keep your existing viewers is to be engaging and build a relationship with them. As we mentioned previously, treating your viewers like your friends and engaging with them, mid-stream would make them keep coming back.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #2: Collaborate with other streamers\u00a0
\nOnce you have a solid audience who watches your streams consistently, you\u2019d want to tap into a broader audience base. The easiest way to get more viewers is by collaborating with other streamers in your niche, preferably those with larger followings. This allows you to reach their existing viewers who would also be interested in your kind of streams.\u00a0
\nBut don\u2019t think you can just run around knocking on streamers\u2019 doors, asking them to play with you and feature you on their stream. That\u2019s not how collaboration works. If you\u2019re asking for a favor, you need to bring value in return. Sometimes, collaborating with a streamer with the same audience size can be a quid-pro-quo since you\u2019re both getting the same amount of views and potential new audiences.\u00a0However, streamers with more viewers than you might ask for payment in return for collaboration or getting featured in their stream. A small price to pay to get\u00a0more viewers.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #3: Develop your online personality\u00a0
\nAs an internet celebrity, you\u2019ll need to have an appealing personality. It may not be something for everybody, but it needs to be appealing to your target viewers. This will help you get more viewers on your stream \u2013 and keep them watching.\u00a0
\nFor instance, if your target audience is serious gamers, you can\u2019t have a wacky personality. Instead, you\u2019ll need to be authoritative and informative because they\u2019re looking to learn from you.\u00a0
\nThe best way to build your online personality is by knowing your audience and their expectations and tailoring your personality to that.
\nIf that\u2019s too hard for you \u2013 say you\u2019re uncomfortable being wacky and crazy and prefer serious \u2013 then do your thing. You\u2019ll still attract an audience \u2013 it might just be a smaller one.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #4: Get creative with your streams\u00a0
\nImagine your stream as a variety/reality show on TV. People are tuned in to be entertained and to enjoy. They want to have fun and forget about their daily lives for a moment. They want to feel some thrill and excitement!\u00a0
\nPlaying the same game over and over and talking about mundane topics won\u2019t do that. You need to get creative. Make your stream fun and exciting to watch. This keeps your current audience hooked, while also helping you get\u00a0more viewers.\u00a0
\nHow you make your streams more fun is up to you. You can have games your audiences can participate in during the stream. You can have giveaways and prizes for winners or random viewers. You can even accept calls and have a chat with your fans while playing.\u00a0
\nWhatever it is, make sure it\u2019s enjoyable and stimulating to your fans. And don\u2019t forget to shake it up every week or so!\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #5: Incentivize your viewers to share
\nAnother great way to get more viewers is to encourage existing fans to share your stream with their friends. The best way to do this is by incentivizing them with freebies, games, and whatnot.\u00a0
\nFor instance, some streamers would do giveaways on certain milestones like the 10,000th subscriber. This encourages their current subscribers to share and helps streamers reach their goals.\u00a0
\nIf you add this to your growth strategy, you need to make sure you have the right incentives for your fans, so they\u2019ll want to share your stream.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #6: Play popular games
\nPlaying popular games is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can get\u00a0more viewers, since there are a lot of players. But on the other, you\u2019ll also have a lot of competition for people\u2019s attention.\u00a0
\nBut let\u2019s focus on the positive. By playing popular games, you have the opportunity to reach a lot of potential viewers for your stream. Of course, there\u2019s a lot of competition, but there are also a lot of opportunities and gaps to fill. You just need to get creative with how you\u2019ll run your stream.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #7: Have a different approach to your streams\u00a0
\nThis strategy is connected to the previous one.\u00a0
\nIf you decide to play a popular game, you need to have a different approach. You can\u2019t be a copycat of all the existing streamers. Being one in a million is how you fail at streaming.\u00a0
\nIn a competitive arena, you need to be different. You need to be unique. You need to have something that your competitors don\u2019t have. Something that\u2019ll pique people\u2019s attention to watch your streams.\u00a0
\nFor instance: instead of playing games the normal way, you can have a weird playstyle. Then, you can ask your viewers for test builds/crazy ideas they want to try but can\u2019t. You can be the master of building experiments. This will make your stream stand out and be more attractive to watch since everyone\u2019s playing safe with their play style.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #8: Improve your stream\u2019s visuals
\nNo one wants to watch a dull stream. Your viewers want novelty, excitement, and fun when watching your stream. That\u2019s why you should make the most out of the existing features on streaming platforms like overlays, sticker emojis, and your physical setup.\u00a0
\nA nicer-looking stream with fun engagement mechanisms (emojis) will help you retain viewers because your stream makes them see nice things. Plus, the engaging visual experience can get more viewers.
\n\n
Strategy #9: Know when to stream
\nYour audience isn\u2019t always online 24/7 \u2013 and they surely won\u2019t adjust to your streaming times. Of course, they have their own lives as well. And they\u2019re tuning in to other streamers, too. That\u2019s why you need to know your optimal streaming time and maximize it. This is one of the secrets to get more viewers.\u00a0
\nThe best way to find your ideal streaming time is by experimenting. Spend a month streaming on different time slots and record how many viewers you\u2019re getting each time out. You can also look at the top streamers who have the same audience as you and see what time they\u2019re streaming their content.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #10: Be consistent
\nOnce you know your optimal streaming times, you need to stick to them and remain consistent. You need to commit to your audience. Let them know your streaming schedule so they\u2019ll know when to tune in.\u00a0
\nHaving a consistent schedule makes it easier for your audience to watch your streams consistently since it removes the guesswork. Plus, by being consistent, other people will also see you consistently on their home pages/feeds \u2013 increasing the likelihood of them watching your stream.\u00a0
\n\n
Strategy #11: Share your clips across platforms\u00a0
\nThe best way to get\u00a0more viewers is to keep on promoting it across platforms \u2013 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. Upload your clips everywhere. Stream highlights, in-game highlights, and more. This would help you capture the interest of people who are interested in the games you\u2019re streaming.\u00a0
\nFun fact: you can make a lot of money by sharing your clips across platforms. Check out our article on how to make money by streaming video games. Spoiler alert: ad revenue and FreshCut.gg tokens.\u00a0
\n\n
BONUS: Be a first mover
\nAnother thing you can do to get more viewers is to be the first to stream the hottest games, games that just came out, or games with good potential. This is something you can do on the side of your regular stream or your new thing altogether.\u00a0
\nBut usually, playing these kinds of games would help you capture audiences who are always looking for new games to play.\u00a0
\n\n
These strategies helped a lot of creators and streamers get more viewers on their channels. We hope you can apply them and turn your dream into a reality!
\n