Best Performing Updates: Single pages or Groups of pages?

[TomDellaringa]

I'm fairly new at Tapastic, and have been posting various comics of mine. I'm trying to figure out if single updates vs. multiple page updates works better in regard to a variety of metrics.

I think the thing we all probably want the most is readers. My initial thought was that more pages per update gave new readers a more in depth introduction into the comic, and you might be more likely to hook them in. I'm not sure this is the case.

My best performing series so far as been an 8-page short story that I posted one page per day.

For those of you who have been around awhile, what has been your experience?

[hades]

I personally prefer one page updates. They are easier to keep up with as a reader and easier to produce as a creator. :] I get overwhelmed easily by tons of pages at once, but that's just my input!

[Jinglestan]

I think for your first few episodes, if you upload a little more in bulk (like your first episode be like 10 pages long or something), you can create a hook. Once you establish that hook, move on to single or double page updates so that you get more exposure and because of what marchen said :>

[kristintipping7]

Based on my own experience and what I've seen of other people's comics, I'd say short frequent (and consistent) updates perform the best. I post one page a week. I would post more often if I thought I could do so and still keep a consistent schedule.

Frequent episodes hold the reader's attention better. It's much easier to get back into a story you were reading a few days ago than one you read a month or two ago. They also give the creator more traffic. Every time you post a new episode you get a small boost in new traffic, devoid of weather that episode is one page or forty pages. The more frequent your episodes the more frequent the traffic boosts.

Short episodes are good partly because they allow you to post more often. An episode that's an entire chapter is going to take a lot longer to finish than an episode that's only one or two pages long. Short episodes are also good because they are low commitment for the reader, though. Or at least that's how it is with me personally. I hate to say it, but I always find my self putting off reading comics with long episodes (even when they're really good). I just don't want to dedicate the time when I have so many comics on my reading list.

P.S.
You're right that new readers can be put off if there's not a lot of content available yet. Once you have a few episodes up, it shouldn't be a problem, though. I got around the issue by posting several episodes on the first day, and then sticking to a one episode a week schedule after that.

[pastchaser]

Ive found it best to post frequently but also to post consistently.

for example, you dont want to be posting 3 pages on monday, another 4 on friday, and then 2 the next tuesday. It just throws readers off.

Figure how many pages you can do at a minimum every week. so if you can finish between 3-5 pages a week, plan to post 3 pages a week and keep ahead of yourself incase something happens. its exciting to share something as soon as you finish it but consistancy is best! Also keep a specific update schedual, and keep to a specific length/number of pages per update.

[HeSerpenty]

Wow this thread is VERY educational! XD.... I'm still tryin to figure this place out haha
is gonna change the way I update now >_>

[apurviance]

Personally, I would argue against posting too much content per week. If you've already finished your comic there's a desire to post everything at once or a lot of pages per batch. Don't do it!

As a reader, I find I will keep up with a series if there are only a few pages I've missed. But when there are 10+ pages I'll put it off until later. Always later. Space it out. This gives you more time to grow your audience. And, NEVER let on that you've already finished all the pages. React to each one as if it's new to you, just like it is to your readers.

And, as others have said, post enough initial pages so new readers can get into your story. Leave them wanting more and they'll come back.

[BladeRabbit]

I personally think you should try to update to best suit the pace of the story.

Maybe even utilize the fact that you can update with multiple pages at once.

Say, single page updates for slow parts, and multiple pages when it speeds up.

[michaelson]

Say, single page updates for slow parts, and multiple pages when it speeds up.

I really like that idea to control the pace of the narrative.

[BladeRabbit]

Well, the format on Tap is different in that you can upload the story in chunks as well as page by page, so it's another tool to use when telling a story.

Tap's got interesting things like that and the option to add music and sound to your webcomic and that I find to be really cool.

I'm hoping I can find a way to really use them to enhance the reading experience for my readers.

[greatnessiam1]

I've found it better to post frequent and keep it consistent along with communication.

Short burst of pages so that the reader that has a busy week or an event come up can
come back to it and catch right up. With tapastic's layout it's not hard to pick up where
one has left off and if they know your schedule is consistent than all is well ya know!

If you can do those things you'll gain great readers and a great fan base as well.