Now is the time to reveal another secret that will help anyone raise their streams online. Many newcomers perceive themselves and their channel out of the context of a platform and its users, forgetting that everyone lives in each other's pockets. So you shouldn't move out to a desert island. Your channel should somewhat resemble a cozy bar within a metropolis. Networking will help you achieve this. Taking advantage of it, you will be part of the streamers’ jam. You’ll be able to exchange audience access new broadcasting perks. You’ll also be able to participate in shows with other media figures or participate in collaborative games with them.
So, what is this networking thing all about? When streamers talk about networking, they usually mean meeting new people and establishing close and friendly contact with them. For many, this task is not easy. After all, guys and girls often choose this path because they prefer virtual contact rather than absolute. On the one hand you’re immersed in communication with people, but on the other, it seems that at any moment you can press the disconnect button or ban the unwanted guy. In networking, things are different, here, they don't play by your rules, and you have to look for a way to approach others. Therefore, for many, networking is one of the most unpleasant aspects of streaming, while others completely ignore it.
Even 5 years ago, networking could bring instant popularity. One successful raid could make a rising star out of a no-name. Now, the power of this tool is not that great, but it is still beneficial. The competition among streamers is vast, so you shouldn't neglect the opportunities to make yourself a name. Think of networking as part of the business plan strategy for the development of your personal brand. There’s no reason to be afraid or ashamed. Your efforts will pay off.
And before talking about the ways of networking, let's go over a few simple rules:
1. Do not try to make contact with everyone. Your resources are limited. Better choose like-minded people. After all, your environment represents you.
2. If you are a beginner, first pay attention to the channels of your weight class or lower. You shouldn't try to impose on a giant.
3. Reserve a regular time slot dedicated to networking. It can be difficult if you’re trying to be present everywhere 24/7. But if you know that Monday through Friday, from 20:00 to 21:00, you use your time establishing new contacts or consolidating existing friendships, it will improve the result.
4. And most importantly, be sincere. If you use someone for your benefit, people will see it. Spend time with people regularly and show your genuine interest in them. If the situation allows, ask them how’s life, not just discuss streaming issues.
Now, we’re approaching the main point. Here’s a list of tips to help you extend your network with valuable connections.
1. The easiest way is to drop a raid after your stream. Don’t be afraid that your viewers will abandon you or donate elsewhere those funds that could be yours. We’ll tell you later why these fears are groundless. But for the raid to be successful, take a couple of minutes and tell your audience about the streamer you’re collaborating with, who he is, and how he can be useful to the audience. When you raid a channel, stay for a while and chat with the channel owners and their audience. If you’re short of time, apologize for leaving too soon. If you get raided, don't forget to thank the streamer and his audience, even if only one person showed up. And then tell a couple of words about yourself.
2. Spend your time on the streams you’re interested in. Don’t throw the link to your channel into people’s faces or write that you’re also a streamer, and they should follow you now. It may look pathetic and only have a negative effect. You should like the community of the streamer you spend an hour or two with. You will see what his audience wants and you could also learn something new. Well, and you’ll also make new friends.
3. Play with other streamers. It can be literally any multiplayer game like Fortnite or League of Legends. You can certainly engage in joint reactions to significant gaming events or discuss the past League of Legends World Championship. And don't wait to get invited. It can take years before you become super famous. Better work out the idea and invite people yourself.
4. Join streamers’ communities or create one and gather people there. This is an excellent tool for sharing an audience and for increasing the awareness of all its participants. For example, on the Discord server Drope.me, you'll find a variety of streamers of different sizes with whom you can ask questions, arrange collaborations, or simply chat. Moreover, Drope.me can benefit those who want to earn while playing games. In the streamers' campaigns section, you'll find numerous offers to get paid for playing games on your stream or creating YouTube videos about games.
5. And last but not least, collaborate with streamers on other platforms. Create joint videos with them or mention them in your content. Strive to become more prominent across all platforms and gather as diverse an audience as possible around you.
Networking is a super tool to make yourself known. If you make friends with other streamers, you’ll surely get their recommendations, mentions, invitations to play together, or record videos. In the end, you will have wonderful friends with the same interests as yours.
To help your stream grow and thrive, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself with other articles:
Promoting your stream on TikTok
How to start working with those brands
Top platforms for influencers
