I have an idea for kids I think is awesome... Can I get your opinion?

United States
August 19, 2008 4:46pm CST
Hi all! So, I had a creative idea and turned it into a children's story. My boyfriend, a Chicago area graphic artist, started illustrating images to match my story and before I knew it we had created a children's book. Excited as we were, we also created a corresponding website (www.grafxone.com/kokomonkeego) filled with activities, recommendations for and from parents, contests, ways to buy the book and more. I have posted the book on Lulu.com, Craigslist, MySpace, and Facebook. I've emailed all of my friends and family (who, of course, have seen the book for free and have told me it's wonderful). I've put flyers up around town. We had business cards printed but are unsure of where to distribute them. But we've sold nary a copy. So here are the questions: Would you please visit the website (www.grafxone.com/kokomonkeego) and give me your input? Why do you think the book is not selling? Does it not look legit? Is it not interesting or appealing? Is it just that the economy is so slow and no one is really buying? Is it because no one knows who we are? What would prompt you to buy it? What do you think of the activities and other aspects of the site? Do you have any suggestions about things to add that might appeal to parents and/or kids? How about advice on how to better promote the site and the book? We've had nearly 100 hits to the site, but only 1 sale. I really want to get this out there and share it with kids everywhere. I want to encourage youngsters that it's ok to follow your crazy dreams and use your imagination - to think outside the box. Also, if you know anyone who has a children's product or service to offer, I am looking to add a Recommended Websites section and a Recommended Services section. If you want to give me a website address, I'll take a look at it and if I like it, I'm willing to add it to my site for others to see -- FREE ADVERTISING! :-) Well, thank you for taking the time to read this and I truly appreciate any advice/suggestions you have. Of course, I'll happily answer any questions as well! Thanks! -MK-
2 responses
@iakulchen (615)
• Singapore
20 Aug 08
Well, IMO, 1 sale for every 100 hits isn't bad. If you have just started, it's expected that no one has heard of your site yet and there'll be fewer hits. Just work on promoting your site and you should be getting more sales soon :) Here are some sites you can check out to help promote and drive traffic to your site. Stumbleupon reddit Delicious Digg Twitter Furl.net Qassia These sites do require you to join as a member and are all some sort of bookmarking site, although each of them work differently. I'm not active on all of them though, so I might not be able to answer all your questions if you have any regarding them, though I certainly wil if I do know the answers.
• United States
20 Aug 08
Thanks for your suggestion. I have already joined Digg, Link Referral and Merchant Circle. I'll look into these other ones as well. P.S. The 1 sale was a friend. :-) Thanks again.
@censae (72)
• United States
22 Sep 08
I love your idea. Your Tutorial page is great. The offers there are affordable and flexible for our various family needs. I need it as a matter of fact for my niece and grand son. I hope you are marketing ti to schools and educational cites. Think about making limited addition Tutoring gift certificate cards available for students that need to get back on track when subjects get too overwhelming but extensive tutoring is not needed. Opening Page-Be more descriptive in your introduction of these KoKo Monkeys and the magical island. Let a couple of them introduce the message. Give them names and personality. You are inviting children to visit a place. Even though it is mysterious they need to know that it is safe and fun. Be clear that your text is directed to parents when need be and to children when need be. Let the monkeys do the talking. Put in some music-- a distintive them song. Children do not usually handle money, but they sure can ask for it. Contest Page- It is to much work to talk about at first. Monkeys can speak to teachers, parents, coaches, ect. Be careful to distinquish when you are addressing children or adults. The monkeys are their friends.and friends do talk to friends like that. Make the words freindly and colorful. Lesson of the month-Is this lesson associated with a particular incident or event involving the monkeys on the magic island? Do have them speaking about life's many lessons that they have to learn. All children are winners for their participation. All who participate should get some kind of recognition and an opportunity to do better in the next upcoming contest. Find The Lizard- How special is an island investigator. What do they do. Whatare other important positions on the island that the children to work for. Kids donot inspire their imaginations. They use them to the limit if given permission to do so. Get a catchy pharse goinglike Imagination Rocks! If you want to increase the sell of this product make the monkeys your marketing agents to brand your characters and give life to the magic island. Encourage them to want to visit and make friends.