It might seem logical that businesses and brands with niche markets in their sights will have less competition to face, and thus an easier time of optimizing their online presence for search visibility. However, in practice this isn’t the case – and there’s still an uphill struggle involved in making a name for yourself, no matter the scale of the audience you’re targeting.
A wise move in this context is to take the lead from others who have carved a patch to SEO success, adopting and adapting their strategies to make them your own. So with that in mind, here’s a look at online gaming platforms that have performed well, and what we can learn from them.
Leveling Up Keyword Precision
Search engines are still the starting point for most online expeditions, with a 68% slice of web users kicking off their quest for content, info or products through Google and its counterparts, according to BrightEdge. This is a reminder that the first step toward conquering the niche market battle is won through keywords – and not just any words, but the right ones. Here are some ways that this can be handled, exemplified by online gaming platforms:
Identify Your Niche Keywords
Begin by crafting a list of keywords laser-focused on your niche. For instance, online gaming loot trading platforms like Clash.gg have taken advantage of the number of people searching for specific terms like “counter strike go skins” and “most expensive csgo skin” in order to connect with the specific people that their services cater to. Tools like WordStream make it easy to research these initial options, before moving onto the next stage.
Analyze Competitor Keywords
Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to sneak a peek at what competitors rank for and discover overlooked gems. In the gaming world, competitors might rank for specific game titles or genres you hadn't considered – and this can also apply to any other industry niche.
Look to Long-Tail over Short-Tail
It’s always wise to emphasize long-tail keywords in your efforts, as these are less competitive and yield more qualified traffic. So for instance, phrases such as "best cooperative online mobile games" bring up a first results page that includes review sites like Pocket Tactics and Android Police, which in turn point searchers towards products in this category.
Localize for Global Success
If relevant, optimize for location-based searches. Online gaming platforms often target by region to capture audiences looking for local multiplayer experiences – and this even applies to major titles like Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, since there are regional differences between server availability and even audience interests.
Community Building Beyond the Screen
Anyone who’s even tangentially aware of SEO will know that content is king, but it’s worth adding to this further by asserting that community is the kingdom. Translated into less obscure terms, a robust online community can supercharge your SEO efforts by creating a hub of constant activity and fresh content. We’re already seeing 77% of businesses turning to social media in order to bring people onboard, and for search optimization this involves the following tactics:
Encourage User-Generated Content
Prompt discussions, fan art submissions, or reviews from your user base are all excellent examples of user-generated content that converts and has a positive SEO impact. Gaming platforms thrive by featuring player-created mods and level designs on their sites, igniting search engine traction. Everything from Elden Ring to Super Mario Wonder have made the most of this – and you can too.
Create Engaging Forums
Launch forums where users can share strategies and experiences – such hubs have been the cornerstone of online society for decades, both in gaming and further afield. Any niche market, from extreme sports equipment to B2B SaaS solutions, can benefit from an active forum rife with keywords and new content.
Optimize for Q&A Searches
Many searches are questions, so include an FAQ section that addresses common queries in your niche. Online games often feature FAQs on gameplay mechanics or troubleshooting – so why not do the same for your product?
Leverage Social Media Presence
Use social platforms to create buzz around your content. For example, live game streaming events unite players while boosting visibility across channels.
The Last Word
These strategies are simple on paper, but applying them takes grit and determination, as well as a willingness to study the outcomes and make improvements if your SEO results aren’t as stellar as expected. Only then can you replicate the success of online gaming platforms in bringing visitors flooding in, and increasing conversions.
