Steem needs a USP.
A Unique Selling Point that is easy to convey, readily understandable and has wide appeal.
I've been on Steem for 18 months, I know pretty well what goes on and how it works, I'm invested and I have bought into the vision.
But when people ask me "Why should I join steem?" I'll be honest I struggle to give a simple answer.
Earning money from posting is yesterday's story. Talking tech doesn't win over the average Jo. Lack of censorship has minor appeal to the masses. And communities, maybe - but they are everywhere.
So what is the sales pitch?
Is it all about Gaming?
Are games the answer?
DrugWars has taken Steem by storm this past week. It's raced up the State of the Dapps rankings and certainly got a good number of steemians well and truly addicted.
But DrugWars is the not first gaming success on Steem. Steem Monsters laid the groundwork and has had a massive impact in the Steem ecosystem. It also demonstrated for the first time a successful business model without the need for delegation support.
If we add a B and L into the mix we move from gaming to gambling.
Dice Wars has proved highly popular and has been quickly followed by the likes of SteemBet and now SteemLuck. There is also SteemSlotGames.
Let's go wider
Gaming and gambling both have massive potential audiences.
But their appeal doesn't stretch across all demographics.
Steem can offer much more.
We have contests, we have competitions, we have challenges aplenty.
Steem has something for every taste.
Contests for every interest
If you like food there are restaurant review contests with @tasteem or @jeffjagoe's Steem Food Tours, there is @plantstoplanks weekly Fruits and Veggies competition and if you are just looking for a quick sandwich you can try @jaybird's Steemit Sandwich Contest.
If music is your thing you should check in on @luzcypher's long running Open-Mic contest.
Do you like sport? Look out for @acidyo's regular football fantasy league.
Prefer pets? Enter your dog in @supernovastaffy's Dogs of Steemit.
Are you a budding writer, there are writing contests popping up regularly on steem. Maybe try @freewritehouse for starters.
Or maybe graphics are you thing? Logo contests abound.
Video? That's covered. Just take a peek at the 1000+ STEEM given away in @surfermarly's recent '60 Seconds of Steem' contest.
Art? Of course... Photography? Need you ask!
Then there are dozens and dozens of random contests on the go at any one time. From @guiltyparties Treasure Plate contest to @runicar's Art Caption Contest to @themarkymark's Get Shit Done Contest.
Did we mention children? Hop over to @spunkeemonkee.
Content with a Purpose & Money in the Bag
Contests can deal with two birds with one stone.
Many people are not natural content creators. They fill compelled to make posts on steem but they don't know what to produce.
They want to post to earn rewards. So they end up creating content with no purpose and all too often with next to no rewards.
They get disappointed. They leave.
Bring on the next bunch of recruits. Rinse and Repeat.
Contests can provide the answer.
Write this post, take that photo, design that logo, compose that piece of music, film that video, review that restaurant, make that sandwich...
The content has a purpose. The content gets exposure. It can still get voted on. And it may win the prize.
Job done. Everyone's happy. The creator makes connections, maybe wins a prize and is encouraged to stay on to have another go.
In summary...
Steem has a unique proposition.
It is an ideal platform for gaming, gambling, contests and competitions.
There is something for everyone. Everyone likes to win.
This can grow numbers, improve retention, encourage developers.
With concerted and co-ordinated marketing it can create a buzz.
With a buzz comes eyeballs. And with eyeballs come advertising dollars.
And dollars come growth.
Life is a game. Play it on Steem.
[ graphic by @pennsif ]