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I am running three ads currently. I think it's about time to retire them and do something new. These three are fizzling out. Any ideas are gratefully welcomed.
Simon, speaking just as a reader who sometimes buys books from Bookbub, the ad for Peace Force draws my eye more. Not sure why. Maybe the cover works better with the ad? I've never been a fan of the whole "if you liked..." line of advertising because when I started reading fantasy, I bought a lot of books based on recommendations like this, and I almost always disagreed. But if it works, don't worry about me. I'm probably statistically anomalous.
And I like that your ads actually show the books. I've seen plenty of ads with only an enigmatic tagline, and that's it. Why would anyone click on that? But maybe they're getting results from readers who are nothing like me.
One ad's stats are 10,182 views, 41 clicks, 0.40% CTR rate
The other's stats are: 4,938 views, 6 clicks, 0.12% CRT rate (AND the CPC is about 30% higher)
They both have the same bid amount. (75c)
I expected the low CTR because it's not a 99c special or a freebie, but one ad is clearly doing much better than the other, although both could be better.
Now for the challenge - can you guess which stats belong to which ad? Also, happy to have feedback on either.
I like both of these ads but question how much they convey your brand of comedy at a glance. I almost think an image of a knight on fire (or something equally outrageous) might communicate your brand better.
In response to your question, I'm guessing that your first ad gets fewer clicks at a higher rate. If I'm right, my next guess is that you are targeting George R. R. Martin -- a name with lots of competition.
Personally, I've used the basic Bookbub template that they provide and had the best success with a straightforward blurb. For example, Book 1 of the series in my signature simply featured the cover and the tag "A pandemic follows a worldwide network outage." With that simple tag, I got a 1% click-through and sales on 1 in 5 books. The only problem is that this worked only when the book was $0.99 -- and the ad rate I was forced to pay couldn't support it. When the novel went full-price, putting $2.99 on the button (instead of "Read Now!") killed my click rate to the point that I killed that version of the ad entirely. Since then, I've finished the series -- so I may try at $0.99 price point again as the read-through rate seems okay (trying to get a regular Bookbub first though).
I like both of these ads but question how much they convey your brand of comedy at a glance. I almost think an image of a knight on fire (or something equally outrageous) might communicate your brand better.
Believe me, I've spent years trying to find a way to convey comedy with my covers. The problem is, you're never going to find a stock image which will work as funny off the bat, and I have way too many titles to go paying for custom art.
So, I try and attract readers with an engaging blurb and a cover that sells the story & plot, rather than the humour.
(The right-hand ad is a first, because I quoted someone who realised it was a humorous novel. Usually I just use a description instead.)QuoteIn response to your question, I'm guessing that your first ad gets fewer clicks at a higher rate. If I'm right, my next guess is that you are targeting George R. R. Martin -- a name with lots of competition.
Correct on the first ad being the lower clicks. I don't usually target big names with my ads, and to be honest I'm tempted to ditch the authors altogether and go for genre only.QuotePersonally, I've used the basic Bookbub template that they provide and had the best success with a straightforward blurb. For example, Book 1 of the series in my signature simply featured the cover and the tag "A pandemic follows a worldwide network outage." With that simple tag, I got a 1% click-through and sales on 1 in 5 books. The only problem is that this worked only when the book was $0.99 -- and the ad rate I was forced to pay couldn't support it. When the novel went full-price, putting $2.99 on the button (instead of "Read Now!") killed my click rate to the point that I killed that version of the ad entirely. Since then, I've finished the series -- so I may try at $0.99 price point again as the read-through rate seems okay (trying to get a regular Bookbub first though).
Yes, it's easier to advertise a 99c special, but my plan involves keeping the prices up and applying for a bookbub featured deal as frequently as possible. If I drop something to 99c, it won't be as attractive to bookbub as a $2.99 title which will be offered to their subscribers at 99c.
My other plan is to advertise free short stories on Bookbub CPC ads, with a prominent newsletter magnet inside. I only started today.
Now for the challenge - can you guess which stats belong to which ad? Also, happy to have feedback on either.
Simon, speaking just as a reader who sometimes buys books from Bookbub, the ad for Peace Force draws my eye more. Not sure why.
Yes, the Peace Force one is doing better.
Simon, thanks for bringing this up. I really like your first ad which probably means the other does better. :hehe
I played around a bit with BB ads (doing quite poorly) using their template. So I am trying out making an ad with Canva. Here is my first try. I can only expect limited results since, like Simon, I'm not reducing the price. Any thoughts?
I know what you mean; it's just something I can't do with Canva. The only way would be to change the background to a solid. I may have to do that. I just haven't found a solid background that is very attractive. :thinking
I tried raising the text slightly and increasing the size of the drop shadow. Maybe that helps? Maybe?
(http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/JRTomlin/AKC_zps2io5cif5.jpg)
I just fired this ad up, and it has to be the most minimalistic bb ad I've run so far. I'm hoping the artwork says SF and comedy/disaster, but we'll see.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubHal3_oct.jpg)
My targeting is SF, no specific authors.
Took me a second to get what you meant, but that should work. Thanks!I know what you mean; it's just something I can't do with Canva. The only way would be to change the background to a solid. I may have to do that. I just haven't found a solid background that is very attractive. :thinking
I tried raising the text slightly and increasing the size of the drop shadow. Maybe that helps? Maybe?
(http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/JRTomlin/AKC_zps2io5cif5.jpg)
You can do it in Canva...sorta. Go to SHAPES, then select the rounded rectangle. Position OVER your text, drop transparency, and make it a darker shade of blue or whatever matches. When you have it the way you like it...click it BACKWARD behind the text.
I just fired this ad up, and it has to be the most minimalistic bb ad I've run so far. I'm hoping the artwork says SF and comedy/disaster, but we'll see.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubHal3_oct.jpg)
My targeting is SF, no specific authors.
I know what you mean; it's just something I can't do with Canva. The only way would be to change the background to a solid. I may have to do that. I just haven't found a solid background that is very attractive. :thinking
I tried raising the text slightly and increasing the size of the drop shadow. Maybe that helps? Maybe?
(http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/JRTomlin/AKC_zps2io5cif5.jpg)
I just fired this ad up, and it has to be the most minimalistic bb ad I've run so far. I'm hoping the artwork says SF and comedy/disaster, but we'll see.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubHal3_oct.jpg)
My targeting is SF, no specific authors.
It's definitely worth trying. I'll give it a shot!
ETA: Doesn't quite work in yellow. The problem is that part of the sky and bits of the clouds are too whitish. It works very well in the parts that are a pretty solid blue. The variations in color are a definite problem. It tried some darker yellows and almost orange, but they just didn't show well against the whiter parts. :HB
ALSO: did you ever get to see my two? I can see them just fine Grin
They look pretty good to me. I'm interested to know how you go with these.
I ran the Clunk one at $50/day for three days, and I had a total of maybe 300 views, no clicks. It wouldn't even show, so I paused it and I'm going back to the drawing board.
They look pretty good to me. I'm interested to know how you go with these.
I ran the Clunk one at $50/day for three days, and I had a total of maybe 300 views, no clicks. It wouldn't even show, so I paused it and I'm going back to the drawing board.
Simon - Have you tried any CPM ads at BookBub? I want to target one author who has about 20,000 followers there. The recommended range is $5-10 per 1,000. So it could be an efficient way to get in front of some very targeted eyeballs.
They look pretty good to me. I'm interested to know how you go with these.
I ran the Clunk one at $50/day for three days, and I had a total of maybe 300 views, no clicks. It wouldn't even show, so I paused it and I'm going back to the drawing board.
I'm quite disappointed for you, Simon. I rather liked that promo. I wonder if the price point turned potential buyers away. Many bookbubbers are primed for a deal. Whereas perhaps if you hadn't listed a price, perhaps your cover and blurb might have enticed them in? Would you consider doing a second go of it, without the price, for A/B testing?
Simon - Have you tried any CPM ads at BookBub? I want to target one author who has about 20,000 followers there. The recommended range is $5-10 per 1,000. So it could be an efficient way to get in front of some very targeted eyeballs.
I have but it was a wash. I think I got my 1000 views but only about 2 clicks.
Okay, I'm trying again. This one's a freebie in exchange for a signup, which is hopefully clear from the ad.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubAPODAC201810.jpg)
Using a custom bookfunnel landing page which will identify sign-ups as coming from this ad.
Okay, I'm trying again. This one's a freebie in exchange for a signup, which is hopefully clear from the ad.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubAPODAC201810.jpg)
Using a custom bookfunnel landing page which will identify sign-ups as coming from this ad.
I like it! It's cute!
Also, I want to be you when I grow up with understanding all the marketing to-do-ra. LOL Let us know how it goes?
Okay, I'm trying again. This one's a freebie in exchange for a signup, which is hopefully clear from the ad.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubAPODAC201810.jpg)
Using a custom bookfunnel landing page which will identify sign-ups as coming from this ad.
Okay, I'm trying again. This one's a freebie in exchange for a signup, which is hopefully clear from the ad.
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubAPODAC201810.jpg)
Using a custom bookfunnel landing page which will identify sign-ups as coming from this ad.
I think this one is pretty good!
Btw, how do BB ads perform Vs BB standard promotions?
I just paused that BB after approx 180 impressions and no clicks.
Reason being, my ad on Facebook which is trying to achieve the same results just hit a relevance of 9, and it's going gangbusters.
PPC is 9c on FB vs a bid of 75c per click on BB, so why would I bother?
I'm converting maybe 1/3-1/2 of the clicks into new subscribers, and they have to verify their email to get the book, so it's not like they're all going to trash.
Do people who choose to target by CPC still see CTR? I've never tried it.
Do people who choose to target by CPC still see CTR? I've never tried it.
Yes indeed. CPC is all I use, apart from one CPM experiment.
It was around 12-18c CPC for my freebies.
Mine's closer to 50-60c for paid, so don't expect that result on anything with a price sticker.
Long time lurker at other place.
I've not had much luck with BB ads in the past, especially with CPM -- it just seems to suck up money with no discernible results (clicks or sales). My CPC ads seem to only get served for short periods of time. I've always assumed it was because the creative wasn't good enough. Here are a few I'm trying out next week on a 5-day free run for a two-book bundle. Do they seem "clickable" enough?
(https://dwmoneypenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BB-Boxset-3DLives.jpg)
(https://dwmoneypenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BB-SCI-Blink.jpg)
(https://dwmoneypenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BB-Steam-Lives.jpg)
I've mixed and matched the images and text but didn't want to put every version out here. Which (if any) do you think would work?
Okay, dipping my toe into the BB pirahna pool once more:
(http://www.spacejock.com.au/images/BookBubHal_201810.jpg)
I set a click price of 75c, targeted SF plus a wide range of comedy SF authors, and since it's wide I aimed the ad at all stores and all BB-supported countries barring India.
Oh, and a pretty large daily budget.
Here's my first BB ad for 2019. Not crazy fancy, but I tried to incorporate things I learned here and abroad (okay, David Gaughran), including exciting new author targeting.
The advantage of the price button is it stops people from clicking who are price sensitive.
Also, what's your offer? Where's a buy button or a learn more or a shop now, or even a button with the price on it? The advantage of the price button is it stops people from clicking who are price sensitive.
The advantage of the price button is it stops people from clicking who are price sensitive.
Which is just about everybody at BB. I ran an ad once that got decent impression counts and not one single click. I put the price of $3.99 in the ad. I had run the same exact ad, with a Buy It Now button, about a month before and got good impressions and clicks. So, I have to believe it was the price that did the ad in.
But did you get sales from those clicks?
Maybe I'm in the minority, but if I spend on an ad I want it to result in sales.
But did you get sales from those clicks?
Maybe I'm in the minority, but if I spend on an ad I want it to result in sales.
Yes, I got a few. Nothing to write home about, but it was definitely better than when I included the price.
Hi folks, here's an attempt - I'll trial this and do some testing with a new one later so I can compare click rates, what should I change (other than the tagline maybe?)
(https://res.cloudinary.com/bookbub/image/upload/c_scale,h_250,q_auto,w_300/v1581658505/vgy6kstff1ppoujtf7dp.jpg)
Hi folks, here's an attempt - I'll trial this and do some testing with a new one later so I can compare click rates, what should I change (other than the tagline maybe?)
(https://res.cloudinary.com/bookbub/image/upload/c_scale,h_250,q_auto,w_300/v1581658505/vgy6kstff1ppoujtf7dp.jpg)