While iPhone application sales generate great streams of revenue to savvy developers, there is no question that the industry is very competitive. According to “Inc,” the iPhone app store realizes over $200 million per month in app sales. At the same time, this store receives as many as ten thousand new apps every month. This makes creating an iPhone application that stands out of the crowd extremely crucial. Thus, if you are an iPhone app developer, and you notice that you are not generating the desired income stream from your effort, then you need to figure out why your app is not selling.
Here are five pointers why your app may not be generating as much revenue as you might want it to.
- When you design a poor application
With thousands of apps coming into iPhone’s store every week, you can be sure consumers have plenty of options to choose from. Make no mistake; app consumers are smart enough to separate wheat from chaff. Thus, before beginning your app development project, be sure to ask yourself what your app is going to solve and whether there are any apps in the market that are already doing an excellent job. Your app will never sell in this competitive marketplace unless it is truly revolutionizing a particular concept. Finally, never think of making money by burping or farting apps, no one will spend his hard earned money on such mediocre work.
- Failing to pay attention to the design
No matter how creative and useful your app is, no one will buy it if it is inapt, with a clumsy interface. A savvy iPhone developer knows that application users are looking for something beautiful, elegant and user friendly. Thus, you need to ensure that every aspect of your app is nothing but perfect; and overlooking an imperfection will mean nothing but failure for your application. If you are not endowed with an eye for perfect design then consider getting someone who is to avoid the disappointment of your app duckling in a room full of swans.
- When there are poor or no reviews coming your way
If you are truly into iPhone app development, then the best thing that will ever happen to you is getting your efforts recognized by Apple’s App Store. Moreover, there is no better way of capturing Apple’s attention than by getting great reviews about your application. Some of the review spots that you can consider for your app include 148Apps, and TouchArchade (for game based apps only) as well as iTune’s user reviews. These reviews will give your app an increased exposure and attention. Therefore, while developing your app, be sure to include an in-app reminder for users to review and rate your application.
- Failing to promote your app on social media networks
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are not designed for purposes of promoting products and services. However, you can tap on your social media community to boost your app marketing efforts. The folks in your Facebook or Twitter network should be the first to try out you app and tell their networks how great it is. You can also use Twitter as a first response customer service platform where you will engage with your community while establishing your authority in the apps industry.
- Failing to market you app
Like any new product, you need to market your new iPhone application if you truly want to make money from its sale. App marketing is the best way of showcasing your app in order to give it the exposure it deserves. Consider partnering with other players in the IT industry in order to create a mutual promotion campaign. You can also conduct a promotional sale or a giveaway event as a way of creating awareness and getting people to talk about your creation. Finally, promote your app in social media.
There are hundreds of thousands of iPhone apps out there. However, only a handful shines out of the crowd. If you an iPhone developer out to make money from your skills and talent, then you need to take these elements into account in order to introduce top selling apps to the market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hannah Cuthbertson is a technical writer, at Maxtra Technologies, who writes on mobile technology, app development, web app design & development and digital marketing. A leader in his own rights, her grad-friends see her as an avid researcher and a technology evangelist.
