Boosting Your Devlog Pre-Marketing Productivity in 2024
Boosting Your Devlog Pre-Marketing Productivity in 2024
Devlogs are more than just progress reports. They’re a potent pre-marketing tool for your indie game. The trick is to treat them strategically, not just as a chronicle of your daily grind. Let’s transform your devlog from a passive diary into an active engine for audience building and game promotion.
Goal-setting and journaling are key to creating effective devlogs. This means defining what you want to achieve with your devlog before you write a single word. We’re talking SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For instance, instead of “increase devlog views,” aim for “increase average weekly devlog views by 15% in the next month by focusing on sharing more behind-the-scenes content.” That’s a SMART goal.
Step 1: Define Your Devlog Goals
Why are you writing a devlog? Is it to build anticipation for your game? Gather feedback on gameplay mechanics? Attract potential team members? Knowing your goals upfront shapes your content.
Common Goal: Building a community.
- Pitfall: Simply announcing features.
- Solution: Show how you built the feature. What problems did you encounter? What solutions did you explore? People connect with the process, not just the result.
Common Goal: Generating wishlists on Steam.
- Pitfall: Forgetting a call to action.
- Solution: Consistently remind readers they can wishlist the game. Don’t be afraid to ask! Also consider embedding the widget directly.
Common Goal: Attracting feedback.
- Pitfall: Vague requests for input.
- Solution: Be specific. “What do you think of the new enemy AI?” is better than “What do you think?”
Step 2: Integrate a Journaling Routine
A game dev journal is your idea factory. It’s where you track your progress, brainstorm devlog topics, and reflect on challenges. A consistent routine fuels consistent devlog content.
- Daily Journaling: Even a few minutes each day to jot down progress, roadblocks, and insights.
- Weekly Review: What did you accomplish this week? What are your goals for next week? What devlog topics emerged?
- Content Calendar: Plan your devlog posts in advance. This prevents last-minute scrambles for content.
Real-world example: Rami Ismail, known for his transparency, often shares snippets of his development process on Twitter. This is a micro-devlog, born from a constant stream of documenting and reflecting.
Step 3: Optimize Content for Discoverability and Connection
Your devlog is content marketing. Treat it that way.
- SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions. What would someone type into Google to find your game? “Indie horror game development log,” for example. Be mindful of search phrases such as “game dev journal” and "game development log".
- Visuals: Screenshots, GIFs, and videos are essential. A picture is worth a thousand words (and holds attention longer).
- Storytelling: Don’t just report. Tell a story. Your game’s development is a journey. Share the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned.
- Engage with Comments: Respond to questions and feedback. Build a conversation.
Step 4: Avoid the Documentation Trap
The biggest pitfall is treating your devlog solely as a record of progress. It’s not enough to just say, “I implemented jumping today.”
Instead, show the challenges, the code snippets, the iterations. Explain why you made certain decisions. Let your personality shine through.
Example: Imagine you’re implementing a new enemy type. Don’t just say, “Added a new enemy.” Show the concept art, explain the design choices, and demonstrate the enemy’s behavior in a short video.
Step 5: Streamline with Digital Journaling
Managing a game’s development, plus a devlog, can be overwhelming. Digital journaling tools can streamline the process. You can easily track progress, organize ideas, and schedule posts.
A digital journal can help with:
- Centralized Note-Taking: Keep everything in one place.
- Template Creation: Standardize your devlog posts for consistency.
- Progress Tracking: Visualize your progress towards your goals.
- Idea Generation: Brainstorm and capture devlog ideas on the go.
Effective devlogs double as pre-marketing content when they are regularly maintained and strategically planned with your audience in mind.
Ready to streamline your devlog and game development progress? Download our game dev journaling templates to help you stay consistent and organized. download our game dev journaling templates