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mossiroots
May '21

I like this forum, and I like this community a lot. Yall seem nice and I have enjoyed reading through people's comics and novels. I actually even enjoy commenting, cause I'm kind of a busybody.

BUT even as nice as everyone is, how productive would it actually be to keep promoting on here?

My comic is a horror/SciFi/humor (I think ts funny). Now I'm pretty sure most/all of you have seen me promoting and it's either your cup of tea or not (nothing personal).

Are there any tips or unspoken rules about when you should promote and how often? I don't wanna hit diminishing returns and start bugging everyone.

(I'm super new to all of this btw)

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    May '21

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    May '21
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Rhonder
May '21

I think that you're spot-on regarding diminishing returns- anyone who is relatively active on these forums likely know at least vaguely most of the other regulars and more or less what comic/novels they're working on and have given them a peek if they're looking for new reading material/if it sounds like something that they would enjoy.

To that end, I would say that it's not super super effective in the long term? Or rather the number of people you will attract falls off after a certain amount of time.

This is why a lot of regulars, at least, mostly "promote" in topics that have fun sharing or game aspects to them. Linking your series is somewhat secondary to having an excuse to share something about your characters/worlds/stories/etc. Or at least that's how I view them :sweat_smile:

There is something to be said about catching new people over time though. People do come and go from these forums, so having your links out and about every so often can potentially reach folks like that. But generally... yeah, there are only so many people here and at least some of us don't have as much time as we would like to consume more and more stories :cry: /looks at my 100+ unread update notifications :joy: :skull_crossbones:

thetalentedmrwulf
May '21

As someone else relatively new, it really felt like the 25 milestone was the big one for hitting via forum sub swaps and stuff. After that, it’s mostly footwork elsewhere and slow build to have enough material that newsreaders take a chance on you.

That said, seems like a great support group with tons of super knowledgeable folks that have experience building a fanbase across multiple platforms that makes it more than worthwhile to hang out.

DasIstWunderblyat
May '21

I think making multiple promotion threads in close succession is generally disliked or deemed annoying. Many of those promo threads are link-dumping threads, with nothing more required to add about the story, and nobody gives a shit to check other people out that it is as effective as Magikarp splash. Those threads flood this site and make people groan and roll their eyes just by seeing it.

If you want to make a promotion thread, it is better to include a small "game" which 1) gives a glimpse on what kind of story people write 2) makes people interact with each others which increases the likelihood of people getting their stories checked out 3) is fun and do not feel like we are dumping link and go.

For me, a discord group or something more close-knit than general forum which based on interest/friendship circle/like-minded people is way more effective and efficient to get more reader.

starless
May '21

People do visit your series and subscribe through this forum. To enhance the visibility, you have to promote frequently. I can't tell how often you should but sharing sketches and panels after updating your episode can definitely make viewers intrigued.

There are Tapastry announcements and events giving chances for staff picks too. Check the threads and engage with them.

doublemelon
May '21

I dumped my links when i was totally a newbie, who didnt have 25 subs yet. It helped, people here are all nice and they do check new comics I guess. After that, i stay for the chatting and experience-sharing.

rajillustration
May '21

I mean it's not that you should never ever mention your series ever, because you have to if you want people to read it--it's just there's places where it's more effective than others on this forum. If you're getting to know people and being nice and helpful and reading their stuff--there's more chances that people will click on your stuff. If you only hang out in the promo category dropping links--well most of the people who've been here a while have muted the promotions category so you're not gonna get as many views on your links.

mossiroots
May '21

@thetalentedmrwulf
1. thanks for always being a big supporter of mine! I do notice! and would love to draw something for you if you want. 2.yeah, I do NOT have that knowledge, everytime I push my series elsewhere (where you usually support it lol) I just feel like a nag.

@Rhonder
Thanks that's what I was thinking but it's good to read it from someone.

pilot-obvious
May '21

Link dumping threads tend to have very diminishing returns. I think I spammed those a lot when I first joined the forums 1.5 years ago. Threads that require you to go more in depth about your story and art give people a better insight about your project and might entice people to click more.

I find that just being yourself is the best promotion of all. I love making connections with people and learning about their interests and passions. That's what encourages me to read their stuff more than anything.

Iris-Grimoire
May '21

It's always best to look for promo threads that fit your work - the genre, something about your characters, art evolution, and sticking to what they ask on the OP. Spamming threads, or even necroing old ones but not adding more to the game/information they ask, ends up making people pass right over the comic, too.

But yeah, as you get known and talk to other users, the promo threads won't be needed unless your work really fits them (like say, "give me comics with demon protagonists", well everyone with those comics has a perfect chance to get that niche), people will event click on your username and see what you're creating if you're giving good advice and being part of the community.

Kaydreamer
May '21

Long-term, the rate of growth would definitely start slowing down if all you're doing is promoting on the forums. But in the short-term, it's great for building a supportive audience of fellow creators! I also absolutely love the community here.

I only tend to promote in threads which have a question or a game attached these days. I promoted more at first, when my comic was very new, but I'm definitely not as focused on that now. (And my offsite promo is all for my WEBTOON mirror.)

Puck
May '21

I think it depends on where you promote it.
I follow some creators on tapas but I never look into the promotion topics.
I followed the artists who uploaded panels to the jam comic topic because their style
made me check out their comics and that got me interested into their comic work.
I also check the last panel/picture/sketch topics to check the art of people and then
I follow them.
The "over and over promoting" like you phrased it makes me skip all the topics,
but that´s just me

Legendofgenii
May '21

I just stay here for the good company, inspiration and silliness. :sweat_02::heart:

I probably don’t put enough effort in, but Instagram is pretty good for promotion if you post there often enough. :+1: