Since I'm a nobody and a complete unknown in both the general public and comic book industry, getting the word out about the series is a challenge in and of itself. None the less, self promoting your book is essential to establishing a fan base. Outlined below are some of the tactics I've employed since the first issue of RELIVE was launched on Comixology Feb. 24, 2016.
1. NEW WEBSITE
I combined my graphic design portfolio site with a separate blog I had started once production of the first issue of RELIVE began. I wanted to create a single point of main content online for myself and have any other social media spread from there. The site shows my professional design work as well as introduces some of the artwork for RELIVE and hopefully future comic book series. Here is some initial data gathered from the new site launch as well as when the first issue came out on Comixology.
- INITIAL SITE VIEWS: < 5
- CURRENT SITE VIEWS: 74 (majority was over three day span)
- AVERAGE PER DAY: 3.52
- CURRENT PAGE VIEWS: 157
2. BLOG
I created this blog to focus mainly on comic books and to document my experience in creating a comic from start to finish.
- 9.15% = BLOG VISITS
- 49.03% = BLOG VISIT [POST: RELIVE #1 Available on Comixology]
3. FACEBOOK
Used my existing Facebook page to announce the release of the first issue. Any other updates on the series will be posted here. My wife has also been creating posts through her account to get people interested in the series.
4. TWITTER
Created a Twitter account as another source of announcing updates about the series. Also serves as a place for people to get to know me better. Below is a chart for reference as to where I began three weeks in. This data will be updated in six months to see if there has been any progress.
5. PROMO CARDS
I created and printed 500, 6" x 4" promo cards for the release of the first issue of RELIVE. I contacted local comic book shops and asked if they would hand them out for me. I don't have any real way to gauge how successful these are, but at least these are going to the right audience. Currently 300 have been delivered to comic book shops in Connecticut.
front and back of promo card
6. LOCAL NEWSPAPER INTERVIEW
My wife's uncle reached out to the local town newspaper and they agreed to do an interview on me and the series. Again I won't be able to accurately gauge the success of this, but at the bare minimum it gains exposure. You can read the article here.
FUTURE PROMOTIONAL PLANS:
- Stay active on social media. Post about any series updates.
- Try to go to at least one comic book convention.
- Create series swag. (Tshirts, patches, etc.)
So this is where I'm at currently with my promotional efforts. I'll create another post in six months with any progress that has been made.
Any other suggestions or things that have worked well for you, feel free to leave a reply.