We all believe that the quality of a file should reflect on the number of sales, but the truth is that this is not always the case. If people don’t know your Flash components exist or if they’re not promoted properly, you might just be disappointed. That’s why we’ve decided to share some tips on how to promote your files better so that you can get more sales. We will go over 12 great ways of promoting your files on FlashComponents.net.

1. Presentation

The first thing a visitor sees on the FC homepage is the preview image of your file. There are about 20 new released Flash components displayed on the homepage and a self explanatory image of your file can get his attention. People are extremely “visual”, so if your image says nothing about how the file looks like or what it can do, he might just not notice it. Use a clear image that reflects the main feature of your file and make it a good one. Take your time cropping and resizing, because this can convince the potential customer your file is worth checking out.

2. Let him play

If you’ve convinced him to check out your file, he’s going to want to see more. Provide a sample of the file on your component page and show him how it works. Give him the chance to play with the component and see what it can do for him.

3. Provide Documentation

On this same page, you should also fill in the technical details of the file, such as Flash Level, Documentation Level, but also a description of its features and suggestions of use. Basically, it should provide users with the help and documentation they’re looking for. Include a brief presentation of the component and suggest in the first paragraph how it can be used.

For example, if you’re selling an image gallery, can it also be used as a product showcase? Also, you should keep in mind that most of the visitors don’t have advanced knowledge of Flash as you do, otherwise they’d develop the file themselves. That’s why the description should not be too technical.

Use a simple, friendly, clear language so they can understand what they can do with the file. This is not the place to be big-headed by using technical language only you and other Flashers like you can understand. The visitor should be able to understand easily what the file can do for him, and not how smart you are.

4. Write with Keywords for SEO

Most people search for Flash components using Google, so using proper keywords are the first step to get them to check out your file. For instance, if you’ve developed a Flash Video Gallery, make sure to include these words in the name of the component. If you’re offering a Free file, include the word Free in the title of the component.

Let’s take Ngchenghow’s Flash XML 3D Carousel (AS3). He’s included all the keywords that describe its main features and it’s increasing his chances to appear in the first places in the search results. No wonder this file has 160 sales. Moreover, these keywords should also be included in the description of the file. On the other side, don’t include keywords that have nothing to do with your file or its features. It may attract visitors, but you’ll disappoint them because they’re not finding what they’re looking for and they’ll leave in a heart beat.

5. Set the Right Price

The price is also a big factor of decision. Don’t kid yourself that if your file is so awesome that they’ll be willing to pay whatever for it. Set a price taking into consideration the uniqueness and quality of the file, the time you’ve spent  developing it, but also the trends and the range of files on the market. If you’ve developed a file with no special features, don’t expect it to sell like hot bread if you’ve set a high price. If it’s an original file with unique features, you can use that to set a higher price.

On FlashComponents we have three licenses you can set different prices for – regular, commercial and special. If you don’t know what price to set, refer to other similar products with big sales and set a price taking into consideration the elements mentioned above.

6. Have a Brilliant Idea

Speaking of originality, people always want to buy unique files, that are different from others on the market. Don’t sell them the same old slideshow you developed with a tutorial. You can do better than that! Come up with original ideas and impress your customers. Also, develop constantly. Don’t just develop 2 files and take a 2 months holiday. To be at the top of the list, you should get out of your comfort zone and re-energize yourself. Start developing at least 1-2 new files a month and your visibility will increase. Users will notice you and, cha-ching, you get more sales.

7. Put Together Discount Packs

We all love discounts. f you lack creativity, there’s always an alternative. Put together 3-4-5 of you files in a package and watch the results. You’ll be surprised how many people buy Flash components in a bunch. This is a great way to sell files and to promote yourself.

8. Give Them the Chance to Create

When developing a file, keep in mind that people like to customize and personalize it to fit their space. Always consider the customer and his needs. Give instructions on how the file can be modified, from colors and text, to music and boxes. Give them the chance to be involved in the process and make your file “their” file.

9. Update Files Constantly

If you’re having trouble selling a file or the opposite, if the file is selling well, don’t just leave it as it is. Check out the comments from your component’s page posted by your (potential) customers and see what suggestion they have and what other features they’d like included to that file. Take it into consideration and work on that. You will attract new customers and the ones that have already purchased your file and that will benefit from the updates will think they’re getting their money’s worth and will definitely come back.

10. How about some Freebies?

You already know this one. There’s no better way to promote yourself then by giving away one of your files free or charge. You’ll get attention and your users will check out your other files to see the other goodies you’ve got to offer.You don’t really need to create a special file to give away. Use the files you already have in your portfolio, but that are not selling well or a file that is very cheap. This is bound to do the trick.

11. Hit the Flash Catwalk

What a better way to promote your files for free than our Flash Catwalk? Ask your customers for feedback and a link to the website where they used your file. Send us the information and you’ll get a spot in our newsletter, along with and exclusive article and all the promotion you can get.

12. Be the Expert

Show them that you know what you’re talking about and write a tutorial for one of your files. Write an accessible step-by-step tutorial so everybody can use it. At the end of the tutorial, include a link to your profile page to make sure they find out who you are and what you can do.

We experience these things with you guys, so we’re all learning together, side by side. That’s why we’d love to receive your comments on what it is that works for you and how you managed to promote your files on FC. Send us your insights at authors4fc@flashcomponents.net and we’ll be sure to include them in a future article. If you’ve got some great insights, you can even write your own piece with tips&tricks and we’ll publish it here. Join the club!