For one, the song was released to radio on April 8th. You have to give it time for the song to circulate. For two, no there was NO promotion. It is a critically acclaimed song, that is super catchy and has just enough sexuality to it that it is going to be big, just give it a little bit.
I think it might have something to do with the fact that a lot of people have ARTPOP already by now, and without release as an actual "single" it's sales are being affected.
Gaga hasn't do that much promo of G.U.Y. I think G.U.Y need more promotion. By the way DWUW is almost better than G.U.Y. chart number. If DWUW MV release, that chart graph will kinda looking good maybe..
It's just the problem that the whole ARTPOP is kind of messy. I don't want to offend anybody and I truly love Gaga for what she does but it all began with the leak of applause, then she said there will be a DWUW video. Everyone was excited and then general public heard nothing about her for a long time (almost seemed like a break). You have to keep in mind that only the "hardcore" monsters watch every step she does. While she was offscreen, other artitst released 2 singles in the same time. Then she came back with G.U.Y. without any proper promotion. I think the song had potential but the public doesn't want to watch an 11 minute video, where there is 4 minutes only credits. And the G.U.Y. video itself was not very friendly for general public.
does it matter? gaga released it so we could listen to it on the radio and be happy. to me it doesn't matter if she gets number 1 because she's only doing what she loves and doesn't give a single fuck about where she is on the charts
Who seriously cares about the charts. ARTPOP isnt a commercial promo move. It wasnt made to beat anyone. It exists for those who open their hearts to accept it.