Friday, May 2, 2008

Online Games Play Up Advertising Options

Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2008 T.C. Gaity



As more people turn to the web for social activities and entertainment, the opportunities for marketers and advertisers is steadily increasing. However, it has also become a challenge to reach new markets without spamming or offending users; many companies fear entering a new market where people may simply ignore the text link ads, banner ads, and other traditional forms of online advertising. How can you reach your target market and build your brand?

In today's competitive world of online advertising, a strategic approach is the key to reaching target groups. Approaching users in a unique and relaxed environment - instead of conventional direct marketing tactics of e-mail lists and sponsored messages on random websites - advertisers can quickly build brand power with ease. Online games and auction sites present a fresh opportunity for advertisers and marketers, a chance to create an effective branding campaign by targeting a fast-growing community.

The Hidden Prize of Online Games Sites

Online games sites are quickly becoming some of the fastest growing communities on the internet, a place where people are anxious to participate, log in daily, and even invite friends and family members to get involved. These websites encourage people, to participate in a fun environment and make connections with other members. Games, tournaments, contests, competitions, and unique activities are just one way to attract a large group of people with similar interests and backgrounds to a site. Allowing users to play for free makes these sites even more appealing; playing without having to pay fees, and then earning points for cash prizes and other incentives encourages people to play, win, and keep playing.

Games sites present a fresh new opportunity for advertisers and marketers with an indirect branding approach; by sponsoring various games, contests, and tournaments, a company can earn brand recognition and make a positive connection with the players. Participants can enjoy playing the games of their choosing, explore the site, and will naturally click on relevant text link ads, banner ads, and any other information that they deem useful. Visitors to these sites often spend hours playing, exploring, and communicating with players. This means they are focused on just a few activities, and are much more likely to pay attention to any messages or ideas presented to them.

The online games and online auction setting is the perfect platform to capture the interest of this strong market, and with the right approach, the opportunities for online marketing in this form are endless.

The Power of Online Auctions

Online auctions are just one of the latest developments in the gaming communities, allowing participants to cash in their winnings for real prizes. Some online auction and game sites allow players to bid for real items and cash with the points they win playing different games. This is one of the few, perhaps the only FREE auction on the Internet - winners do not even pay for the delivery of their goods, and the site is full of incentives to keep on playing.

What this means for advertisers and marketers is that thousands, even millions of users, are visiting just one site on a daily basis. They are looking for fun, entertaining activities as they explore the website, and are in the perfect state of mind to click on relevant links, navigate the site in its entirety, and share information they've found with other users. Sponsoring a contest, tournament, or even an online auction with unique prizes is a simple way to reach these users without even needing conventional marketing methods.

Even More Exposure with Online Auctions

Sponsoring an online auction also yields extra benefits for advertisers and marketers, beyond the ads and banners that are posted on the site. Online game sites such as Trader Auction Games offer additional exposure with unique ad placement, text links, and bulletins available for all members. This further increases the branding opportunities for any marketing campaign, and helps to build brand loyalty rapidly.

Online games sites are an ideal platform for advertisers and marketers to develop a unique branding strategy. The addition of online auctions on sites allows for sponsorship of prizes and competitions, which can only promote a brand even further. Companies looking for an effective way to target market can gain a competitive advantage by sponsoring today's high traffic online games sites, and reach out to users in a unique way.


About the Author:
T.C. Gaity writes about the Internet. Trader Auction Games (TAG City) is a portal for online games. Whereas most online game sites lets you stroke your ego with your winning streak, Trader Auction Games gives you the opportunity to win real prizes, when you play well. Advertising opportunities are also available for businesses who are interested in bartering products for advertising. Learn more: http://www.traderauctiongames.com


No comments: