Let's say, hypothetically, I am an indie developer who is developing a really fun NFT game. What would be a pleasant, yet efficient way of marketing ourselves? What's a strategy that wouldn't immediately make you go "SPAM ALERT"?
How do you know that is really fun NFT game? Is it your personal opinion, from your friends or do you get feedback from a large number of people who tried your game?
you should definitely somehow attract people to try your game. bitmover gave good advice, give some gifts or freebies for all new users to try your platform.
How would you wanna see crypto marketing evolve in the future?
Marketing is a huge and complex industry and it has its own direction, whether it's crypto or anything else. it is not possible to get a short answer as to what are the best practices and how to achieve a good result.
Unfortunately, even if you (me also) does not like exaggeration on social media they are a very important segment in marketing. just think that a huge number of people have a device in their hands every day on which they follow one (or more) of the social networks.
and yes, hiring a marketing specialist is the probably best and cheapest option.