Developing a product search app for online store. - Java for Android App Development

Hi guys,
I am starting to develop an app to be used to search for a product on an online store. An similar style/type of app to the eBay apps etc where products can be found under categories and using search filters.
The website for this store already works in this way and has a basic mobile site with all of these features, the latter of which is not aesthetically pleasing in any way, which is my motivation for creating this app.
Just to clear things up - although i am relatively new to app development, this is not my first app, and I am in no way new to android. I am not asking for someone to 'ned hlp pls c0de ths i noob' so i can call it my own without giving credit. I purely want your opinion on the best way to go about this and any other advice you may give.
I want the app to have the same search features as the mobile site, and to parse the results into a much nicer looking interface, including the images and specifications of the product. This is the first time i have needed features like this in an app and am not sure how to go about it, any help would be greatly appreciated.
What do you guys think? Have any of you developed a similar app?

Related

[Q] [developer needed] Athletics Application and Website

Hello everyone!
I am thinking of making a new app, including a website. Since I am a website builder I would love to get some help with building the android app (my knowloedge of java is minimal...).
The fact is; I always have good ideas for building websites etc, but never really have the motivation to develop it. Now I have this thing; I am an athlete and study sports marketing. There are a lot apps for running and fitness, but there is no database-like app for athletics.
What should the app do?
- The app should syncronize with the website I will build, it should be able to upload the user data to the MySQL database.
- It will be a 'social' app so you should be able to put things on twitter with it.
- You should be able to upload your new personal records to it. So you can keep track of your best performances
- There should be information about specific technics (for example the fosbury flop, on high jump).
and more if I can come up with more ideas.
What am I looking for?
- A developer that has about 2 or 3 hours time a week for this project
- Creative people
- People who know how developing for android works.
In a later stadium the developer(s) can earn money from selling the app and adds, 100% of the profit of the app is for the developer(s). The profit I get from the website is 100% for me.
If there's nobody interested, do you guys know where to find someone like this? I can't do it all myself since that's way too much work. But I would love to make it. I will make a logo, and we can discuss about a name for the website and the app.
Please help me. If you have questions, please ask!

How to Promote Android Apps?

Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.
go to smaller android blogs and ask them to review it. create youtube video and show how it works
This blog post documents my experience in App Marketing
This blog post documents my experience in App Marketing
http://karim-ouda.blogspot.com/2012/05/android-app-marketing-dumping-my.html
Submit your app to http://50bestandroidapps.com/
Submit your app to 50bestandroidapps.com
It's a good web site to get your apps promoted. :fingers-crossed:
the_main_app said:
Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Increase SEO of app..
In app details, enter large no. of keywords related with the app. Also, enter name of other similar popular apps as keyword.
It'll not just increase visibility in built-in search results, but also on external search engines and curators!
I might be able to help?
If you are looking to get your app promoted, I actually own and operate a website called Droid App of the Day, so if you would like a free app review visit my site (I cant post links as am a new member). A google search won't fail you!
the_main_app said:
Hi, I'm a new app developer and I recently published my first app on the android market. Unfortunently I'm not getting any downloads besides those from friends. I've tried posted in app development forums like this one but that did not create an downloads. I also tried running an admob campaign and that did not create any downloads. I've been reading through the forums here and at other sites and it seems people won't download unless you have reviews and other people downloading. If others won't download because no downloads then nobody will download. I would really appreciate any advice. I'm not expecting or hoping for 10000 + downloads but I was hoping for at least 5 downloads since it's been almost 3 weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend, I have the same problem as you! I also have a new android app, but cannot promote it properly. Could you please, share your experience on promoting your app. It would be interesting not only for me Good luck!
I have wrote this guide for people like me. I have wrote almost everything I tried when I was promoting my app.
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/
obscurant1st said:
I have wrote this guide for people like me. I have wrote almost everything I tried when I was promoting my app.
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great article! Thanks for sharing this
Few words about google play app pronotion
Empirically, I determined that a new application has to be seen through search Google play. Search is all that we have without money for a marketing campaign.
Therefore,application should be optimized in the following order:
Application name in google play. This name may be different from the name displayed on the desktop device. The application name contains 30 characters, they should contain the main application keywords.
Description of the application must be clear and also contain keywords.
Attractive icons are very important.
The application must be beautiful and functional. No need to buy a device for $ 300-500 and install an ugly app. People want a beautiful application.
Publication of forums mentioned above.
Well if you don't mind paying for installations try appbrain. It features an option to pay per installation, for a small number of installations you can go as low as 0,20 per installation. They only allow to promote free apps though, and if your income is from ads you will probably not get your money back.
Other options are going to forums and telling the users about your app. Or contact review blogs. Appeggs usally posts good apps, or try app of the day blogs. But make sure your app is ready for the big public or else you might just end up getting bad reviews,
I wrote a little guide on how to promote your apps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2225125
I wanted to add that the guide that i've been using (a small one) and that lead our team to initially post a thread here on XDA is: http://karim-ouda.blogspot.kr/2012/05/android-app-marketing-dumping-my.html
Interestingly enough, the author of that guide has posted here as well!
So keywords actually do stuff then? I only tried it in one app, I didn't tell anyone I built or released the app. Not even one or two people and admittedly it has had 200 downloads.
I thought it didn't really do anything. Think I have to add keywords to all my apps descs now.
Be careful with keywords: http://droid-blog.net/2011/06/13/how-to-not-get-kicked-out-of-android-market/
This is also interesting: http://droid-blog.net/2011/07/11/four-reasons-why-your-app-wont-be-successful/
And for tips: http://droid-blog.net/category/aso-2/
Ok. It is all from the same blog but I found it very helpful.
Advertising is one option, the other is to advertise your app on various forums, facebook groups. Making youtube video is also a good practice. It avoids you negative reviews as user has already been aware of all app features.
First of all, I want to say that I have no experience in promoting Android apps. But I did some work in promoting websites for businesses, and I can suggest some things.
Key is a having a functional app. If users download an app which is half done and has disabled functions because they aren't done yet, they are going to uninstall it. Second suggestion, a great design is makes a difference for a lot of people whether they're going to install it or not.
When you have both those things, you can get on with actually promoting the app. I would search for an SEO copywriter to get the description for your app. SEO copywriters are specialized in optimizing texts for Google. And I would look into advertising on Facebook. I think you can actually promote your apps, and advertise only on phones. This way your advertisement will only be showed to people who are using Facebook on their phone. User will probably more tempted to install the app.
My app is now having more 1600+ downloads! I am planning to do a major update which might increase the app exposure!
EDIT: I would like everyone to know that I have started a free review service, so if anyone in the process of promoting thier android app, they could consider requesting a free review from me!
the_main_app said:
How to Promote Android Apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello to all.
You can promote your apps at Appsorg.com :good:
Appsorg.com - Helps you share and organize your Android apps from around the web.
ps - This is my first post at xda, but this is not a spam )
I really think this site will be very helpfully to all of us
App promotion
Thanks for all the interesting links and posts on app marketing ideas. We're a new app developer & in the same boat.
It seems that App Store Optimisation along with submissions to as many review sites as possible are good starting points. We started looking at pre launch strategies as well focusing on building up some marketing steam.
Check out pre apps. It's a pretty interesting idea. We also submitted to any app dev competitions and as many journalists as we could. Paid reviews are worth a look at as well if you can scrape a few 100 bucks together but make sure the site has traffic
dinamotxt dot com

Your great app is not selling. Sounds familiar?

Hi guys,
Making an app successful requires two distinct skill sets including:
1. product development: UI/UX, Graphics, clean code and all that stuff
2. marketing: Tricky business. How do you monteize? Work with Carriers? Pre-load your app? Promote it through blogs? Get good reviews? Create a hype in social media? Paid vs. Free? What kind of in-app purchases? Which ad network and what marketing partners to use etc. etc.?
I have seen many apps on app store that have the ability to be sell like hot cakes but they get dumped under the piles of bad apps which are being marketed properly.
If you guys think that you have an app that have the nice concept, good design and ability to be successful, but it is lacking marketing muscle, please send me a message. I will analyze your app and provide you free advise on what is it lacking. If I find that I can help you making it successful, I will let you know and we can discuss these details more once the key issues are identified.
Regards,
Omer
Sounds like a good offer. My app is in my signature. I posted some info on my efforts in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2228199&page=3
What do you think?
Great initiative, here is my app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.signedcode.diskovery
Thank you!
Please check your PMs.
have a look
omer205 said:
Please check your PMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please have a look at my signature this all my apps..
Wow your offer is amazing !
Well, please have a look:
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rdmFactory.crazyKitchen
thanks
This is a big pain point for app developers everywhere, both during UI and feature design as well as marketing the app. A solution would be to A/B your app features, both for development and for marketing your features. Mobile A/B solutions tend to be cumbersome and code-intensive. But, WYSIWYG tools are also making their appearance (Appiterate, Useartisan)
omer205 said:
Hi guys,
Making an app successful requires two distinct skill sets including:
1. product development: UI/UX, Graphics, clean code and all that stuff
2. marketing: Tricky business. How do you monteize? Work with Carriers? Pre-load your app? Promote it through blogs? Get good reviews? Create a hype in social media? Paid vs. Free? What kind of in-app purchases? Which ad network and what marketing partners to use etc. etc.?
I have seen many apps on app store that have the ability to be sell like hot cakes but they get dumped under the piles of bad apps which are being marketed properly.
If you guys think that you have an app that have the nice concept, good design and ability to be successful, but it is lacking marketing muscle, please send me a message. I will analyze your app and provide you free advise on what is it lacking. If I find that I can help you making it successful, I will let you know and we can discuss these details more once the key issues are identified.
Regards,
Omer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here is mine at my signature.
look at my signature, advices are welcome
I just sent you a message:
Here is my game =)
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getfun.treevolve
Cat Snaps
Hi Please tell me what you think to my app Cat Snaps.
Thanks!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noahdev.catsnaps
This does sound like a pretty good opportunity, has anyone been able to work with him? If so, any feedback?
I sent you a PM by the way.
Thanks!
unfortunately it does sound familiar :crying:
i have this amaizing app on which my team worked for months and now the marketing is not that good. i mean we all expected it wont be second agry birds but damn app store is like a wild wild west!!!!! luckily ive fouund this forum maybe something here will give me an answer
Regards,
Omer[/QUOTE]
Great to see this, I hope you will take some time to check my app
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Link: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Souls.Gabber_app
Thanks,
Levi
Reasons Why Your App is not showing Conversion
A/B testing is a powerful tool which can be used to exponentially increase your conversions and and thus revenue. However there are certain mistakes one can often make while doing an A/B test. Read more here http://appiterate.com/top-6-mobile-app-ab-testing-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/
omer205 said:
Hi guys,
I will analyze your app and provide you free advise on what is it lacking. If I find that I can help you making it successful, I will let you know and we can discuss these details more once the key issues are identified.
Regards,
Omer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the efforts and your hard work
can you help on my apps
Daily, Everyday start your day with the Best Quotes- Transparent Widget App.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...uquoteoftheday
is your Volume button is broken ? Try this very light app (Free & no ads.)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...u.volumebutton
Wow! I agree with the former post, this is a great initiative! My app is called bitmado, it automatically shuffles wallpapers based on your interests. I'll message you the link. Thanks!
Thats true but
richardsd1985 said:
I think you forgot App store optimization. It is best to increase app download as people mostly search app on app stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, but
i observe that in search list google shows the result in below way.
1. first shows the app for which they have got advertisement money,
2. then the app those revenues are high as 30% goes to google.
3. then the most downloaded- reviewd, rate apps
4. then there algorithem goes for rest all...
Again this is my observation and i have not considered google algoritham at all on this.
Hi Omar,
I hope I`m not too late and this post is still active I try to promote my app, it is Astrology & Horoscopes, Feng Shui... I know it doesn`t sound awesome, but it actually is based on Chinesse astrology professional software and lot of people believe in this stuff, so i think my app may be successful. Could you please help me with some advice what should I do to increase it`s downloads? Thank you
• https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmc.astrology&hl=en
Hi Omer
Here are my 2 latest games
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50785184&postcount=51
I would appreciate your review and thoughts on what can be improved.

[Q] Android App Feedback

Hi everyone,
I am part of a small tech start up from Manchester, UK and we have recently created an app using Phonegap. Don't know if many of you have used Phonegap before but it has many limitations. However we are using it as a first try whilst we learn how to make a native app.
I wanted to ask for some feedback about the Android app (we've made an iOS app also but Android is something we want to work on more) as I've received mixed reviews about it's appearance etc.
The app is to help users discover emerging music videos. If anyone could take a look and give any feedback/advice I would really appreciate it and take it all on board. Similarly if anyone else needs any feedback or constructive criticism I would be happy to look at other people's apps.
This is the first time I have posted on here but I wanted some developer advice and I hope I haven't broken any rules/guidelines.
The app is called Rormix - just search the Google Play Store
Thanks, Emma.
Hi,
Your app looks good. My first advice would be to follow the Android Design Guidelines. For example on the the action bar. Those three dots on the left are confusing. Maybe these links can help you
developer.android.com/design/patterns/actionbar.html
developer.android.com/design/patterns/navigation-drawer.html
Later

[Q] Help with first app.

Hi guys, need your help because i'd like to play but need some basic info.
I am going to make my first app: nothing really fantastic, just an adult content app made mostly to start playing with some app builders around there (biznessapps, como......).
Of course i would like to get my app downloaded and possibly make some cents with it and have confused ideas about all that.
As probably my app won't be allowed on google play and appstore, what is the best way to share my app? Appbrain maybe?
Most important: in app ads. Some building platforms are not compatible with ads so, how should i proceed if i need in app ads? Can publishing in alternative markets compromise the usage of let's say admob for example?
Well, i'd sincerely appreciate all tips and guides and suggestions for what matters publishing (where) and best and easy way to get ads into my app.
Cheers
Never heard of biznessapps, do they give some apps for free like ShoutEm ?
Yes, found Mikandi however i am thinking about just self promoting the app and make it downloadable from my site. Still have to look about it but seems like amazon app market allows adult stuff.
About biznessapps, nope, nothing free.

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