The Problem (getting web traffic)

[Hamumu]

I happened to look at my web stats yesterday, which, since I have no marketing bones in my body, is an incredibly rare occurrence. I saw things that would make children (of venture capitalists) cry out in their sleep and grab their (solid gold) teddy bear for comfort.

So here I am sitting today, with a block of time set out for marketing... and I don't have a single idea of what to do. I know I could buy ads, but I don't know where, and odds are that would end up a waste of money. Beyond doing that, or releasing yet another game (not a bad idea, since it's been a LONG time), I've got not one idea.

I do things that keep customers around nicely - I did that newsletter trick from Tom Cain and signups have gone up, I release add-ons all the time, and I've got a blog that they're always reading (here's an idea I can share: in addition to a blog, I have a Sneak Peek (http://hamumu.com/sneakpeek.php) that lets them see what I'm working on - they are really into that), and a forum that is very popular. It's getting new people to find the site that seems a problem.

So here's where you can inundate me (and by extension everyone else, I guess if you have to) with brilliant ideas that have given you huge traffic boosts. I've got the conversion rate, so how do I get people to come and start converting?

(PS - I recently switched my tab plugin in Firefox to Tab Mix Plus and YAY it just saved my ass right now - it has an "undo close tab" button!)

[Ryan Clark]

Send free copies of your games to people with websites who might review them or at least link to them.

By doing so, we managed to get Fizzwizzle mentioned on Download This! (http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/682/682428p2.html), a few podcasts, a few blogs, etc, etc.

[Tom Cain]

I second Ryan's suggestion, particularly with relavant blogs. I've sent free copies to Palm software blogs with a note like:

"I thought you and your readers might be interested in my Palm software: (address). I'd like to send a free copy for you to evaluate. Please let me know if you are interested or if you have any questions."

This usually gets a download boost and gives another link to your site for Google. I imagine many blog writers are on the lookout for content.

Another that works well for me is to update your existing game. You probably have to have the right kind of product. Just a few extra levels, puzzles or features with a new release number gets you back on the front page of the download sites for a while and gets the real fans talking again. It also adds more product value to close sales.

[Jack Norton]

Giving away free copies to review is a double-sided weapon. I mean if the guy review it but says that your game is crap (and it can happen if he expect a commercial-quality game) don't know if is a good advertising :D

[Phil Steinmeyer]

Giving away free copies to review is a double-sided weapon. I mean if the guy review it but says that your game is crap (and it can happen if he expect a commercial-quality game) don't know if is a good advertising :D

If somebody reviews your game you MIGHT get bad publicity.

If no one reviews your game you DEFINITELY will get no publicity.

First choice seems less risky to me...

[Tom Cain]

Giving away free copies to review is a double-sided weapon. I mean if the guy review it but says that your game is crap (and it can happen if he expect a commercial-quality game) don't know if is a good advertising :D
This is a good point. You can mitigate risk by choosing blogs that you think are likely to be positive.

One thing about blogs and marketing is that readers tend to think a lot like the writer regarding the blog's subject. If a game blogger hates your game, odds are that most of the loyal readers will also. That lessens your risk -- they are unlikely to be customers anyway.

Plus, Hamumu has one of the best marketing hooks in this forum. A bad review for some of us isn't necessarily "bad" for Hamumu. :)