Starting a startup can be really hard work, especially when it comes to maintaining it. There are many moving parts to assemble in the beginning. For a gaming startup, like an online casino, you have to get a website URL and a gaming licence, plus you also have to consider compliance issues like GDPR, KYC, AML, software, customer support, which platform to provide to your partner, add games from your providers, jurisdictions, staff on-board and so on. It is not easy, mostly when it comes to a 24/7 environment.
People believe that they can have the necessary experience to launch their company and secure it. When the hands are all on deck, everyone assumes their positions and works a lot in order to grow the company. The main mistake is when it comes to working incredibly long hours and when they believe its worth it in the long run, so they persevere. However, only some flourish in this startup environment.
The Required Processes
Most companies believe in just diving in there and getting the job done, so they get a “do what it takes” mentality and aren’t able to implement the proper workflow processes across the startup. Processes like marketing to customer services are done without any experience, which can be a downfall to the business. Meanwhile, others have too many processes in place which then slows down the team. The slow down happens because of rigidly following the rules of engagement, which then leaves little room for improvisation when it is necessary.
The Lack Of Support
Most startups do not place the right mix of experienced and inexperienced staff in customer support. They either get people who have never worked in gaming before or give them only a day or two of training, which then they are overseen for a few weeks and then leave them completely on their own with the field customer queries. There are also no Q&A processes and in addition, they are not able to cover the 24/7 programme, which can leave the players completely on their own. If the right conditions are not met, the players will move on to competitors, because gaming is generally an overcrowded space and the players can anytime choose what they want to play.
Doing It For Themselves
Some startup owners do not get heads of marketing because they believe they can do it themselves. They will only get the required staff in key positions, but the most necessary element is that the final decision is made by the owner. Obviously, the final decision should rest with the owner, but the only issue is that they are already overloaded with problems, investors to report back to and so on.
Having the time to make those marketing decisions or to give proper feedback is important. You cannot leave the marketing team motionless for a long time. Even when they do give the feedback to the staff, this could change because some partners may not suddenly decide or agree, which then, they give their own feedback, getting involved in the daily business, which can cause even more confusion across the board.
The Software Platform
Let’s say the startup has gone to great lengths to find the perfect platform. Technology is just one part of the partnership, the rest is human. One of the biggest issues when it comes to startup’s in the gaming industry is needing the best support in place, once the platform has been activated. So the first months are critical for the business to work.
It is important to consider the client service regardless of how wonderful the platform looks. Even when the provider has the necessary domain expertise in gaming, with all the developers and technical team which is necessary to deliver a good product, if there is no support team on the ground, the operation will be reduced to half.
A Proper Company Structure
Here is what the company will need to scale its operations, generating players and so on. In order to do so, you need to have a mature mindset and put in place proper workflow processes, training and realignment of the business for future growth.