How to Find Pro Athlete Influencers – A-Z Guide, Criteria, Precautions, Pros, FAQs
Gaming influencing involves individuals who create content or engage in activities related to video games on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Its significance lies in its vast reach, attracting millions of users globally. Brand owners can leverage gaming influencers to promote and sell their products, tapping into a large and engaged gaming community.
JoinBrands enables you to get in touch and collaborate with gaming influencers worldwide. The several filters that JoinBrands provides you with allows you to find gaming influencers that align with your marketing goals.
This article guides through finding gaming influencers using JoinBrands in 6 steps as well as 4 other methods. We also provide a complete 9-step gaming influencer marketing guide. It highlights 12 key traits of a good gaming influencer, outlines 10 precautions when collaborating, and discusses 10 benefits of such partnerships. FAQs and a conclusion offer additional insights.
Now we will answer: How to Find Gaming Influencers.
Table of Contents
What is a Gaming Influencer?
Gaming influencers are individuals with expertise in the gaming industry, often possessing a deep understanding of popular titles, trends, and platforms. Their attributes include engaging content creation, a sizable and dedicated fanbase, and an authentic connection to gaming culture. Three types of gaming influencers include streamers, esports professionals, and gaming content creators. These influencers can benefit brand owners by providing increased visibility, targeted engagement, authentic endorsements, and access to a diverse and passionate gaming audience.
Here are the three types of gaming influencers that can help your brand grow:
- Streamers: Streamers broadcast live gameplay on platforms like Twitch, creating interactive content and engaging directly with viewers. Suited for brand owners targeting a dynamic and real-time gaming audience.
- Esports Professionals: Esports professionals compete at a high level in organized gaming tournaments, offering credibility and authenticity to brands targeting competitive gaming enthusiasts.
- Gaming Content Creators: These influencers produce diverse gaming-related content, including reviews, tutorials, and commentary, making them suitable for brands seeking versatile and informative gaming promotions.
Now, we will discuss how to find these types of gaming influencers. JoinBrands is one of the best methods but we will discuss a few other approaches.
5 Methods to Find Gaming Influencers
In this section, we will discuss some of the other methods to find gaming influencers. We will include the overview, tools used and step by step procedure so you can promote your brand or sell products effectively through influencer marketing.
Let’s review 5 methods in detail.
Method 1: Finding Gaming Influencers with JoinBrands (Best & Most Recommended)
JoinBrands offers a straightforward method for finding gaming influencers, catering specifically to brand needs. This platform allows brands to customize their gaming influencer search based on various criteria, including content type, influencer demographics, and product details.
Here are the 6 steps to find gaming Influencers using JoinBrands:
- Sign Up on JoinBrands: Register as a brand.
- Start a Campaign: Choose between ‘UGC Videos: Content Only’ for gaming videos.
- Add Product Information: Include details like type, name, price, industry, and an external link, along with an image.
- Choose Delivery Option: Decide between reimbursement or direct delivery to gaming influencers.
- Customize Creator Demographics: Select specific gaming influencer demographics like gender, age, and ethnicity.
- Review and Create Your Campaign: Finalize your choices and launch the campaign.
The significance of this method lies in its customization capabilities, enabling brand owners to precisely target the types of gaming influencers that align best with their brand’s image and audience.
In order to have a step by step (image based guide) to find gaming influencers on JoinBrands, click here.
Now we will look at the next item on the list, finding gaming influencers on social media platforms.
Method 2: Exploring Gaming Influencers through Social Media Search
Engaging with gaming influencers through social media platforms involves actively searching for relevant content and personalities using specific gaming-related hashtags and keywords.
Here are the 4 steps to find gaming influencers through social media search:
- Identify popular gaming hashtags on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
- Conduct searches using these hashtags to discover gaming influencers.
- Evaluate influencers based on content quality, engagement, and relevance.
- Initiate conversations and collaborations with selected gaming influencers.
This method is significant for brand owners as it allows direct engagement with gaming influencers in their natural online habitat, leveraging the power of social media communities.
Now, we will look at the next item on the list: Gaming Events Attendance.
Method 3: Connecting with Influencers at Gaming Events
Attending gaming events provides a unique opportunity to directly interact with gaming influencers, fostering authentic connections and collaboration possibilities.
Here are the 4 steps to connect with influencers at gaming events:
- Identify relevant gaming events, conferences, and tournaments.
- Attend events and engage with gaming influencers during networking sessions.
- Participate in panel discussions or sponsorships to enhance visibility.
- Exchange contact information and follow up post-event for potential collaborations.
This method is significant for brand owners as it facilitates face-to-face interactions, building trust and rapport with gaming influencers within the gaming community.
Now, we will look at the next item on the list: Collaborating with Influencer Marketing Agencies.
Method 4: Partnering with Gaming Influencer Marketing Agencies
Engaging with influencer marketing agencies specialized in gaming provides access to a curated pool of gaming influencers, simplifying the selection process.
Here are the 4 steps to partner with gaming influencer marketing agencies:
- Research and identify reputable agencies with a focus on gaming influencers.
- Reach out to selected agencies and discuss your brand’s requirements.
- Collaborate on gaming influencer selection, campaign strategy, and execution.
- Leverage the agency’s expertise for effective influencer partnerships.
This method is significant for brand owners as it offers a professional and streamlined approach, ensuring efficient collaboration with gaming influencers.
Now, we will look at the final item on the list: Community Engagement.
Method 5: Actively Participating in Gaming Communities for Influencer Discovery
Engaging with gaming communities online allows brand owners to organically identify gaming influencers deeply embedded in the gaming culture.
Here are the 4 steps for actively participating in gaming communities:
- Identify relevant gaming forums, subreddits, and online communities.
- Actively participate in discussions, share relevant content, and build relationships.
- Observe community interactions to identify potential gaming influencers.
- Initiate conversations and explore collaboration opportunities.
This method is significant for brand owners as it involves organic discovery and connection with influencers passionate about gaming, ensuring authenticity in collaborations.
The Complete Gaming Influencer Marketing Guide (10 Easy Steps)
To effectively leverage gaming influencers, define your brand niche, understand your target gaming audience, and establish specific campaign goals. Research relevant gaming keywords and utilize social media searches to identify gaming influencers. Engage in gaming communities, assess authenticity, evaluate engagement metrics, and initiate genuine outreach. Foster long-term relationships by consistently supporting gaming influencers. Now, let’s explore the key criteria for identifying successful gaming influencers.
1. Define Your Brand Niche
Clarify your gaming brand’s focus, values, and mission by specifying the gaming genres or themes it centers around. This helps create a distinct identity in the crowded gaming market. For example, a mobile gaming app specializing in casual puzzle games can define its niche by emphasizing accessibility and entertainment.
2. Understand Your Target Audience
Analyze the characteristics of your gaming audience, considering factors like age, gaming preferences, and preferred platforms. This understanding allows you to tailor gaming influencer partnerships to align with your audience’s gaming habits. A strategy-focused online multiplayer game identifies its target audience as competitive gamers seeking strategic challenges.
3. Establish Campaign Goals
Set measurable goals for your gaming influencer campaign, such as increasing game downloads or boosting community engagement. Clearly defined objectives guide your gaming influencer partnerships toward achieving specific outcomes. An indie game developer aiming to generate buzz for a new release might set a goal of reaching a certain number of game downloads within a specific timeframe.
4. Research Relevant Keywords
Identify gaming-related keywords and hashtags associated with your brand to enhance discoverability. This research helps you align with gaming influencers using language that resonates with your target audience. A virtual reality (VR) gaming company researching keywords may focus on terms like “immersive gaming” and “VR experiences” to connect with gaming influencers in that niche.
5. Utilize Social Media Search
Explore gaming hashtags and keywords on platforms like Instagram and Twitter to find gaming influencers actively engaged in gaming content. Social media search allows you to discover gaming influencers organically connected to gaming discussions. A streaming platform specializing in indie games might use hashtags like #IndieGameCommunity to identify gaming influencers passionate about indie gaming.
6. Engage in Online Gaming Communities
Participate in gaming forums and groups to identify gaming influencers deeply connected within the gaming community. Actively engaging in these communities helps you build relationships with gaming influencers authentically embedded in gaming discussions. A gaming accessories brand participates in forums, discovering gaming influencers aligned with their mission of enhancing gaming experiences through quality accessories.
7. Evaluate Gaming Influencer Authenticity
Assess the authenticity and credibility of potential gaming influencers by reviewing their content, engagement patterns, and audience interactions. Scrutinize content for genuine testimonials and consistent messaging. A gaming hardware brand seeks authentic gaming influencers by evaluating candidates who openly share personal gaming experiences and insights, ensuring genuine advocacy.
8. Determine Engagement Metrics
Evaluate a gaming influencer’s engagement metrics, including likes, comments, and shares, to gauge their impact and connection with the gaming audience. Analyzing engagement rates helps identify gaming influencers whose content resonates effectively. A gaming software company identifies gaming influencers with high engagement rates, ensuring their messages effectively reach and resonate with the target gaming community.
9. Initiate Genuine Outreach
Reach out to selected gaming influencers with personalized messages, expressing your brand’s interest and proposing collaboration opportunities. Crafting tailored messages highlighting specific reasons for selecting the gaming influencer and detailing collaboration benefits helps initiate authentic partnerships. A gaming merchandise brand initiates genuine outreach, expressing admiration for a gaming influencer’s unique approach to showcasing gaming culture and proposing a collaboration to create exclusive merchandise.
10. Foster Long-Term Relationships
Cultivate long-term relationships with gaming influencers by consistently engaging, supporting their content, and exploring ongoing collaboration opportunities. Building trust and rapport contributes to sustained gaming influencer partnerships. A gaming events organizer fosters a long-term relationship with gaming influencers by regularly involving them in event promotions, creating a mutually beneficial association.
Now that we understand the influencer marketing campaign process for gaming influencers, let’s explore the essential criteria that make a gaming influencer effective in promoting your brand.
What makes a Good Gaming Influencer? (12 Things to Consider to Find the Right Gaming Influencer)
A successful gaming influencer exhibits strong engagement metrics, consistent brand messaging, reliability, and professionalism. Understanding follower demographics and emphasizing content quality are crucial. Transparency in collaborations, adherence to platform guidelines, and fostering an inclusive audience contribute to credibility. Evaluating long-term partnership potential and a gaming influencer’s analytics proficiency ensure effective collaborations.
1. Relevance
Relevance involves ensuring that a gaming influencer’s content closely aligns with your brand’s focus. This alignment is critical to reaching a genuinely interested audience for effective promotion. For instance, a gaming brand benefits from collaborating with gaming influencers who create content centered around gaming, ensuring relevance and resonance. Conversely, choosing a gaming influencer with content spanning unrelated topics may dilute the message for a targeted audience.
2. Authenticity
Authenticity is a measure of how genuine a gaming influencer’s content and interactions are with their audience. This authenticity is essential for building trust, making promotional messages more credible and impactful. An example includes a gaming influencer seamlessly integrating a product into their gameplay, showcasing an authentic endorsement. In contrast, a gaming influencer lacking authenticity might deliver promotional content that feels forced or insincere to their audience.
3. Engagement Metrics
Engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, quantify a gaming influencer’s impact and connection with their audience. A high engagement rate indicates active audience participation and interest. For instance, a gaming brand benefits from gaming influencers with robust engagement metrics, reflecting a dedicated and responsive audience. In contrast, gaming influencers with low engagement may struggle to effectively convey promotional messages.
4. Consistent Brand Messaging
Consistent brand messaging involves ensuring that a gaming influencer’s content aligns with your brand’s values and objectives over time. This coherence builds a unified brand image and strengthens the association between the gaming influencer and the brand. A gaming brand collaborating with gaming influencers should verify consistent incorporation of key messages, enhancing brand recall. Conversely, inconsistent messaging may confuse the audience and dilute the intended brand perception.
5. Reliability and Professionalism
Reliability and professionalism highlight a gaming influencer’s commitment to meeting agreements, deadlines, and maintaining a positive online presence. This reliability is crucial for successful collaborations, ensuring that the gaming influencer upholds their responsibilities. For example, a gaming influencer consistently delivering quality content and adhering to collaboration timelines enhances the brand’s trust. In contrast, an unreliable gaming influencer may compromise promotional campaigns and brand reputation.
6. Follower Demographics
Understanding a gaming influencer’s follower demographics involves analyzing the characteristics of their audience, including age, location, and interests. This knowledge enables brands to assess the alignment between the gaming influencer’s audience and their target market. A gaming brand partnering with gaming influencers should consider followers interested in gaming, ensuring demographic relevance. Conversely, gaming influencers with a mismatched audience demographic may not effectively resonate with the brand’s target customers.
7. Content Quality
Content quality evaluates the overall production standards, creativity, and presentation of a gaming influencer’s content. High-quality content enhances the perceived value of the brand and captivates the audience. For instance, a gaming brand benefits from gaming influencers creating visually appealing and engaging gameplay videos. Conversely, gaming influencers producing low-quality or uninspiring content may fail to capture the audience’s attention, diminishing the promotional impact.
8. Transparency in Collaborations
Transparency in collaborations involves gaming influencers openly disclosing partnerships and sponsored content to their audience. This transparency builds trust and authenticity, preventing the perception of undisclosed promotional relationships. An example includes a gaming influencer clearly communicating when showcasing sponsored games, maintaining honesty with their audience. Conversely, gaming influencers lacking transparency risk damaging their credibility and eroding trust among followers.
9. Adherence to Platform Guidelines
Adherence to platform guidelines ensures that gaming influencers comply with the rules and policies of the social media or content-sharing platform. This adherence is vital to prevent content removal, account suspension, or other penalties that could disrupt promotional efforts. For instance, gaming influencers should follow platform guidelines on content related to violence or sensitive topics. Failure to adhere may result in content removal, negatively impacting the brand’s visibility.
10. Inclusive and Diverse Audience
An inclusive and diverse audience indicates that a gaming influencer’s content resonates with people from various backgrounds and demographics. This diversity broadens the brand’s reach and fosters inclusivity. For example, a gaming brand collaborating with gaming influencers who attract a diverse gaming audience ensures wider representation. In contrast, gaming influencers with a limited or homogenous audience may limit the brand’s exposure to different market segments.
11. Long-Term Partnership Potential
Long-term partnership potential assesses whether a gaming influencer is suitable for sustained collaborations beyond individual campaigns. Building lasting relationships with gaming influencers enhances consistency and loyalty in brand promotion. A gaming brand should evaluate a gaming influencer’s commitment to long-term partnerships, ensuring ongoing promotional support. On the contrary, gaming influencers with a focus solely on short-term engagements may not provide sustained brand advocacy.
12. Understanding of Analytics
Understanding analytics involves a gaming influencer’s ability to interpret and leverage performance metrics for informed decision-making. Competency in analytics allows gaming influencers to refine content strategies based on audience insights. For instance, a gaming influencer adept at analyzing gameplay video metrics can optimize content for higher engagement. Conversely, gaming influencers lacking analytical skills may struggle to refine their approach, potentially hindering campaign effectiveness.
Now that we know what makes a good gaming influencer, let’s explore essential precautions when working with them.
10 Things to Take Care of While Working with Gaming Influencers (Necessary Precautions)
When collaborating with gaming influencers, brand owners must prioritize content alignment, authenticity verification, and compliance with gaming platform guidelines. Contractual clarity, brand fit assessment, and exclusivity agreements safeguard long-term partnerships. Monitoring tone, disclosure policies, and community interaction are vital, ensuring gaming influencers align with brand guidelines. Failing to uphold these precautions can jeopardize brand credibility within the gaming community.
1. Content Alignment
Verify that the content of gaming influencers aligns seamlessly with your brand values. It’s crucial to avoid misalignment, as inconsistent messaging can confuse the gaming audience and dilute your brand’s message.
2. Compliance with Guidelines
Emphasize the importance of adhering to gaming platform guidelines. Non-compliance can lead to penalties such as content removal or account suspension, negatively impacting brand visibility and credibility.
3. Authenticity Verification
Scrutinize the authenticity of a gaming influencer’s engagement and followers. It’s critical to verify authenticity as a fake following can mislead your brand regarding potential reach and impact within the gaming community.
4. Contractual Clarity
Ensure that collaboration agreements with gaming influencers have clearly defined terms, including deliverables and timelines. In gaming partnerships, precise agreements are essential for coordinating events, releases, or product launches.
5. Brand Fit Assessment
Assess the overall brand fit of gaming influencers beyond immediate collaborations. Long-term brand alignment with gaming influencers ensures sustained partnerships without conflicting interests.
6. Exclusivity Agreements
If applicable, consider implementing exclusivity agreements to prevent gaming influencers from promoting competing brands during a partnership. This protects your brand’s unique positioning within the gaming market.
7. Disclosure Policies
Confirm that gaming influencers comply with disclosure policies, transparently indicating sponsored content. Non-disclosure can lead to audience distrust and potential legal repercussions for the brand.
8. Monitoring Tone and Language
Actively monitor the tone and language used by gaming influencers in content creation. Misjudged language may lead to controversies, affecting the brand’s reputation within the gaming community.
9. Community Interaction
Evaluate the gaming influencer’s interaction within the gaming community. Inadequate community engagement may result in a lack of trust and interest from potential customers.
10. Adaptability to Brand Guidelines
Ensure gaming influencers are willing to adapt to your brand guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in content misrepresentation, negatively impacting the brand image within the gaming sphere.
Now that we know the precautions of working with gaming influencers, let’s discuss some benefits of collaborating with them.
10 Benefits of Working with Gaming Influencers (Why Should You Even Partner?)
Collaborating with gaming influencers offers unparalleled audience reach, potentially exposing brands to millions within the gaming community. The authenticity of gaming influencers fosters genuine connections, impacting brand trust and credibility. Leveraging gaming influencers ensures precise targeting of demographics, enhancing campaign effectiveness. Access to valuable engagement metrics aids in gauging campaign impact, while gaming influencers’ adept content creation skills generate excitement. Innovative marketing formats, rapid content distribution, product integration, and community building further strengthen brand connections. Detailed performance analytics empower data-driven decisions for future marketing strategies.
1. Audience Reach
Collaborating with gaming influencers exponentially expands brand visibility within the gaming community, potentially reaching millions of engaged users. For instance, teaming up with a prominent gaming influencer could result in a social media post reaching over 5 million followers, providing unparalleled exposure to the brand.
2. Authenticity
Gaming influencers bring an authentic voice to brand promotions, fostering genuine connections with their audience. This authenticity can significantly impact brand trust; for example, a gaming accessory brand partnering with a gaming influencer known for honest reviews can strengthen the brand’s credibility among consumers.
3. Targeted Demographics
Leveraging gaming influencers allows precise targeting of demographics aligned with the brand’s ideal customer profile. In practice, a gaming laptop manufacturer collaborating with gaming influencers specializing in high-performance gaming setups ensures the promotion resonates with the target audience, potentially increasing sales among gaming enthusiasts.
4. Engagement Metrics
Partnering with gaming influencers provides brands access to valuable engagement metrics, measuring the impact of campaigns. An esports apparel brand collaborating with gaming influencers can track metrics such as likes, comments, and shares, gaining insights into the campaign’s effectiveness and audience engagement.
5. Content Creation
Gaming influencers are adept at producing compelling content that resonates with their audience. For instance, a game developer partnering with gaming influencers can benefit from engaging gameplay videos and reviews, generating excitement and anticipation for the brand’s new releases.
6. Innovative Marketing Formats
Collaborating with gaming influencers opens avenues for innovative marketing formats. For example, a virtual reality gaming company partnering with gaming influencers can explore immersive experiences or virtual events, creating unique and memorable promotional campaigns that set the brand apart.
7. Rapid Content Distribution
Gaming influencers facilitate swift content distribution across various platforms, accelerating the brand’s reach. In action, a mobile gaming app partnering with gaming influencers can see rapid downloads and installations, capitalizing on the gaming influencers’ ability to swiftly disseminate content to their engaged audience.
8. Product Integration
Gaming influencers seamlessly integrate products into their content, providing organic exposure. In practice, a gaming peripheral brand collaborating with gaming influencers can showcase their products in use during gameplay, fostering a natural and non-disruptive association with the gaming experience.
9. Community Building
Partnering with gaming influencers aids in community building around the brand. For instance, a gaming merchandise brand collaborating with gaming influencers can foster a sense of community through exclusive giveaways, contests, and shared experiences, strengthening the brand’s connection with its audience.
10. Performance Analytics
Brands working with gaming influencers gain access to detailed performance analytics. An esports organization collaborating with gaming influencers can analyze metrics such as engagement rates, follower demographics, and click-through rates, enabling data-driven decisions for future marketing strategies.
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of working with gaming influencers, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I determine the right gaming influencers for my brand?
You can determine the right gaming influencers for your brand by identifying your target audience and understanding gaming subcultures. Utilize social media and influencer marketing platforms to discover influencers aligned with your brand values and goals.
What metrics should I consider when evaluating gaming influencers?
Metrics you should consider when evaluating gaming influencers include likes, comments, and shares. Analyze audience demographics, influencer authenticity, and the relevance of their content to ensure a strategic fit.
Is there a specific approach to authentic collaboration with gaming influencers?
Yes, there is a specific approach to authentic collaboration with gaming influencers. Build relationships, communicate transparently, and let influencers express their genuine opinions to resonate with their audience authentically.
How can gaming influencers enhance my brand’s content creation?
Gaming influencers can enhance your brand’s content creation in a number of ways. Gaming influencers are skilled content creators. Collaborate on engaging gameplay videos, reviews, and innovative formats to leverage their expertise in producing compelling content.
What role do gaming influencers play in community building for brands?
Gaming influencers foster a sense of community through exclusive giveaways, contests, and shared experiences. Partnering with them can strengthen your brand’s connection with its audience.
How can I ensure my brand message aligns with gaming influencers?
You can ensure that your brand message aligns with gaming influencers by prioritizing gaming influencers whose values align with your brand. Ensure that you clearly communicate your message and goals. This fosters collaboration that resonates authentically with the gaming audience.
Are there innovative marketing formats possible with gaming influencers?
Yes, there are innovative marketing formats possible with gaming influencers. You can collaborate on virtual events, immersive experiences, or unique campaigns tailored to the gaming audience. This creates memorable and distinctive promotional strategies.
Can gaming influencers help with rapid content distribution?
Yes, gaming influencers can help with rapid content distribution because they have the ability to swiftly disseminate content across various platforms. This ensures rapid downloads and installations for brands and leverages their engaged audience effectively.
How do gaming influencers seamlessly integrate products into their content?
Gaming influencers seamlessly integrate products into their content, showcasing them in use during reviews or engaging content. This approach ensures organic exposure without disrupting the gaming experience.
What role do performance analytics play when collaborating with gaming influencers?
Performance analytics are crucial for data-driven decisions. Analyze engagement rates, follower demographics, and click-through rates to gain insights into campaign effectiveness and inform future marketing strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the realm of gaming influencers offers unparalleled opportunities for brand visibility and engagement. By strategically identifying, collaborating, and nurturing relationships with gaming influencers, brands can tap into a vast and dedicated audience. The synergy between authentic collaborations, targeted campaigns, and data-driven decisions propels brands towards successful partnerships in the dynamic world of gaming influencers. Embrace this journey, and let your brand level up in the gaming community.
