Building a Lean CRM Solution for Game Developers:
Why It Matters
In the ever-evolving landscape of game development, nurturing meaningful connections within the industry can still be the difference between obscurity and success. As indie developers, our network is often our most valuable asset, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.
Recognizing the unique needs of indie game developers, I sought a more efficient way to manage professional relationships. Traditional CRM systems, while powerful, often felt like overkill for our niche. I thought we needed something lean, adaptable, and tailored to our industry’s dynamics. This led me to create a custom CRM solution using Notion, a tool many of us already rely on for project management and documentation.
A DIY CRM
Recently, I shared a video tutorial on this Notion-based CRM approach. While the tutorial focused on the technical implementation, I’d like to elaborate on why this method is particularly valuable for indie game developers. My goal was to design a system that goes beyond merely tracking contacts; it aims to foster genuine, long-term relationships in our collaborative industry, providing a streamlined solution that aligns with our specific workflow and networking needs.
- Simplicity and Flexibility: Many off-the-shelf CRM solutions are overly complex and rigid. As indie developers, we need a system that’s easy to set up and adapt to our unique needs. The Notion-based approach allows for quick customization without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
- Cost-Effective: For small teams or solo developers, expensive CRM subscriptions can be a significant burden. By utilizing a tool like Notion, which many already use for project management, we can create a functional CRM system without additional costs.
- Tailored to Game Industry Needs: The proposed system includes fields specifically relevant to game developers, such as tracking contacts from industry events, managing relationships with publishers, and categorizing contacts based on their roles in the gaming ecosystem.
- Easy Integration with Workflow: By building the CRM within Notion, it seamlessly integrates with other aspects of project management and documentation that many developers already maintain in the same platform.
- Focus on Relationships, Not Just Sales: Unlike traditional CRM systems that often focus solely on sales pipelines, this approach emphasizes building and maintaining relationships. This is crucial in the collaborative world of game development, where networking can lead to partnerships, mentorship, and opportunities beyond direct sales.
- Scalability: As your network grows, the system can easily be expanded. New fields, databases, and relationships can be added without the need for complex database management or coding skills.
- Privacy and Data Control: By managing your contacts within your own Notion workspace, you maintain full control over your data, ensuring the privacy and security of your professional network.
- Continuous Improvement: The beauty of this DIY approach is that you can continuously refine and improve your CRM based on your evolving needs. There’s no need to wait for updates from a third-party provider or learn a new system when your requirements change.
In conclusion, while the technical setup of a CRM is important, understanding why a lean, customizable solution matters is crucial for indie game developers. It’s about creating a tool that works for you, not adapting your workflow to fit a rigid system. By taking control of how we manage our professional relationships, we can focus more on what truly matters – creating great games and building meaningful connections within the industry.
I encourage fellow developers to try this approach and share their experiences with me. How do you manage your professional network? What features do you find most useful in a CRM system? Let’s continue this conversation and help each other grow in our networking efforts.