It used to be that when a new game was released, we would huddle over the shoulders of friends or family to watch them play. These days, you can watch a new (or old game) in action through live streaming platforms like Twitch, finding a Twitch streamer to subscribe and donate to potentially.
With Twitch being the world’s largest online video game streaming platform, it goes without saying that Twitch streamers can make money once they have found an audience. The top Twitch users, such as Ninja and Shroud, have even managed to turn their streaming into a lucrative career.
How can you make some noise on such a popular live streaming platform, though?
Through the right PR and marketing methods, you can very much become a successful Twitch streamer. Here’s how to promote your Twitch channel.
1. Set clear goals
You need to treat streaming as if it were a business. You need goals as well as a strategy on how you will meet these goals, with your main objective being how to gain more viewers and subscribers.
Keep your goals concise with no room for misinterpretation. For instance, have the goal “Have X amount of subscribers by X” rather than the goal of “Increase my subscriber count.” What’s more, you need to ensure your goals are attainable but also inline with what you wish to achieve.
Be sure to measure your goals so that you know whether you are closing the gap. You can access data such as your viewer count and average viewers through the Channel Analytics Tool. There are many helpful how-to guides on Twitch if you are unsure about how to use this tool.
Lastly, you need to put a time-limit on your objectives. By doing so, you are less likely to waste time.
2. Stick to a frequent and consistent schedule
Successful streamers will have a stream schedule detailing the exact time they will be online and live on Twitch. Plugging a stream schedule across social media is a great way to reach existing followers but also new ones. It is also a fantastic way to prove that you will be streaming consistently and now disappear—after all, you are an investment of your viewer’s time.
What to include: Have the date and time you will be streaming, but also include the game you will be streaming. This will help your viewers find the right content for them but also paint you as a professional who takes their streaming seriously.
3. Play the right games
You need to find a balance between playing games that you love, games your audience love, as well as games that are popular and games that are unheard of and therefore intriguing. Keep an eye on the most watched games on Twitch.
Games that you are passionate about: Streaming games you are passionate about will make your content much more vibrant and engaging. If you are not interested in the game you are playing, it will show and be a lot less entertaining for your audience.
Games that are popular: A lot of people love to watch Fortnite and Call of Duty, and by tapping into this niche, you have the chance to grow a following in such a demanding market. The issue with playing over-saturated games, however, is that you run the risk of being lost in the crowd.
Games you are good at: Show off your skills and become known for a particular game you are incredibly skilled at. Ninja is an example of a Twitch streamer who has used their gift for playing Fortnite to his advantage. He used to play Fortnite daily on Twitch (before moving to Mixer); he even hosted a game with rapper Drake.
4. Interact with your audience
Watch your chat room: Interacting with your audience is crucial. You need to keep an eye on the chat room while playing so that you can answer questions, keep the conversation going, and say ‘Thanks’ to anyone who newly subscribes to your channel.
Always talk to your viewers: Keep your audience engaged by constantly talking on your stream. Even if viewers are low, keep talking. Not only is it great practice, but it’ll grab the attention of anyone who comes across your stream.
5. Plug your stream on your social media
Always let your social media followers in the loop: Tell them if you are live, when you are going live, or if you are still live. Ask friends or connections in the gaming community to share your posts so that they earn more reach.
