Geek Native co-moderates one of my favourite RPG communities; the Roleplaying Games community on Google+. Every week we see plenty of people popping in to promote their RPG or related Kickstarter. Some do it well. Some do it badly. I want everyone to do well so scribbled down this little guide to help.
1. Don’t spam
Before you post anything make sure this is the right community for you. This one is about tabletop, pen and paper, roleplaying games. If you post to the wrong community the moderators will remove your post, if Google+ lets it get through in the first place and your Google+ account will edge closer to spam status. Once Google+ thinks you’re a spammer you’ll find it very hard to promote your Kickstarter.
Make sure you put your post in the right section in the community too. On Roleplaying Games we have a “Directed Promotion” thread just for you.
2. Take 5 for a +5
I rarely see a scene in a RPG when a gamer declines the chance to take a little longer on a die roll in order to secure a large bonus. Do the same with your Kickstarter post.
The worst thing to do is to post a link to your Kickstarter, trust Google’s automated systems to produce a thumbnail and summary while you scamper off to the next Community to post to. Sure; you might get a lot of eyeballs on your link that way but you’ll get few clicks.
3. Think visually
Google+ is great for rich media. If you have a video considering posting that to the Community. IndieGoGo uses YouTube. If you don’t have a video then post a compelling image. This will encourage shares and grab far more attention.
4. Practise the elevator pitch
In the text field (which will appear above your image/video) imagine you have a short elevator ride to grab the gamer’s attention. Pitch your Kickstarter – why it would interest a gamer – in two or three sentences and then finish with a link to your page.
5. Start a conversation
After your pitch, after the link (which will turn blue) to your Kickstarter, consider asking a question or two or inviting a discussion related to the campaign. If you can get gamers to comment then you’re part way to getting them involved in your project.
6. Remember Google+ formatting
You can and should format posts in Google+. Use stars around words; *strong* to bolden the text and _underscore_ to create italics.
You can add bullet points by holding down ALT+8 and, best of all, mention people by using a + sign before their name. For example; +GeekNative.
7. Come back
Don’t drive through any community. Ideally you’d already be a recognised name. In fact, it makes a lot of sense to comment on posts and start conversations days or weeks ahead of your Kickstarter post. Recognition helps with response.
At the very least, come back to your post and reply to any responses. No responses? Post an update on your original.
8. Don’t micro-update
Avoid posting weekly calls to action. You’ll just annoy the community and fondness for either you brand or Kickstarter will decline. If you do come back for a second post, rather than to contribute to your first post, make sure you post something significant and something new.
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