Content creation has become big business across the online community. It is currently estimated that more than five billion consumers regularly access social media. Out of this massive figure, there are approximately 50 million content creators generating material for everyday users. Studies have likewise found that the global content creation industry is valued at over $200 billion; making it one of the most lucrative marketplaces in existence for those able to capitalise on the opportunities.
However, becoming a successful influencer is easier said than done. There are many hurdles that need to be overcome, and efforts can sometimes fail to materialise. Statistics paint an equally challenging picture. Take a look at the following figures:
- Fewer than 9% earn over $100,000 per year.
- 37% make under $30,000.
- More than 18 months are normally required to generate a stable business model.
- As many as 95% of all creators will eventually walk away due to a lack of long-term success.
These observations lead us to two main questions. If this community is so popular at the moment, why do countless creators continue to struggle? Secondly, how are online gaming portals beginning to bridge the gap between one’s initial goals, and what can be achieved?
Whether you happen to be considering a venture into the social influencer industry, you are a current content creator, or you are simply interested to appreciate the latest iGaming trends, the details outlined below should be rather interesting.
Content Creation: Easier Said Than Done
One of the most popular beliefs is that every content creator will create a reliable income stream in no time at all. He or she can choose what hours to work, only a moderate amount of effort is required, and influencers enjoy a health work-life balance. These observations represent the exception as opposed to the rule.
On the contrary, the vast majority of social influencers struggle to make ends meet; especially if they pursue a full-time career in this field. They might not be able to connect with the appropriate target audience. They could be unaware of which third-party hosting platforms are the most reliable. They may not understand the power of affiliate advertising. Or, perhaps the materials they choose to cover do not resonate with the general public. While little can be done when it comes to inspiration, there are actually plenty of ways in which content creators can increase their digital “footprint”.
Now, we are not only referring to traditional methods such as saturating social media portals with regular updates. Even the latest SEO techniques could still fail to provide the desired results. They key here instead involves developing a more innovative mindset, and piggybacking off of an industry that is currently experiencing exponential growth. This is when the power of online gaming comes into “play”.
Why iGaming, and Why Now?
Online gaming platforms (and virtual casinos in particular) have always attracted a wide global audience. They are convenient to access, they cater to a variety of needs, they accept multiple payment options, they employ the latest technology, and the social side of gaming enables users to network with one another. Let’s also not fail to mention that the games themselves can provide hours of entertainment, and the ability to generate a side hustle (for those who are lucky enough).
Furthermore, online casinos have been designed to attract the next generation of players. This demographic is associated with a tech-friendly mindset, and these very same users are likely already embedded within the digital domain. This provides a lucrative opportunity for content creators capable of taking their digital presence to the next level. However, a handful of additional reasons should be highlighted to appreciate the finer points.
Authenticity
One primary motivating factor is associated with creating a solid brand identity. Reputable third-party platforms are known for their ability to offer a transparent end-user experience. They only choose to partner with influencers of an equal calibre. This results in a sense of authenticity that might not be possible to achieve elsewhere. As a result, existing members will be much more likely to listen to what the content creator has to say about a specific subject.
Stable Brand Partnerships
One of the challenges that countless content creators face involves building long-term partnerships. This enables influencers to grow their audience base over a long period of time, and it also helps to establish an authoritative edge over the competition. Online gaming portals are often able to provide this level of stability. Note that partnerships may also include other options such as brand deals, sponsorship programmes, and user donations.
Access to High-Value Opportunities
Another reason why influencers are keep to jump on the iGaming bandwagon is associated with unique membership perks. For instance, some content creators may be provided with early access to the latest games, APKs, or DevOps tools. This allows them to stream upcoming releases far before they are introduced to the mainstream public. Early-access streams are some of the most powerful ways to gain more followers, and they also reflect positively on the streamer in question.
A Larger Audience Base
Some of the largest iGaming platforms are followed by millions of consumers. They likewise cater to the needs of numerous additional paying subscribers. In other words, this is an audience that content creators are keen to tap into. Partnering with such platforms provides access to a wide target pool, and much less effort will (generally) be required when compared to manual advertising techniques spread across numerous portals.
The Elephant in the Room: Affiliate Marketing Opportunities
While the possibilities described above are certainly attractive, it can be argued that the most common reason why content creators are turning to the online gaming community involves affiliate marketing campaigns. We can use the programme currently offered by Stake.com as a prime example.
What is an Affiliate Marketing Campaign?
Affiliate marketing has existed since the early days of the Internet, and it now represents a core facet of any well-rounded e-commerce strategy. The principle behind this approach is decidedly simple. Individuals (content creators in this case) will earn a tiny sum of money when promoting the products or services offered by a company. These normally come in the form of referral links that can be shared across social media sites, and similar portals.
Note that affiliate marketing is essentially a game of numbers. Partnering with sites known for a large audience base will naturally increase the chances of earning a substantial income. The model currently offered at Stake can be used as a real-world illustration of what content creators should expect.
A Closer Look at the Stake System
One of the reasons why content creators will often turn to Stake as a brand partners involves the sheer reach of the platform. Here is a quick breakdown of the main attributes:
- 39.8 million customers are already registered.
- Stake supports no fewer than 55 different payment methods.
- Stake is available in 16 languages; increasing its appeal to the international gaming audience.
The idea here is also relatively simple. Content creators will earn a commission for every wager placed as the result of a referral. In other words, they can enjoy a passive source of income for introducing their followers to the Stake community.
The good news is that content creators will not be required to jump through hoops to begin their very own affiliate campaign. After registering at Stake, they will be provided with a referral link. This link may then be used to generate interest across other platforms. It is also possible to speak with a dedicated support assistant to examine personalised options that can be moulded around a specific audience base; adding a touch of practicality into the equation.
Not only is Stake one of the most trusted online casino/sportsbook hybrids, but the fact that it caters to such a large demographic helps to ensure that content creators obtain as much visibility as possible. After all, an referral programme is only as good as the number of users it targets. A handful of additional perks that influencers can expect include:
- Customised commission plans.
- 24/7 account support.
- Cryptocurrencies and fiat are accepted.
- Instant payouts.
- Repeat commissions for referrals that continue to play on Stake.
While Stake is certainly not the only iGaming platform that offers affiliate programmes, it is one of the most well-known due to how simple it is to begin earning an additional source of revenue.
However, we must also remember that content creator partnerships represent a two-way street. Although influencers can benefit from becoming involved with online gaming portals, the brands will also reap advantages as a result of this synergy; leadig us to another important point.
You Scratch My Back, and I Scratch Yours
Just as successful content creation involves resonating with a specific demographic, iGaming providers appreciate the power of passive advertising. Working in tandem with influencers has come to represent a powerful way to increase their brand recognition across the online community. Furthermore, this type of marketing essentially requires very little effort on the part of the online gaming website. They simply provide referral links to content creators, and pay them a commission for every new customer they obtain. In other words, this represents a win-win situation.
Let us also not fail to mention that extremely famous influencers may be able to tap into an entirely new demographic. This is the reason why iGaming entities have become so eager to embrace the efforts of others. For instance, Drake has developed a long-term partnership with Stake. Some even believe that this model served as a template for similar relationships that have since been adopted by other firms. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Nikki Minaj, Cristiano Ronaldo, Usain Bolt, and Paris Hilton are additional personalities who have become proactively involved. After all, it is nearly impossible to put a price on this level of publicity.
Now, we should mention that the names listed above do not necessarily need the money. Many are simply following their passions, and being rewarded for providing others with their opinions. The same principles can apply to relatively new content creators who have only begun appreciating their options.
The Next Trend in Content Creation?
There is little doubt that content creators choosing to partner with iGaming providers have become commonplace across the online community. This is why we are forced to wonder whether this is the next “big thing” to influencers. Might we only be witnessing the tip of a much larger iceberg? All signs seem to say yes.
The argument here is that competition has become rife throughout the content creator ecosystem. When we remember that the number of new influencers seems to be increasing on a daily basis, it becomes clear to see why it may be better to leverage the presence of brands that have already cemented their online footprint.
Furthermore, the iGaming portals realise that content creators can provide them with an additional marketing edge. This is why they are willing to offer highly competitive commissions, straightforward affiliate campaigns, and similar user-friendly perks.
All Roses and no Thorns?
It is now clear to understand why content creators have been gravitating toward the online gaming community. Still, it is crucial to highlight that success is no easy task. Transforming a passion into a reliable income stream will take time, patience, and it is not uncommon to encounter setbacks along the way. This is particularly the case for those who wish to take on the role of a full-time influencer.
The good news is that everyone is essentially provided with a level playing field. Those who are willing to put in the effort could very well be rewarded in the long run. As the scope of the online gaming community continues to expand, there is little doubt that content creators will continue to enjoy their presence in the limelight.