7 Tips to Harness The Power of Social Media as a Toy or Game Inventor
The digital age is here and just like everyone else, toy inventors need to embrace the internet and social media in particular. E-commerce managers, distributors, licensors and other professionals who scour the web for new toy inventors to work with look at social media, in addition to sites like Kickstarter to find the next big thing. How will you “wow” them? Keep reading to find out.
1. Get Noticed On Crowdfunding Sites and Social Media, Not Just Kickstarter
Many toy inventors start their campaigns on Kickstarter as that is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms. However, some toy entrepreneurs feel that is not the optimal platform for them for a variety of reasons. And guess what? According to industry experts, many people do check several other crowdfunding platforms and social media platforms besides Kickstarter when looking for the next great product. So, don’t be scared to try a different platform that might work better for you.
2. How to Tell If a Social Media Contact is Legit?
So you’ve got your crowdfunding set up for your toy inventor idea, and your social media is on fire. You’re hoping to catch the eye of someone who wants to license your product. A message from someone high up at a big company pops up in your DMs. Your first thought might be: “This can’t be real.” However, it just might be! Qualified people may actually “slide into your DMs” on social media.
All you have to do is a little cross referencing. Can you find the person on LinkedIn and verify where they work? Can you find anything else about them in a quick Google search that verifies they are who they say they are and they work where they say they work? If yes, then it is likely legit!
3. Make Your Pitch Video Short and Sweet
On social media, you really do need to capture people’s attention. Users do love to watch video, but it can be hard to keep them watching until the end. So, don’t make your pitch video longer than it needs to be. Sure, some more complicated toys at higher price points may need a 2 minute video to explain everything it can do, but many toys will do great with a 30 second pitch video aka sizzle reel showcasing the product. You can often say more with less.
4. Invent A Toy That “Cuts Through the Noise”
Toy executives running top toy companies are looking for the next big thing that can cut through the social media chatter and make an impact. They are looking for something that can tear kids away from the laptop, desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Wondering how to make a toy break through all of that? When you’re designing a product, think about what makes it marketable, meaning what would be the call outs in a commercial. It might be how far it shoots water, or how quickly it will transform the look of your hair. Make sure to communicate those marketable features in your sizzle video, it shows a toy company executive that they can build a campaign around your invention.
5. Focus on Digital Marketing
With COVID, the focus is definitely more on digital marketing and advertising, even as things improve. The digital sphere is one where things are constantly changing, so don’t be afraid to try the next big thing or the newest platforms. For example, Tik Tok is a newer platform that has a lot of viral potential. Figure out the platform, and study what works, and give it a try.
6. Be a Quick Learner or Find a Quick Learner for Social Media Success
With the previous tip in mind, you’ve got to try to adapt quickly to new conditions. If you’re not tech savvy, get someone on your side who is. You’ve got to be a quick learner so you can easily jump on the new trend. If you struggle with that side of things, find someone to work with who can get on Tik Tok and make that silly viral video you need to make your campaign really stand out. You need someone on your team who is digitally “on it.”
7. Make a Toy Pitch Or Reach Out on Social Media
Some companies actively welcome toy pitches. For example Zuru Toys has its own inventor portal where you can pitch. You can certainly wait for someone to come to you, but it’s also important to take the initiative and find ways to get in touch with toy companies on your own. One way to get what you want is to ask for it. The worst that can happen is they say it’s not a great fit, maybe give you a bit of advice, and you try again later on. The best that can happen is they decide to license your toy! So, either way, it’s a learning experience. Take the bull by the horns and send that DM or submit that pitch.
Your challenge this week is to come up with two new creative ways you can feature your product online. Make it pop!
