Consider this: in 2013, the League of Legends World Championship had over 8 million concurrent viewers and a total reach of 32 million. That’s more people than watched the last Stanley Cup Finals and World Series combined. eSports has become a giant in the sports world, and companies are starting to take notice. If you want to get in on the action, here are 7 of the best eSports marketing strategies.

The world of esports is growing exponentially. In recent years, it’s begun to surpass traditional sports in terms of popularity and interest from fans alike- with advertisers following suit by spending more on this new form for entertainment marketing campaigns than ever before. The digital space is booming, and many marketers are trying to figure out where they fit into this thriving industry with its elite players that can captivate audiences like no one else!

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For marketers, the eSports world presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, esports offers a huge potential audience, with dedicated fans passionate about their favorite games. On the other hand, esports is still a relatively new field and one that can be difficult to understand for those who are not already familiar with it. Thankfully we’ve got some tips and tricks up our sleeves that will help you to develop the best eSports marketing strategy for your brand.

What is eSports, and why is it a big deal?

eSports is a form of competitive gaming that has been growing in popularity in recent years and is played by professional gamers worldwide. Unlike traditional sports, which are governed by official bodies and feature teams of professional athletes, eSports typically involve individual players or small teams competing against each other in video games. Additionally, eSports do not require any physical activity. Instead, players compete in digital games using keyboards, controllers, and other gaming peripherals. With thousands of professional gamers competing in tournaments for large prize pools, the biggest eSports tournaments attract millions of viewers from all over the world.

So why is eSports such a big deal?

For starters, the prize money up for grabs in these competitions can be significant. In 2019, the total prize pool for the world’s biggest eSports tournament, The International, was over $34 million. And as the popularity of eSports continues to rise, so too does the prize money. But it’s not just about the money.

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Many people enjoy watching eSports because they’re easy to follow and understand, even if you’re unfamiliar with the game. Professional gamers are incredibly skilled at what they do, and watching them compete at the highest level is extremely exciting. In addition, eSports is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Anyone can watch tournaments online, and many of the most popular games can be downloaded and played for free. As a result, eSports has something to offer everyone who enjoys watching or playing video games. 

And with more and more people tuning in to watch these competitions, it’s only a matter of time before eSports becomes a mainstream spectator sport.

How can you get started on eSports?

Before you take the plunge into the world of eSports, it’s important to do your homework. To get started, you’ll need to brush up on the latest industry trends and get a lay of the land. Here are five steps to get you started:

1. Do your market research. The first step is understanding the eSports landscape and staying up to date with the latest news. Who are the key players? What are the most popular games? What types of businesses are already operating in this space?

2. Once you have a good understanding of the eSports landscape, you can start to narrow down what type of business you want to launch. There are several options, from running an eSports team or league to providing services such as event management, coaching, or training.

3. Whatever route you choose, be sure to budget and forecast your income. Once you have an idea of the costs involved in launching your chosen business, it’s time to start planning your finances. How much revenue do you realistically expect to generate in the first year? And how will this change over time?

4. Next, don’t forget to pick your specialism. One of the keys to success in eSports is focusing on a specific area or game and understanding what makes your eSports business unique. What are you passionate about in eSports? Do you love playing games? Or maybe you’re more interested in the business side of things? No matter your interests, there’s a place for you in eSports. So go out there and find your niche! 

5. And finally, make sure to collaborate and network. The eSports community is full of passionate and driven people, so reach out and connect with others who share your passions. Find partners and investors who share your vision for the future of eSports. By working together, you can help build the industry and take it to new heights.

7 of the best eSport marketing strategies

As the world of eSports continues to grow, so does the competition for marketing dollars. If you want to get ahead of the competition and attract more fans, you need to have a solid marketing strategy. But how can you make sure your eSports marketing strategy is effective? Here are seven eSports marketing strategies that can help you get started:

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1. Identify Your Audience

Any good marketing campaign starts with identifying the right audience. When it comes to eSports, there are a variety of different audiences you could target. For example, you could target casual viewers who enjoy watching gaming tournaments, or you could go after hardcore fans who are deeply involved in the competitive scene. You could also focus on gamers who enjoy playing specific genres of games, like first-person shooters or real-time strategy games. Once you know who you want to reach, you can tailor your message accordingly.

2. Find the Right Channels

Once you’ve identified your target audience, you can determine the best channels for reaching them. There are various ways to reach eSports fans, from online channels like Twitch and YouTube to offline channels like events and conventions. It’s significant to identify the media your target audience is most active on, so you can maximize your reach.

3. Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with an influencer in the eSports community can be a great way to get your brand in front of potential customers. By partnering with someone who already has a large following, you can tap into their fan base and quickly reach a large number of people interested in eSports.

4. Launch Your own eSports Team

One way to get your business involved in eSports is to launch your own gaming team. This will give you a platform to showcase your company and connect with potential customers. In addition, having your own team can help to build brand awareness and create goodwill among fans.

5. Host Events

Another great way to promote your brand in the world of eSports is to host team events. Those could include tournaments, streaming events, meet-and-greets, autograph signings, or even just casual gatherings at a local gaming cafe. This gives fans a chance to engage the players and see your products in action. Hosting events also help to build brand loyalty and connect with potential customers.

6. Co-Sponsor an Event

If you’re not ready to launch your own team, another option is to co-sponsor an existing event. This will still give you some visibility and allows you to test the waters without making a long-term commitment.

7. Evaluate Your Strategy

No matter how strong your marketing campaign is, it’s important to monitor its progress and make adjustments as needed. You should evaluate what works for you to incorporate those features into your future strategies. By continually tweaking your approach, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the competition and attract more fans.

What games are played on eSports

As any gamer knows, there are countless games to choose from when it comes to eSports. However, some games are more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular games played on eSports: 

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Apex Legends

One of the most recent games to take the world by storm, Apex Legends, is a battle royale platformer that pits teams of three against each other for survival. Players have to search out hidden headquarters across an island landscape filled with all sorts of weapons – from long-range rifles to close-quarters knives!

League of Legends

League of Legends is a game where teams of 5 compete to see who can destroy the other team’s base. It has been one of, if not the most popular video games in the eSports scene!

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG, is a battle royale game that pits 100 players against each other in a fight to the death. Players are parachuting onto an island and scavenging for weapons and supplies in order to be the last person standing.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive 

The first-person shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive relies on strategy, aim, and reaction speed to win matches against other teams who are also trying their best not to get killed. It has been a staple of the eSports scene for years.

Overwatch

The game Overwatch has captured the hearts and minds, and fingers of many in South Korea. This team-based shooter requires players to work together for objectives such as charging points or escorting a payload.

Fortnite 

Fortnite is a popular game that has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world. It’s not just because of its beautiful graphics and vibrant art style – this title also offers unique mechanics like no other!

Rocket League

And finally, the sport of soccer with a twist, Rocket League, is one that will have you on your toes. Instead of playing with people, you compete against other players in a game of soccer with your rocket-powered car. 

How do eSports companies grow their business?

Growing an eSports company is not dissimilar to developing any other kind of company in the digital age. Marketing is a key aspect of esports, and companies need to be able to reach out to the right audience to generate interest and excitement. 

As an esports company, there are a few key things you need to do in order to grow your business:

First, it’s essential to have a clear strategy for growth. What are your long-term goals, and how will you achieve them? Without a plan, it won’t be easy to make decisions about where to allocate resources and how to measure progress.

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Second, you need to decide what kind of esports offering you want to provide. There are many different options, from hosting tournaments to delivering content and training services or even developing your own video game to be played in competitions. Figure out what will best suit your audience and your strengths as a company.

And finally, it is important to find the right team for your project. This is critical for any business but especially important in the fast-paced world of esports. A competent group will ensure that you complete it on time and within budget, as well as provide quality assurance throughout every stage.

Wrap up

eSports marketing is a great way to reach out to an audience you may not have been able to reach before, and there’s plenty of room for brands of all sizes to get involved. It’s also a fun and exciting way to connect with your customers on a new level,  but you need to be strategic about your approach. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your marketing strategy, consider giving eSports marketing a try. 

Our guide has given you the essentials that you need to get started, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things you can do with this powerful form of marketing!