Author: Anna Zhukova, Team Lead (iGaming) at Famesters 

Acquiring new users to the iGaming platform, either online casino, betting platform, sweepstakes, lottery or any other product has always been challenging, because the market is incredibly demanding and competitive. And it’s skyrocketing: world gambling statistics show that around 26% of the population gamble. That means around 1.6 billion people worldwide gamble and 4.2 billion gamble at least once every year. Impressive, right?

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This is why iGaming brands constantly test new communication channels to acquire new users. And they want these channels to bring real and measurable performance.

According to the BuzzGuru research, 80% of marketers find influencer marketing effective.

Influencer marketing is still considered to be a quite young, but the performance it brings for brands (especially in the iGaming vertical) is tremendous. In this article, we will delve into the strategic use of influencer marketing to drive growth for iGaming products.

Understanding the iGaming Audience

Understanding the target audience is one of the essential things for every business. The potential users for iGaming products are incredibly diverse, spanning various age groups, genders, and geographic locations; and are multifaceted: from avid gamers seeking immersive experiences to casual players looking for a quick thrill.

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For example, as for betting, men make up about 90% of the audience, but lately, more and more women are becoming interested in this activity. Both men and women tend to bet the most between the ages of 22 and 35: at this age, people start earning their own money and are more likely to make thoughtful bets, treating them as investments.

In general, iGaming brands primarily target solvent adult males, aged 18-45. The content that is used to reach out to this audience primarily revolves around male interests as sports, entertainment, lifestyle, gaming. So tailoring strategies to cater to these preferences is key to attract and resonate with your target audience.

The Power of Influencer Marketing in iGaming

Attracting new audiences to iGaming products is not so easy as it seems to be: one-size-fits-all approaches fall short in this niche. In a world where attention is a commodity, influencer marketing offers a way to captivate the hearts and minds of potential users. Why? It’s simple. The answer lies in the deep trust and connection that influencers cultivate with their followers: 92% of consumers trust influencers’ recommendations.

Through influencer partnerships, you gain access to a network of individuals who have already demonstrated an interest in iGaming, thereby significantly boosting the chances of attracting new users. Besides, active social media users are the ones who are keen to earn while playing.

9 out of 10 iGaming brands leverage influencers to expand their audiences and get new deposits. One notable example here is 1xBET with its enormous budgets for influencer marketing. According to BuzzGuru analytics, annual influencer marketing expenses are estimated up to 3.71 M.

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Crafting an Effective Influencer Strategy

Creating an effective influencer strategy for your iGaming product involves a strategic blend of art and science. The process begins with identifying the right influencers who align seamlessly with your brand’s values, niche, and target audience. Seek influencers who are genuinely passionate about iGaming and resonate with the preferences and behaviors of your potential users. Look beyond follower counts; prioritize engagement rates, content quality, and the influencer’s ability to connect authentically with their audience.

Once you’ve identified potential influencers, the next step is negotiating partnerships and compensation structures. Keep in mind that influencers invest time, effort, and their personal brand into the collaboration. Approach negotiations with transparency and fairness.

Compensation can vary and may include monetary payment, product offerings, affiliate partnerships, or a combination thereof. An advice here is not to provide prepayment, pay after the integration is released. Additionally, ensure that both parties have aligned expectations regarding deliverables and timelines. A carefully crafted influencer brief will help in this regard.

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Remember, the key to a successful influencer strategy lies in building genuine relationships. Establish open communication and foster a collaborative environment where influencers feel valued and empowered to contribute their creative input. By aligning your brand’s objectives with the influencer’s authentic voice and creative approach, you’ll craft a partnership that resonates with their audience and drives user acquisition for your iGaming product.

Creating Compelling Campaigns

Creating captivating influencer campaigns in the iGaming industry requires a careful balance of creativity, authenticity, strategic messaging and native integration. Here are the tips that will help prepare a successful launch:

1. Tip #1: Consider collaborating with those influencers who already performed well. Selecting creators to collaborate with is the most difficult step for many marketeers. And, at the same time, it is one of the most important. You can do research by yourself or use the list of trustworthy creators from YouTube and Twitch prepared by Famesters.
2. Tip #2: Check influencers’ statistics twice. Creators often fake their statistics (especially in narrow niches) regarding their audience’s age and gender. Double-check it or even ask to make a video recording of their stats—it’s much harder to fake.
3. Tip #3: Think about your ad message thoroughly. Develop creative concepts that align with both your brand and creators’ unique style, share your vision, but do not be very strict – let them do their job. Consider integrating gameplay demonstrations, challenges, or interactive elements that showcase the excitement and features of your iGaming product, give promo codes or provide other bonuses to additionally stimulate the audience.
4. Tip #4: Authenticity is important. Highlight the advantages of your platform but make the message as clear and transparent as possible. Do not guarantee the win and never mislead. Instead, encourage influencers to share their personal experiences, opinions, and excitement about your iGaming product. Authenticity fosters trust, and when users perceive that the influencer truly enjoys and endorses the product, they’re more likely to engage it and explore your platform.
5. Tip #5: Do not be afraid to rely on the opinions of influencers. They understand their audience best, so they can offer valuable insights and help make the advertisement more engaging and personalized.

Tracking and Measuring Success

In the iGaming industry, marketing campaigns typically focus on three crucial metrics: sign-ups, deposits, and, for sure, return on investment (ROI). However, measuring influencer marketing outcomes could be challenging compared to more straightforward methods, like Facebook ads.

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While we can rely on average conversion rates, influencer promotions often have the potential to go viral, delivering better-than-expected results.

Staying Ahead in the iGaming Landscape

The iGaming industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that demands constant adaptation and innovation due to the rapid shifts in user preferences. While influencer marketing can undoubtedly be a game-changer, maintaining a competitive edge requires a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Embracing Innovation: To stand out amidst the fierce competition, continuously seek innovative ways to engage potential users. Whether it’s introducing new game mechanics, incorporating virtual reality experiences, or hosting interactive events, innovation sparks curiosity and keeps your iGaming product fresh and exciting.

Navigating Emerging Trends: Trends and tactics are in constant flux. New platforms, content formats, and engagement strategies emerge regularly. And as an iGaming platform striving for consumers’ attention, staying updated with these trends is crucial. Monitor social media platforms where your target audience congregates, experiment with different integration formats, and adapt your influencer strategy to resonate with evolving preferences.

Crossing Over Boundaries: Consider cross-industry collaborations and partnerships. Integrating elements from adjacent entertainment sectors, such as e-sports or live streaming, can add a unique dimension to your iGaming product. These collaborations introduce your brand to new audiences while catering to the diverse interests of iGaming enthusiasts.

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Leveraging Data and Insights: Leverage data analytics to gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns. This information helps you tailor your influencer campaigns and refine your iGaming product to align with user desires. At Famesters, we use our own-developed AI BuzzGuru to create strategies based on data and analytics only. And constantly test. This approach helps get the highest possible performance.

In the fluid and competitive iGaming market, those who innovate and adapt are the ones who capture the attention of potential users and establish a lasting presence. By combining strategic influencer marketing with a commitment to innovation, you’re poised to excel in this dynamic landscape and forge a path to sustained success.