Why is it that come summer time, instead of hanging around on the internet like they're
supposed to, everyone goes on vacation, or hangs out at the pool and forgets about your comic entirely? Why have your hits suddenly dropped by 50%, and the only consistent visitor is some guy in Colorado?
It’s because of what I like to call the Summer Lull. People just go on vacation mentally, even if they are online. They get sucked into video games, or summer jobs, and completely forget about your site. It isn’t fair at all, but there are some things you can do about it:
- Experiment with your comic
You can afford to try out some new styles or plot angles that you were a little nervous about before – by the time the summer is over, you can be back to normal, or on the path to a bigger and better comic.
- Go on vacation, too
No one’s harassing you to keep up your normal schedule. You can throw up some filler strips and take it easy.
- Find new fans
Now you have the time to research some new comic sites and pimp your comic to a new audience. Try joining the forums of other comic sites (but don’t be obnoxious and spam your comic) and participating in some fun discussions with your site linked in your signature. Also try joining NON comic site forums. You’ll be one of the very few people promoting a comic, which will make you all the more popular.
- Participate in art or story building exercises
There’s no harm in making an effort to improve your work. Go on hiatus and try a new art style or write a new story with new characters. This can breathe new life into an old comic when you return to it.
- Read other webcomics
There’s no better place for inspiration than looking at the work of your peers. You can pick up a lot of ideas for technique in both art and writing by reading other comics. The best way to find new comics is to explore the links page of a comic you like reading right now. Or, you can check out a few of my favorites:
Whatever you do, enjoy your summer, and remember that everyone will come back.
- CuteThing
