I'm Pretty Much Done With Promo Sites

 

I've tried most of the less expensive book promotion sites, and if you're interested in seeing my results, you can find them here. Obviously, as the name of this blog reflects, I am a complete failure.

I once thought that moving three copies of a book was a win, because most of the promo sites I've used didn't sell one single copy, even (or primarily) the "A" rated ones. And true, I avoided the expensive sites, but I'm dubious that their results would have been any better. My rationalization at the time I promoted Running From Herself was to spread my promo dollars around and hope that at least one site would be fruitful. Well, I moved three paid copies, all with BargainBooksy. That's three books out of 25 different sites, which includes the A+ rated BookBub.

While all the promo services I used divulge their number of subscribers, and the numbers are not inconsequential, I can only deduce that most of their subscribers are looking for a specific genre, and it's not mine. (Whatever mine is.) 

I've thought about how readers might search for book bargains. Amazon is clunky in that regard, so perhaps people do a Google search. But what are their search terms? I'm guessing "free books". It's hard for me to relate, because I won't just accept any book because it's free. Apparently many people do. That accounts for my 1,275 FreeBooksy downloads, but zero reviews. These people are hoarders. The majority of them won't read any of their free books; they just want to collect them. 

I'm doubtful that many people search for "bargain books". The term is subjective ~ what might be a bargain for some is too expensive for others. Best to stick to "free". Maybe a lot of people find these book promo sites that way, and they subscribe, but actually paying $1.99 or $2.99 is just a bridge too far. They like the site's free offerings.

To me, whether I advertise my novel for $2.99 or give it away, I make the exact same amount of money. No one is willing to pay $2.99, but even if they grab it for free, my royalties are still $0.00. Where's the upside for me? I sure never get any reviews, which at least would be worth something in exchange for giving away my book. 

Many authors claim that giving away Book One of a series drives sales of the rest. Series, series, series...I'm so sick of hearing about series. Every genre doesn't lend itself to writing a series. (And I wouldn't do it, even if mine did. I hate repeating myself.) 

Thus, while I'm at least semi-retired from writing, if I was ever to promote any of my back catalog, I wouldn't use any of these services again. I'm sure they're all sincere, but sincerity doesn't boost my bank balance. 

Right now, I'm subscribed to every one of those sites' newsletters. I subscribed initially so I could see my own book inside one of their mailings. But it's time to unsubscribe. I never open those emails; I just delete them. I also constantly get messages from them about upcoming promotional opportunities. Why would I want to pay for something that doesn't work?

Do I have any advice for other indie authors? I suppose, don't waste your advertising dollars. If you find a promo site where people love your genre, sure, give it a try. Romance authors, you can't lose. Pick any or all of them. If, however, you write in a genre that isn't a top five, please don't bother. Book promo sites are big moneymakers ~ for the sites. You're just as well off promoting on social media, and it's free.

Like everything else I've done that's book-related, I had to try promo marketing. You don't know 'til you try. It was an expensive lesson, but a lesson nonetheless.