What do you guys do for promotion?

Garchompula 2023-10-25 04:08:40 UTC #1

Hi, so I've been writing my superhero comic DROSERA OVERGROWN, and I've run into a bit of an issue. Self promotion on here does work, but it caps out. I genuinely feel the view counts on the forums are lying because it feels like the promotion threads are the same group of 30 odd people. I don't seem to be growing through Tapas and Webtoons themselves, so I'm curious about other methods!
I was thinking of putting up flyers. There's a comic book store not to far from me, as well as plenty of libraries and high schools (I'd say my work is teen appropriate.) I was imagining a QR code linking to my comic directly on the flyer.

vapidink 2023-10-25 04:21:34 UTC #2

Your flyers idea reminded me that I once got a free bookmark at a bookshop that advertised a webcomic, which was pretty neat. Still have because the art was nice so there's definitely something to your idea.

Personally, I don't really promote now a days. When I started I promoted a fair bit until I got a decent reader base. Now, every time I update I get a boost in activity with that base coming back and it makes my story more visible.

That being said, I'd advice that you at least put a link to your story info page on your forum profile to make it easier for people you interact with here to take a look. Promote on social media, update regularly, and make sure your cover and blurb/summary are attention grabbing.

Katzalcoatl 2023-10-25 07:12:21 UTC #3

Your flyer QR code could help you gain some local fans which is always good. As for self promotion use social media. Each platform needs different strategies. You should also think of paying facebook ads or google ads if you have the money (if not just use social media the normal way).

Self promoting on tapas forums helps a limited amount. It helps more interacting with the community. Talking to other authors. Keep a link to your comic/work in your profile. Authors and people who like your responses will look at your profile to check out your work.

Another thing I recommend is keeping a profile picture related to the art of your comic. Art sells.
In my case I look at the comics from authors whose profile pictures attract my attention.

P.S. You should also consider joining the tapas discord and possibly posting on other platforms to broaden your public.

RedLenai 2023-10-25 14:46:27 UTC #4

Well, here is my recommendation:

Make 2 art posts in your social media per week (It can be finished artwork, wips, linearts, sketches, concepts, literally anything), try having the main three: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Then, make 15s / 30s videos (Can be wips, time-lapses, speedpaints, or IRL time sneak peeks) and post them as Shorts on Youtube and TikTok, post them as well on FB, IG and TW. *

Additional ones: Share the images and videos on Discord, Tumblr or Reddit (Or all three)

Of course, use hashtags, try check out at what times your followers tend to be more active so you can get the best out of it. I also recommend getting on websites/apps that allow programming posts in multiple social media. So you only have to make a few posts, but it's already scheduled to be shared in more places.

Now, its not just only having your socials and posting stuff. 1 or 2 days later, try to share your posts on FB groups, use some click-baity question to make people comment. One of the best things or at least behavior I've noticed:

Make a question that may go to a wrong statement. People love to correct others so that's makes them engage, which ends up bringing up the visibility
Engage in other people's posts if you have the time, or in communities be it serves, forums or groups. Being seen regularly being active or at least engaging may raise curiosity of fellow creators or people in general if those spaces are for readers too.

The QR code is good for getting local readers, especially in teen spaces. Try to make flyers with art that stands out but isn't bait either. You could also make mini fanzines and sell them for a cheap price (Like, just do them with normal cheap printing paper and stapler, and having a last page about where to read more.

Then this is another recommendation, but you could multi-stream on both Youtube and Twitch at the same time (Restream.Io is good for that) and then you could stream your creative process, comic making, drawing in general and such. Preparing commands or the About Me section on Twitch is important for people that may be curious and see what else you offer.

samconnely 2024-12-11 10:01:26 UTC #5

Libraries, high schools, and comic book stores are definitely good spots to reach your target audience. I’d also suggest looking into online communities or niche groups that focus on indie comics or superhero genres—places like Reddit or specific Discord servers can help you connect with a broader audience.

If you’re aiming to grow your online presence, experimenting with targeted ads can be worthwhile. Tools like https://pbb.design/en/services/seo-and-advertising-services/contextual-advertising/ can help you reach readers who might already be searching for comics like yours.