So my countdown deal is complete and I have to say I am thrilled with how it went.
I released my second book the month before (the sequel release pushed both of my books to the top of the erotica charts for Thrillers, Suspense, and Mystery). Adding the countdown to that surged the book to the top getting it into the 20s for all of Erotica and putting me at #1 of the Erotic Mystery charts for several days. I have been staying strong all week in the top three. It is also translating pretty nicely to sales of the 3.99 sequel. I am getting new reviewers and new followers as well.
I will say the deal is likely as good as the promo behind it. I did the following to push the promotion:
A bargain booksy feature
A Bargain ebook feature
Posted to several fb pages that promote erotica to readers
Hosted several "page takeovers," which are very common in Erotica and Romance on FB
I hosted a FB Event on the 5th day of the 7-day promo period. I played games with readers, put up teaser graphics that they shared, excerpts, etc. Those who bought the book entered a special contest to get the sequel for free.
So, the promo was successful, but I didn't just slap it up there and pray on it, I worked really hard this week to get the word out and it paid off. I don't know if this is possible in every genre, but romance and erotica has fervent fans and they are huge supporters of indie authors.
So countdown can work, but mostly if you already have a large following or work hard to get the word out there and use it as a vehicle to introduce yourself to new readers. I know this has been stated, but I wanted to share my personal experience to shed further light.