Case Study Analysis - An Online Game: Mexican Train
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What does this online business do? ๐
Todayโs case study features Mexican Train, a game platform that provides a free online version of the classic Mexican Train Dominoes.
The website features an easy-to-use interface and clear rules, making it simple for beginners to get started.
Users can play for free against computer opponents or invite friends for a social gaming experience.
It also offers downloadable materials for offline play, making it a great resource for anyone interested in the game.
Keep reading to discover how this business makes money, what contributes to its success, and potential growth opportunities.
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How does this online business make money? ๐ป
Mexican Train makes money in three main ways;
1) In-App Purchases ๐ฐ๐ฑ
The mobile app for Mexican Train is free to download, but it offers extra features that users can buy with real money, known as In-App Purchases.
Players can buy premium features to enhance their gaming experience, such as additional game modes or special tiles that add variety.
This strategy helps the business turn loyal players into paying customers who want an enhanced experience.
2) Display Advertisements ๐บ๐ธ
Another key way Mexican Train makes money is through ads displayed on the website. While users play the game for free, they see ads for different products or services.
The site earns money whenever players click on or view these ads.
This allows users to enjoy the game for free while helping the business run without charging them directly.
The ads don't interfere much with the gameplay, so players stay happy while the site earns revenue.
3) Amazon Storefront (Shop) ๐ฆ๐๏ธ
Mexican Train also has an Amazon storefront where it sells physical game items like printed dominoes, score sheets, and complete game kits.
Prices range from about $9.99 to $29.99. This option attracts players who like the physical game and want to play offline with family or friends.
By using Amazonโs wide reach, the site gains more visibility and convenience for shoppers, leading to more sales.
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What has this business done well?๐ฅ
Here are the commendable strategies this business uses to succeed as an online business.;
1) Attracting Organic Traffic with SEO Strategies ๐๐
Mexican Train brings in 58.4k organic visitors by optimizing its website for search engines.
The platformโs main strategy is simple: it uses a perfect branded name, making it easy for anyone searching for the game to find it.
The site attracts branded traffic, as many search queries specifically include "Mexican Train."
The platformโs website features detailed guides, rules, and strategies, optimized with organic keywords.
This quality content and clear layout convince search engines that itโs the best option.
The website also loads quickly and is easy to navigate on any device.
2) User-Friendly Experience ๐ฎ๐
Mexican Train has a user-friendly website that is easy for new and experienced players to navigate.
Clear instructions and well-organized content help users quickly understand the rules.
This keeps players engaged and leads to longer playtime, building loyalty.
3) Community Engagement ๐ค๐ฌ
Mexican Train has built a community by letting users play against friends or others online.
This interaction builds connections among players.
The site also engages users through email, offering freebies in exchange for subscriptions.
Combining social play and communication helps keep the player base strong.
4) Free-to-Play Model ๐ธ๐
Offering the game for free attracts a large audience.
Many users prefer free games, lowering the entry barrier.
This wide player base increases potential ad views and in-app purchases, ensuring a steady income stream while keeping users happy.
5) Total Platform Accessibility ๐๐ฒ
Mexican Train has made the game available on its website and major mobile platforms like Apple's App Store, Google Play, and Kindle devices.
This allows players to access the game anywhere.
By ensuring accessibility, Mexican Train reaches larger audiences and offers convenience to users.
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What this business could improve?๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Mexican Train can position itself for sustained long-term growth by considering this idea;
1) Build a Social Media Presence ๐ฑ๐
Mexican Train is currently missing a big opportunity by not being active on social media like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
This means theyโre not reaching new players who spend time scrolling through these sites.
The business should create official accounts to share short, fun videos of game moves and quick tips.
Hosting weekly online tournaments via the app and announcing winners on social media would engage players more.
This involvement would turn casual players into an active community, boost brand loyalty, and provide a free way to attract new users.
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The Takeaway, What We Learned ๐
- Optimize for Organic Traffic: Use SEO techniques to help people find your business online. Focus on important keywords and create helpful content that answers your customersโ questions.
- Create a User-Friendly Experience: Make your website easy to navigate and provide clear information. When users can easily find what they need, they are more likely to stay and return.
- Build a Community: Build a community around your brand and encourage valuable interaction among your customers to create a loyal base that feels organic.
- Consider a Free-to-Play Model: Offering a free option can attract more users. A larger audience means more sales while keeping customers satisfied.
- Ensure Accessibility Across Platforms: Make your product available on different platforms to provide convenient access for customers and expand your reach.
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And there you have it! Mexican Train has shown us how to build a successful business just by mastering SEO and user experience.
If youโre ready to apply these lessons and launch your own venture, the FREE course at Max Business School is definitely worth checking out.
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