Marketing Your App » downloads

The Surprising App Marketing Mistake that’s Holding You Back

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:38:07 +0000

There’s one question that most iPhone app developers get wrong and, unfortunately, it leads them to spin their wheels rather than making money.

“Who would want to buy your app?” I ask.
“Everybody!” you say.
“So, a small-town mom with two kids and a college student in the city are both going to want to buy your app?” I reply.
“Well, maybe not…” you say.

You’ve worked so hard and spent so much time creating your iPhone app that it’s tempting to think that everyone will want to buy it. No software will appeal to everyone, even the hippest, newest app. And that’s OK.

In fact, it’s better that way. Imagine trying to create your app to please everyone! There just aren’t enough hours in the day.

Instead, you need to focus on the exact type of person who would love to buy your app. Marketers call it your target market and it’s the secret to happy customers and more sales.

Who will buy my app (and who won’t)?

Now that we know not everyone will want to buy our app, the first step is to define the people who will. It’s so hard to think in terms of big groups, so use this easy shortcut: just picture one person in your mind. The exact type of person that is the perfect customer for your app.

What are his interests? What type of websites does she visit? Where does he live? What kind of job does she have?

Sometimes, it’s almost easier to imagine who is not in your target market – who would absolutely never download or use your app even if you paid them. Picture them in your mind and then take the opposite.

Your customer is king

Now that you know the type of person who will love to buy your app, keep them in mind with each decision you make while developing and marketing your app.

For example, say you are going to ask a blog to write about your new app. If you thought the audience for your app is everyone, you might just submit it to the same sites as everyone else. But, if you knew that your app is the favorite of rich urban preppies, you would try to get write-ups from very different types of blogs than if your audience was cost-conscious senior citizens.

Knowing who your audience is – and isn’t – for your product is the first step to successfully marketing your app. Taking just a minute to picture exactly the type of person who your app will attract already puts you far ahead of your competition. Now, you can focus on creating an app that people will happily pay you good money for.

Want to learn more secrets for marketing your iPhone app? Learn how to boost your profits – even if you’re just getting started today – by signing up for our email newsletter now. It’s stuffed with helpful tips plus you’ll get our new guide “5 Ways to Make Money with iPhone Apps” free.

Do This to Sell Your iPhone App Like a Pro

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:09:39 +0000

Your iPhone app is fighting for attention with 100,000 others on the App Store – how do you stand out? Get more downloads and earn more money by always using the one marketing trick that pro developers do.

When people see your app in the App Store, they will probably make a snap decision of if they want to buy it or not. You have to convince your customers to download your app by making the most of the description you write.

There is one thing that smart iPhone app developers know that can help you boost your sales, too: always include customer quotes and expert reviews in your description. In fact, put the quotes at the top of your description in the App Store.

Your audience wants to know if your app is worth buying, and testimonials and quotes are the best way to prove to them they can trust the quality of your product. For example, if a popular iPhone blog reviewed your app and loved it, include a quote and say what site it is from. Also use a quote you received from a real customer – maybe in an email you received or even on Twitter.

If you do not have great quotes yet, submit it to app review sites and ask your customers what they think. Choose a few of the best quotes that say something specific and unique about your app rather than just “best app ever!” You are letting your customers sell your app for you through their testimonials.

Your customers want to know that your product is worth their money, and you can help prove it to them – and boost your sales – with a few powerful quotes.

What You Must Do Before Selling a Single iPhone App

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:06:57 +0000

All iPhone app developers want more people to buy their apps, but few realize the one thing that you must do before anyone will hit “download”. Keep this one basic rule in mind to improve your app marketing, and you could start boosting your profits starting today.

What is the one thing you must do with your audience? Build trust. Your users must trust that the app you’re offering is worthwhile before they will buy.

No one wants to have Buyer’s Remorse and it stops many people from purchasing a paid app, even one that’s only $0.99. The way to overcome their fear is to show you’re trustworthy.

A sloppy description on the iTunes Store will make people think your app is sloppy, too, and not worth their while or their money. If the icon for your app doesn’t look professional, it will likely be overlooked in a sea of slick alternatives. Your app is competing with thousands of others online and your customers will expect a professional look.

Finally, you can build trust with your customers by showing them how much other people have enjoyed your app. Include quotes from users and reviews from blogs in the description of your app. It could be the one thing that sets you apart and gets more people to believe your app is worth their time and money.

21 iPhone App Websites that Stand Out

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:07:28 +0000

To get more sales for your iPhone app, you need more than a great description on the iTunes store. To supercharge your earnings, make sure you have a website that tells everyone exactly why they need your app.

It doesn’t need to be a large site – even one page will do if it’s well-designed and gives your users all the reasons they need to buy your app.

Want some inspiration? Web Designer Wall has an excellent collection of powerful iPhone app sites plus tips to design your own:

http://www.webdesignerwall.com/trends/iphone-app-site-design-trends/

Why do you need a website for your app? Isn’t your description in the iTunes Store enough? A website gives you a new way to promote your app – it’s a stand alone advertisement that can link directly to the iTunes Store where people can download your app. Your website has the flexibility to show what makes your app special.

And, using your website, you can invite people to connect with you in ways that go beyond just a download. In this blog, we’ll show you ways to get people to buy not only your first app but every one after that because they’re on your email list, they follow you on Twitter, and they’re your raving fan. Stay tuned to learn the secrets behind apps that get you noticed and make you money.

But first, check out the iPhone app site inspirations and build that website.