Retro Dodo: The Beauty Of Owning A Subniche

-CREATOR OF THE DAY-

RETRO DODO

Retro Dodo started as a struggling affiliate blog in the retro gaming niche.

It's now a gaming authority generating up to $50K/month.

• Over 1m pageviews/month

• 277K YouTube subs

Here are 5 psychology-backed strategies they've used to grow their content empire:

1. Authority in a subniche

By focusing on a sub-niche, Retro Dodo has effectively targeted a passionate segment of a larger audience.

Targeting a passionate subset of an audience increases the likelihood that it becomes loyal and highly engaged over time.

That is, assuming the content is good enough to live up to their (likely high) expectations.

2. Maintain a consistent aesthetic

The consistent use of a purple and green aesthetic across all of their content (thumbnails, featured images, custom images, videos, backgrounds, fonts) is a huge benefit.

It makes the brand instantly recognizable.

The more familiar something is, the more we tend to like it.

This is called the "Mere Exposure Effect".

The color scheme also serves as a visual anchor, allowing viewers to quickly gravitate toward their content amidst the noise of other offerings.

Think of the crowded "recommended" section of your YouTube homepage.

3. Hands-on reviews

Retro Dodo prides itself on in-depth reviews of gaming products that it actually tests first-hand.

This gives them tangible experience with the product and increases the audience's trust as a result.

This is in line with the "Source Credibility Theory" - trustworthiness and expertise increase the effectiveness of a message.

The more trust a reader/viewer has in a review, the more likely they are to follow its advice (and purchase/avoid the product)

It also creates a sense of reciprocity - by investing upfront in products, Retro Dodo demonstrates a commitment to their audience.

This can often make readers/viewers feel like they're in debt to the creator, making them more likely to trust and return to the brand

4. Hiring experts

While many content businesses hire "generalist" freelance writers and creators to produce for them, Retro Dodo only hires experts.

Those with a long history with and an in-depth knowledge of retro gaming

According to Cialdini's principles of persuasion, people tend to respect and follow authority figures.

Having experts produce the content leverages this principle to boost trust.

Google's guidelines for quality content hinge on EAT (Expertise, Authority, Trust).

By ensuring high EAT through expert content creators, Retro Dodo not only builds audience trust but also improves its search engine performance.

5. Building a news section

Retro Dodo has recently set up a News section on its blog.

The latest headlines in the retro gaming space.

By establishing itself as the go-to for retro gaming news, Retro Dodo fosters a community that regularly returns for updates.

It sets itself up as a one-stop shop for retro gaming content - reviews, tips, and news.

People prefer having a comprehensive solution to their problems.

One place where all of their concerns can be addressed, as opposed to having multiple sources they need to check regularly.

Finally, checking for news becomes a habit over time.

Checking for retro gaming news on Retro Dodo will eventually become an automatic behavior for readers.

Just like brushing their teeth or visiting their local coffee shop.

Retro Dodo's "Habit Loop":

Cue: Desire for updated retro gaming news.

Routine: Checking Retro Dodo's website or platform.

Reward: Gaining the latest information and feeling connected/informed.

Key Takeaways:

• Authority Building: Establish yourself as a go-to source in your niche.

• Consistent Aesthetics: Maintain consistent visuals across all content platforms.

• Invest in Quality: Prioritize hands-on reviews or deep dives to build trust.

• Recruit Expertise: Collaborate with knowledgeable creators for enhanced content quality.

• Stay Updated: Offer real-time news or updates, becoming a regular check-in for your audience.

• Habit Loop Application:

  • Cue: Regularly release content at predictable times.

  • Routine: Encourage audience engagement with each release.

  • Reward: Deliver consistent, high-quality content to satisfy the audience's needs.

-TOOL OF THE DAY-

ANIMOTO

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