My first stop on my tour is Fanime Con in San Jose last weekend. Fanime started in 1994 and is the 9th largest anime convention in America. Over 15,000 people stream through the San Jose Convention Center and bought $5 million to the local community.
First thing I noticed was the majority of people coming to my table had already knew about my project. When asked how they found out I was there the answers range from I follow you on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace to I saw your video on YouTube. I did sold a few books to folks who were completely unaware of my project.
As this is my first time selling at a convention, I realized I needed to convey information on a visual level. Because I may be talking to people, others who gathered later would be lost in the conversation so for my next convention, I'll set up my latop to do a slideshow that explain my project. This way they can get an idea of what I'm doing without me actually explaining it to them.
I also realized I needed to make aware of my book to the audience before they even step foot in the convention. I'll need to beef up more online presence. Other ideas is to donate books for raffle to various anime/manga/cosplay clubs close to the conventions I plan to travel to.
To create more awareness, I ask my Facebook followers if they didn't mind putting out promo cards at various anime conventions across America. There's almost a convention somewhere every weekend in this country. I mail them packets of 4x6 promo cards and they work. At Fanime, one person told me she had picked up a promo card at AnimeCentral near Chicago, IL just recently.
I also shot video with my Canon G9 and uploaded it within a few days of the convention. It helps to give an idea of what the con is like to those who haven't travel to Fanime before as well as testimonials from cosplayers as well as folks who stopped at the table. Best part is viewers can see how folks are reacting to the book.
I'm be tinkering with my table layout for the next con. In a few weeks I'll be in Miami for SuperCon. Nine more cons to go this year !
No comments:
Post a Comment