Marketing Strategies Anyone?

BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
edited November -1 in Business and Marketing Theory
Hey guys,

So I have 3 games out on the App Store Now, and I feel pretty good about them.
(Links to apps: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blackbird-block-breaker/id451021409?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-adventures-baby-blackbird/id448854151?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-adventures-of-baby-blackbird/id451082857?mt=8)

And I was wondering, what is the best way to market them? I already have a small Facebook and Twitter page going. And I've tried to give some promos away on GS, but no one will bite.

Any suggestions on Marketing? Would anyone like a promo code?
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Comments

  • KrogothicKrogothic Member, PRO Posts: 123
    That Link did not work for me, says not in the US store.

    Good Luck !
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    Krogothic said:
    That Link did not work for me, says not in the US store.

    Good Luck !

    Try the new links

    -Matt
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    I clicked one of the links to be sure but others here have given you advice about this game already. In my opinion you need to consider a pro artist. Im sure the Game itself it fun but the artwork definitely does not do it any favors. Trust me I have released Games myself with less than awesome art and it has cost me. Also your screen shots do not help at all. One is the menu and one is your splash screen. If your game does not have enough unique content that you need to add your splash screen as a screen shot theres a good change potential buyers will feel that way when you have put your splash screen in the screen shots and pass out of fear of wasting there money.

    Id recommend a price drop to free and move on to your next project. The app store is such a fast paced make or break environment. You really have to have a great game to justify the time spent reviving it. Maybe if you think theres a chance at a revival only do the iPad version free and leave the iPhone version paid. Sorry I know its not the advice you wanted to here but its what I feel is the truth so thats what you get.
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  • HoneyTribeStudiosHoneyTribeStudios Member Posts: 1,792
    I agree with tenrdrmer.

    There is are so many well presented games on the appstore now that good quality graphics and a good game is the minimum requirement. Unless Steve Jobs is your uncle.

    Keep going, keep improving and maybe hook up with an artist.

    ---
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    So you guys don't think that even with an artwork update it could work?
    tenrdrmer said:
    I clicked one of the links to be sure but others here have given you advice about this game already. In my opinion you need to consider a pro artist. Im sure the Game itself it fun but the artwork definitely does not do it any favors. Trust me I have released Games myself with less than awesome art and it has cost me. Also your screen shots do not help at all. One is the menu and one is your splash screen. If your game does not have enough unique content that you need to add your splash screen as a screen shot theres a good change potential buyers will feel that way when you have put your splash screen in the screen shots and pass out of fear of wasting there money.

    Id recommend a price drop to free and move on to your next project. The app store is such a fast paced make or break environment. You really have to have a great game to justify the time spent reviving it. Maybe if you think theres a chance at a revival only do the iPad version free and leave the iPhone version paid. Sorry I know its not the advice you wanted to here but its what I feel is the truth so thats what you get.

    HoneyTribeStudios said:
    I agree with tenrdrmer.

    There is are so many well presented games on the appstore now that good quality graphics and a good game is the minimum requirement. Unless Steve Jobs is your uncle.

    Keep going, keep improving and maybe hook up with an artist.

    So you guys don't think that even with an artwork update it could work?
  • bluebyu25bluebyu25 Member Posts: 500
    Definitely art work. On your black bird, you can see the diamond shape you used to make the beak layered behind its black body because the opacity is low. Things like that are gonna kill you, maybe pay an artist. If you feel good about your know how as a developer, spend the money on your art, and make the game. Good luck to you!
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    I think an artwork update is the only option if you want a chance but I also think its too late. Your app will be buried in a matter of days and to have good artwork worth putting in it its gonna take several days if not weeks for your artist to get it all done perfect. MAybe new art and a free or lite version to get a little exposure. But again its a long shot. Why play catch up when you could focus on a new project an implement what you've learned from this one.
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    Would something like this be more up-to-par? (This would be the hedges)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/65604094@N04

    Or even more cartoonish?
  • JohnPapiomitisJohnPapiomitis Member Posts: 6,256
    everything needs to be one style and go together. You dont want to have one thing looking cartoony then grass looking real, then something else look doodle and ect.
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    JohnPapiomitis said:
    everything needs to be one style and go together. You dont want to have one thing looking cartoony then grass looking real, then something else look doodle and ect.

    Ok, then does that work? I see what you are saying (blackbird vs. grass) But something you all need to understand is that this is supposed to be a kids game. To appeal to children and keep them entertained, and all that time, be simple enough for them to understand.
  • DhondonDhondon Member Posts: 717
    I mentioned it in your other thread: CONSISTENCY! Everything has to look great, and created in the same style.
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    dhondon said:
    I mentioned it in your other thread: CONSISTENCY! Everything has to look great, and created in the same style.

    Like I keep saying, this is a game for children, not adults. The focus is more on gameplay than art.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    But what you don't get is art is everything to kids. My son Loves Burn the rope and Cut the rope and angry birds. He doesn't really give a !@#$% if he wins the levels he just likes playing. I guarantee you if the art looks like crap then he would not care about the game.

    Get an artist or better yet a designer who will take your game and make it look good.
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    tenrdrmer said:
    But what you don't get is art is everything to kids. My son Loves Burn the rope and Cut the rope and angry birds. He doesn't really give a !@#$% if he wins the levels he just likes playing. I guarantee you if the art looks like crap then he would not care about the game.

    Get an artist or better yet a designer who will take your game and make it look good.

    Ok, first off, chill out just a bit. The only part of that that looks like crap is 1 out of about 6 or 7 of the pieces of the art in the game. I understand. You need to chill tenrdrmer. I'm not attacking you, and jesus you're critical. By the way guys, the gameplay is awesome, and this is my FIRST TRY! so just chill...
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    tenrdrmer said:
    ..Also your screen shots do not help at all. One is the menu and one is your splash screen. If your game does not have enough unique content that you need to add your splash screen as a screen shot theres a good change potential buyers will feel that way when you have put your splash screen in the screen shots and pass out of fear of wasting there money....

    It has plenty enough material for me to not use those 2 screens. That one is not the splash screen, its the logo, and just happens to be the splash screen in this particular game.
  • JohnPapiomitisJohnPapiomitis Member Posts: 6,256
    Please do not post your game if you dont want to recieve constructive critism.
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    JohnPapiomitis said:
    Please do not post your game if you dont want to recieve constructive critism.

    No, I appreciate the criticism. I just don't understand why tenrdrmer has to come on so strong.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    How did I come off so strong? I used no exclamations or all capital letters. I never said You were an idiot or really any attack at all on you. So please tell me how what I said is so offensive. Its honest advice and your where not understanding what people are telling you so I said it again.
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    tenrdrmer said:
    ...He doesn't really give a !@#$% if he wins the levels he just likes playing. I guarantee you if the art looks like crap then he would not care about the game...

    You don't think that is coming off a little strong?
  • DhondonDhondon Member Posts: 717
    BlackbirdStudios said:
    You don't think that is coming off a little strong?

    It's the truth. If I see an game with mediocre graphics I just move on to the next game. There is alway an similar game on the appstore with better graphics.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    No I don't. Its the Truth. In this thread http://gamesalad.com/forums/topic.php?id=28479 you have already been told everything my self and others have told you in this thread. Your obviously not getting the message. its like your hoping someone will swoop down and tell you everything is all good. We are trying to help you here but you have got to be willing to accept the help or don't bother asking in the first place. Yes some times one persons opinion is different from others but here its obviously not. You need to focus on art and you probably need to hire someone to take care of it.
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    Ok
  • quantumsheepquantumsheep Member Posts: 8,188
    *puts guns away*

    Ok, please disperse. Go home. Nothing to see here etc...

    QS :D

    Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
    Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io

  • TheHooglerTheHoogler Member Posts: 102
    One thing to keep in mind...

    You mention a few times that this game is geared towards young children, so graphics shouldn't matter. It really doesn't matter if the game is designed for children; they aren't the ones with the itunes account and a credit card. Consistency is absolutely the best advice, but ask yourself... If you were to browse through games, spending 3 seconds on each page, will yours stand out enough for them to buy it? People don't spend more than a couple seconds on each app page, and the first, and often only place they look are the screenshots.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    TheHoogler said:
    One thing to keep in mind...

    You mention a few times that this game is geared towards young children, so graphics shouldn't matter. It really doesn't matter if the game is designed for children; they aren't the ones with the itunes account and a credit card. Consistency is absolutely the best advice, but ask yourself... If you were to browse through games, spending 3 seconds on each page, will yours stand out enough for them to buy it? People don't spend more than a couple seconds on each app page, and the first, and often only place they look are the screenshots.

    Alright now your just trying to stir things up with completely legitimate statements. This is ridiculous. Im getting QS. You just watch he'll agree with you too. ;)
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  • TheHooglerTheHoogler Member Posts: 102
    I just know it'll bite me in the ass when I premier a game :P
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    tenrdrmer said:
    Alright now your just trying to stir things up with completely legitimate statements. This is ridiculous. Im getting QS. You just watch he'll agree with you too. ;)

    Seriously? You guys obviously have nothing else to do. Can someone close this post? You can go and ruin someone else's question now. I came here for marketing advice, not opinions.
  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    TheHoogler said:
    One thing to keep in mind...

    You mention a few times that this game is geared towards young children, so graphics shouldn't matter. It really doesn't matter if the game is designed for children; they aren't the ones with the itunes account and a credit card. Consistency is absolutely the best advice, but ask yourself... If you were to browse through games, spending 3 seconds on each page, will yours stand out enough for them to buy it? People don't spend more than a couple seconds on each app page, and the first, and often only place they look are the screenshots.

    Yep, thanks for the advice.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    BlackbirdStudios said:
    Seriously? You guys obviously have nothing else to do. Can someone close this post? You can go and ruin someone else's question now. I came here for marketing advice, not opinions.

    Dude you seriously need to lighten up. No, there is no need for this post to be closed.

    And isn't all advice just someones opinion.
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  • BlackbirdStudiosBlackbirdStudios Member Posts: 493
    tenrdrmer said:
    Dude you seriously need to lighten up. No, there is no need for this post to be closed.

    And isn't all advice just someones opinion.

    But you are continuing to tease me. I'm just trying to do a good job…..
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