I've had a game of mine released this week, Upsi Runner. I've given away about 10 promo codes in the forum via PM, and got a bunch of good feedback from that, but it didn't really do much to generate sales. I've also sent 15 codes off to all the game review sites I could find, but that seems like it is pretty much a black hole, since they must get hundreds of promo codes every week. So that leaves me with about 25 codes left to give away for this release. What do you guys think the best way to give away promo codes is, if you are trying to increase exposure for your game? Shen
Change your Icon!!!! that snail looks really creepy. Also how come you have no reviews in the appstore if you have given away promo codes? Create a thread in the games section and keep discussion going, I also think what Aeterius is doing is a great way to get exposure, they are staying in the 1st page of the games section through a contest, just like "stich'em words"
Ya, you should include that you will only give promos in exchange for an itunes/other review, and check how many posts they have if there isnt many, they probably arent the most trustworthy lol, this is generally speaking of course
I would say the best way to give away promo codes would be... -Contests, Perhaps host a contest or get together with a site's owner such as this and hold a contest for your game promo code. -Give it to users whom seem worthy and will perhaps in exchange write an honest review on your game, or possible give suggestions on it. -Watch and see what type of games users seem to like, if your game seems to fall under one of their likes perhaps send them a PM asking them if they would like one. Though I wouldn't just post a list, that'd miss the point.
Yeah, I was thinking that making some requirements for the codes might be a good idea. When I gave the codes away originally, I asked people to reply in the thread, which they mostly did. I guess asking them to also put a review in iTunes would have been a good idea too. Also, I guess the original thread doesn't have the best name, something like "New game Upsi Runner released" might have worked better.
I suggested this in another thread, by preforming a brief history check, but idk if many devs would do this, theyd just rather post the codes (which results in absolutely nothing positive in terms of their app gaining attention)
I would second the idea that a list, or just asking people to PM you isn't a great idea. The forums are so big that it took about 2 seconds for 5 people to PM me for codes, and then I got a bunch more PMs from people before I was able to edit the original post saying all the codes were gone. And threads that just have a bunch of people saying "PM sent" don't make for very interesting reading. I have send 1 email out to a review site asking if they wanted to do a co-ordinated review / promo give away, but they said they didn't do that sort of thing. They were nice enough to point me to another site that did, but that site seemed to be just giving them away in a forum thread by posting a code to a thread every once in a while. Something to get users involved seems like a good idea, but coming up with the involving thing is difficult, especially since no one who is interested in the promo codes has your game yet. Maybe I should have a contest to design a new icon Shen
I just submitted a nice review for this game a few hours ago when I had a little free time. Hopefully my glowing review will attract a few more sales for you
Thanks TennisKing; I'm pretty happy with the first promo code give away, as I got a bunch of good advice + feedback from it. Of course putting a review up is good too. The thing I'm more curious about now is how to translate giving a bunch of promo codes away into a bunch of people seeing my game, and hopefully liking the looks of it enough to buy it. It is good to hear back from people that they are enjoying the game though. I'll have to start a thread later asking how people are going on the achievements, how long their total play time is, etc etc. Shen
Yea, your thread was just around when a ton of other threads were getting spammed (ZenBound and such) so yours didn't get much traffic. If you make another thread sometime I and some other promo-code receivers would post some good feedback and hopefully that could generate some sales for you.
I'm just gonna add in the contests are a really good way to get attention. They have to be good, thought out ones, however. Stitch'em words went pretty well, and there was one pirate one back in 2008 that got a load of attention. You'd have to read up on the game to enter the contest (since the contest would involve reading something up). Also, try to break the contest into several little contests. It lasts longer and more people will compete if they have multiple chances of winning.
If you have a contest you should make it like, a trivia contest with 10 rounds. That means people have to check back in for new rounds and everything. Don't make people just pm you the answers and have the first 10 people win. if you drag it out a little you get more traffic and posts so it stays on the top of the first page for a while and you get some more views
like some one else said icon competition like stitch em words (i personally think your icon is fine).....then again you couldn't give 25 promos out in a competition like that...
Sorry for the noob question- when I submit my app, how do I aquire these codes in order to give them away? Do Apple just give you a list automatically? I believe UK residents can issue codes but only residents of the US can actually use them, right?
Wastedyuthe - Once your app is on the iTunes store you can use the "Request Promotional Codes" option from iTunes connect to get them.
Giving away promo codes Word of advice, if someone asks you for a promo code for a review or publicity, do a quick evaluation of their blog or YouTube channel. If you see few or no comments or views, be suspicious. It could just be a way for an individual to accrue lots of free apps without providing any benefit to the developers. I also hate when people ask for promo codes in exchange for a "prompt, positive review". So skeezy.
