Trying out a super-sale

[rpghost]

Bard,

Very helpful input. I always like to hear personal summaries like that. They do help!

For example a couple things you mentioned you'd like to see we already have. That means that we're not making good use of them and you're not seeing them. So I'll address that.

Top lists with d20 and non-20 and non-rpg lists can be found here:
http://www.rpgnow.com/toplists.php

More advanced search"
http://www.rpgnow.com/advanced_search.php

We used to do an email newsletter with weekly updates of new products, but I stopped this procedure when 1 of my servers got blacklisted at AOL. This would be a major issue if it happened to RPGNow. So now we use our monthly newsletter... there used to be a new release section in there, bit it might have been replaced with a top ten list. I plan to put something back in now and to promote the ezine more:

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=2232

As for marketing tips for the new publishers, we do have our e-Publisher guide which does specifically tell them to get active on forums. But it's an optional purchase right now- though we're seriously considering it a manditor purchase to becoming a new vendor. Bad publishers hurt everyone in this industry.

Hope that helps you and others. I'll be continuing to work on the front page of RPGNow. We plan to start doing some editorial content on the front page to highlight key products we think are good.

James
RPGNow.com

 

[rpghost]

(DELETED, DOUBLE POST)

 

[Flyspeck23]

On another note, it was suggested by more then one person that maybe we just make the front page mostly editorial driven page. In other words, we choose what to highlight at the top and what to say. We choose decent products or great upstart companies or highlight the newest release from a consitantly great publisher. We'd show 1 or 2 MOTD things from gold vendors yet, but make the front page more static and highlighting things we at RPGNow what to promote as a store.

Thoughts?

I'd say give it a try - although you're asking for more complains here ("What about my products?" or worse).

Maybe you could ask all vendors for feedback first?

 

[rpghost]

I think the issue is that people have to start thinking of RPGNow as a store and less as an ulteristic heaven for PDF publishing. We're here to make money and to display great products to sell.

Maybe that's my own fault for always trying to please everyone and trying to help the industry grow.

So you'll notice a lot of changes to the front page this month.

James

 

[Morrus]

I think the issue is that people have to start thinking of RPGNow as a store and less as an ulteristic heaven for PDF publishing. We're here to make money and to display great products to sell.

Maybe that's my own fault for always trying to please everyone and trying to help the industry grow.

So you'll notice a lot of changes to the front page this month.

I agree. Publishers need to take responsibility for their own marketing.

 

[Cergorach]

I agree. Publishers need to take responsibility for their own marketing.

No offense Mor, i do agree with you, but up to a point. When EnWorld Publishing was still working away it's babyfat, RPGnow helped you guys a lot, now saying that publishers should take responsibility for their own marketing is a bit hypocritical IMHO. After all, RPGnow already did some extensive marketing for EnWorld and others... I do think that RPGnow should focus more on it's business aspects, than it's 'social' aspects, because money makes the world go round and keeps businesses in business.

 

[d20Dwarf]

I think the issue is that people have to start thinking of RPGNow as a store and less as an ulteristic heaven for PDF publishing. We're here to make money and to display great products to sell.

Maybe that's my own fault for always trying to please everyone and trying to help the industry grow.

So you'll notice a lot of changes to the front page this month.

James

Hear hear!

 

[Mark]

A healthy RPGNow is the current best help any E-Publisher can hope to have. They are a delivery system; one aspect of a marketing engine. The more they focus on being the best they can be (provided it isn't to the detriment of publishers), the less E-Publishers have to concern themselves with that aspect and can focus (less-distractedly) on other aspects.

I would urge any E-Publishers currently at a loss for for an immediate focus in their marketing plan to join in the "March Fo(u)rth for GM's Day!" holiday promotion. It's good for publishers, consumers, retailers, and the entire community. Such win/win/win/win marketing approaches come along so rarely it would be wise to jump on board early and annually.

I would further suggest that E-Publishers offer their support/prizes to any and all Gamedays that get formed on the EN World General Forum. It is good for exposure and the Gamedays can use all the support they can get.

Additionally, pick up the ePublisher Guide if you are unsure of the business aspects of running an E-Publishing company, or feel you are not getting as much as you hope out of your efforts.

Food for thought...

 

[rpghost]

Additionally, pick up the ePublisher Guide if you are unsure of the business aspects of running an E-Publishing company, or feel you are not getting as much as you hope out of your efforts.

I'm considering making this a required purchase before we sign up any new publishers. Kind of a startup fee that includes a free book.

Thoughts?

James

 

[d20Dwarf]

I'm considering making this a required purchase before we sign up any new publishers. Kind of a startup fee that includes a free book.

Thoughts?

James

Good idea.