As I have been developing my game WorldAlpha I have come to realize there is a lot to do to market my game effectively. Coming from a web marketing background, I have been mildly successful. That being said, I looked early, and continue to look to see if there are marketing firms out there that specialize in helping indie devs. Not a huge Marketing PR firm, but rather one that would help with the nuts and bolts of creating an effective website, using social media, finding beta testers, giving out beta keys, as well as creating buzz about the game. So, far I haven't really come across one. Here are my questions.

1.) Does this company exist? If so what is its website?

2.) Would you as a game developer use this type of service if one existed?

3.) Would you pay a decent amount for this kind of service? (Kind of subjective, but I'm getting a feel if indie devs would expect this type of stuff for "next-to" free or would be willing to pay a decent monthly for it!)

Look forward to the answers.

Indie Dev Marketing companies - Do they exist?

They're called "publishers." I've never heard of a company that just marketed games. You listed more than just marketing:

one that would help with the nuts and bolts of creating an effective website, using social media, finding beta testers, giving out beta keys, as well as creating buzz about the game.

I say again: "publisher."

I'd also want have my press releases be reviewed by the expert, and receive his opinion and advice, before I send the press releases out myself.

I don't want someone to talk for me, but I want someone to give me advice on how to talk, who to talk to, and to make the introductions between those contacts and myself.

I guess I want to hire a 'matchmaker', or a professional networker, not a marketer.

In other words: "agent" or "representation" - or "consultant."

Indie Dev Marketing companies - Do they exist?

They're called "publishers." I've never heard of a company that just marketed games. You listed more than just marketing:

>one that would help with the nuts and bolts of creating an effective website, using social media, finding beta testers, giving out beta keys, as well as creating buzz about the game.

I say again: "publisher."

Sure if a publisher wants to pick up your game great. But what if no publishers wants to pick up a small indie game? Surely there is some sort of middle ground, where an indie is willing to pay to help promote their game, to a point where maybe a publisher would take notice and pick it up.

Sure if a publisher wants to pick up your game great. But what if no publishers wants to pick up a small indie game? Surely there is some sort of middle ground, where an indie is willing to pay to help promote their game, to a point where maybe a publisher would take notice and pick it up.

A common marketing company will most likely do the job, but it would be like paying a lawyer to clean your own yard, nothing you want when running low on budget. The publisher, taking his share of risk and win, is the cheapest way to marketing your game, though he needs to believe in your game idea and must be aware of your game.

IMHO the best chance is to use steam as publisher (greatest digital market share) and buy some advertising from them once you surpassed greenlight, though to surpass greenlight you need to kickstart the perception of your game yourself (I know, chicken/egg problem)