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Hi guys,
I was just wondering if anyone out there has already thought of this or if this is even possible.
First off, I have no clue where to send suggestions to google, and I doubt they respond anyway so the best hope for this would be a community effort.
The Situation: (no Jersey shore jokes please) Well we're all annoyed by the rampant abuse of the Market by certain companies releasing and updating their pointless fact based apps, and that makes the whole "Just in" option useless.
We only have "Top Paid" and "Top Free".
Basically, the Android Market experience is pretty bad in terms of searching for apps though categorisation.
Proposed Solution:
What the Android Market needs is the following.
1. A Sort by Rating, Alphabetically, Date Released, Developer option (probably more but that's all I can think of now).
2. More sub-categories within the main ones. E.G Multimedia->Video Player/Music Player
What do you guys think? Is it plausible?
Hi all,
As a new dev in the android ecosystem, I am looking for other devs feedback on the following.
I have an app with about a few thousands user base. Growing slightly, but also with a decreasing active ratio.
As my revenue is ads driven, I'd like to experiment a few tricks to encourage users to use the app more, without being too intrusive.
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
-> Devs, any stories on trying something similar?
Any feedback appreciated.
I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Wish I could help with the question, but I'm not really sure how to expose apps to a wider audience. I've thought about porting to iPhone/iPad and Windows Mobile to expand my user base. But I'm still pretty new to Android development and want to get more into it before learning yet another programming language right now.
I've actually thought of going to local bars and trying to strike-up conversations with people using smartphones and showing them my apps. Maybe buy them a drink LOL.
I firmly believe that if you have a solid working app and one person uses it, they may tell 5 of their friends and maybe 2 of them will buy it and tell 5 more people of which 1 or 2 might but it. Pyramid type sales but it's slow moving.
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'
adn37 said:
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your first option sounds REALLY annoying. Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
Rootstonian said:
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everyone is in it for the money. Some people just maybe write something that is missing on the market but don't want to make money from it. It might be just their hobby. Not everyone needs to be capitalistic, trying to turn everything into revenue.
The Android market is a lot about freedom, and there is high competition between free and paid apps. If your sole intent is to make money on apps, you will probably better off trying to target iOS. The most recent news I have is that an average iOS user will spend 7 times as much money on apps than an Android user. I think this fact kind of speaks for itself.
However if you still want to stick by, here are a couple of things I would suggest:
Offer a (free) lite version of your application as this will give users the ability to see whether your app means business or not, and if they'll like it they might go further to go for the paid version.
Android market uses keyword searching (there's probably a better term), so make sure your description hits as many possible words that may be applicable to your product while not being too heavy to read.
Advertising... don't ask me where as I wouldn't be able to help much with that. But if you're in it to make money, you probably have a business model so you should have some capital too that you can put into advertising.
That's about all I guess.
@Rootstonian
I have apps on the market, and in the last 3 months have made over $1k off ads in my free version, while only making about $250 off of the full paid version.
Very good responses there This forum does have some very intelligent people on it!
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. If that hurts my sales, then so be it; I can live with that. I won't allow ads in my apps.
As far as free versions, I would have to write "crippled" versions of the programs to limit full functionality. Well, not going to do that either. And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
Actually, the 15 minute return policy has hurt me I think. Some apps just can't be reviewed in 15 minutes, to wit, my current (almost done) Spam Text Blocker. There is no way someone can evaluate that in 15 minutes, so I have to code some type of limit on how many rows can go into the spam database.
Anyways, I'm way off topic (as usual) and being negative which is usually something I don't do. And I must remember, my stuff has only been out ONE month.
I do use a Macbook Pro, and I have downloaded the iPhone SDK; maybe I should take a break from Android OS and port a couple of apps to iOS and see what they do.
P.S. A smart man doesn't limit his options. How does the apps with ads stuff work?
Just apply to admob, its easy. They give nicely detailed usage statistics too
hi all,
Thanks for the feedback.
On "tell a friend about this app" feature:
Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
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Click to collapse
I'll just stick with that, then. Any idea what's best to link to? A blog? Android market?
I'm still looking for an app that does it in a nice way, as a case study.
I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you. Unfortunately, this is all about execution and idea potential. As coders, we are often thinking about code quality, this is only the 1st step.
On ads: at the end of the day, it might be a hobby to design apps, but fun decreases when it comes down to fixing bugs for the sake of it. Ihmo, a slight revenue is good, as it encourages devs to keep up enhancing their apps.
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. ... And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a big fan of ads neither. It's all about culture. On Android, people are reticent to pay.
Good points and well said Adn
I actually got into this starting with Google Market apps, but my true goal is to get into corporate mobile development. I feel this is a technology barely in it's infancy. Just as almost all business' needed a web page, I think the same will hold true for a mobile app.
I just put in my resume to a company looking for an iPhone developer (1 year contract), but they also wanted to talk to Android developers too (wish me luck LOL).
Now, I'm on the fence as to what platform to go with. I think with the iPhone AND iPad, that iOS is the way to go with regards to corporate coding; so I'm going to head in that direction for now.
Hello XDA,
This is a combination of an angry rant as well as a question (hence why I decided to put it in General and not Q&A). Why the hell is the application so spread out and lacking for tablets when it can run them?!
For example when I do a search on the Android Market for "Worms" (EA Games game) I have three choices only one of which works for my Infuse 4G but none work on my Galaxy Tab 10.1 that blows the Infuse out of the water (spec wise).
This is also true for Gameloft games. There is no option to download it for my tablet directly from them, but a simple google search gives me sites where I can download the Game Data and the APK and get these (and the market apps) to run perfectly on my Galaxy Tab.
This is a huge problem that I can can get the games, and having them working on my tab via sideloading and blatant pirating, but am unable to get them via the marketplace. Personally this is a fault of Android. I love how open it is, and how it allows for its users to do almost anything they want, but it is also a massive problem. I should be able to go the market and find ANY game or application that will work on my Tablet without having to pirate them due to the lack of support.
Maybe it's just me, but do you guys feel that this shouldn't be needed and is a problem of Android?
As I stated before, I do. I'm a techie so going to a website and getting this is no problem for me, but I gave the Tab as a gift to my mother, she would not be able to understand what to do and would be limited by the marketplace and upset when she can't find the application she wants.
Meh, it might just be me.
1. The apps were not designed for tablets so why should they work? Tablets and phones are two completely different devices.
2. Honeycomb 3.2 has added compatibility for most phone apps.
To add insult to injury, it's also very annoying when the market says that the application is "incompatible" with my phone/tablet yet I can sideload and it works perfeclty. A part of me is starting to feel that the Market Place should be the ONLY place you can get applications, but one can offer their own market, kind of like how Amazon and Tegra Zone do it.
The single best example of sideloading apps that works great:
- Netflix
/bye 5thElement
5thElement said:
1. The apps were not designed for tablets so why should they work? Tablets and phones are two completely different devices.
2. Honeycomb 3.2 has added compatibility for most phone apps.
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Click to collapse
1.) Except as stated, I can sideload the application and it works PERFECTLY fine with no problem.
2.) Yes because that will solve the marketplace issue?
Also, I thought they were no longer manufacturing Xoom, Galaxy Tabs, etc... or so you so nicely said in the now deleted "quad core" thread.
Yeah, it's strange. It's on the developer, in the end, to mark the app as 3.x compatible, but I'm surprised so many opt out when they could be reaching a larger audience effortlessly. (Netflix, Facebook, many games...)
Rydsmith said:
Also, I thought they were no longer manufacturing Xoom, Galaxy Tabs, etc... or so you so nicely said in the now deleted "quad core" thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread is not deleted and yes production of the xoom has stopped about 1 1/2 months ago. What is your point?
5thElement said:
The thread is not deleted and yes production of the xoom has stopped about 1 1/2 months ago. What is your point?
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Click to collapse
No...no it hasn't. A new Xoom recently passed the FCC with only the LTE added to it, and yes the thread was deleted. But I digress.
Rydsmith said:
No...no it hasn't. A new Xoom recently passed the FCC with only the LTE added to it, and yes the thread was deleted. But I digress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes production has stopped. The LTE units are just 3G units that have already been produced a LONG time ago, all they did was apply the LTE upgrade to it which was not ready in time for the 3G units launch and why they offer a free upgrade to 3G users.
5thElement said:
Yes production has stopped. The LTE units are just 3G units that have already been produced a LONG time ago, all they did was apply the LTE upgrade to it which was not ready in time for the 3G units launch and why they offer a free upgrade to 3G users.
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Click to collapse
Your stupidity makes my head hurt. I did research and no there has not been any stopped production, it was only rumor. Please note:
http://www.phonedog.com/2011/03/22/xoom-production-ending-soon/
http://www.talkandroid.com/34179-will-motorola-stop-production-of-the-xoom-not-likely/
and
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20046128-17.html , where it states: However, Motorola Mobility told CNET today that DigiTimes' claims are "not accurate" and that the company plans to continue producing the Xoom beyond June.
These all state it as a rumor that was debunked. Please provide evidence that Motorola has CONCRETELY stopped production, since everyone was up in arms about the new model for Verizon which turned out to just be the Xoom with 4G for a September launch.
But anyways, back to the topic on hand. Do you have anything useful to add or you going to continue to speak out of your ass and offer nothing to the topic of app spreading and poor consolidation of apps that say they don't work but truly do, or are you done since Netflix is a great example of one and completely debunked your initial approach?
Rydsmith said:
To add insult to injury, it's also very annoying when the market says that the application is "incompatible" with my phone/tablet yet I can sideload and it works perfeclty. A part of me is starting to feel that the Market Place should be the ONLY place you can get applications, but one can offer their own market, kind of like how Amazon and Tegra Zone do it.
The single best example of sideloading apps that works great:
- Netflix
/bye 5thElement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at it from the developers point of view. The app isn't tablet ready. However, if they make available for tablets in the app store then the implication is that it is tablet ready. If the implication is that it's tablet ready then their customers who load it on a tablet will expect support when they load it on a tablet.
Even worse, look at the comments on apps that aren't tablet ready. They nag, whine and rip the author because it doesn't look or work right on a tablet.
If I were a developer and my app wasn't tablet ready I'd do everything possible to keep it off the app store for tablets.
If a customer side loads it then that's fine, they must support themselves.
Here's another reson it might not be available on the Google app store. There are multiple, competing app stores. Thank goodness for choice. Maybe an author has decided to give one of the other stores an exclusive for a period of time.
See? Many reasons why it's not there.
TabGuy,
I'm going to play Devil's Advocate.
Go download the Cartoon Netwoork Application. On the phone it is AMAZING, it allows for full episodes and clips and games, so it is a nice time passer when I want to relive my younger days or let my nephew play with it. You cn download it for the Galaxy Tab, but it is neigh unusable for the Tab due to only being in the small rectangle.
So this is contrary to your point and on for mine. This is an application that does not work for the Tab, for the most part, but is available via the marketplace, while applications that are typically are not optimized for the tab or stated as working do in fact for it and are NOT available on the marketplace.
While this may be the except and not the rule it is annoying and unacceptable that Google/Developers do this and questions the future of the Android Operatin System with regards to the experience as the end user...especially against other Tablet OSes that have a centralized place to get applications that do work for the device.
Rydsmith,
I hear ya. Many developers don't have customer service skills and simply don't care how their app looks on a tablet and how many bad comments they'll get. Others try to protect their brand and want their customers have the best possible experience.
I just released my first Android game, and now as I continue to learn about marketing it, one question I never thought of before:
I have two versions of the app, one for tablets that I call the "HD" version and one for phones. I did this since I wanted to charge more for the tablet version.
But now I am wondering if having two versions will affect marketing negatively:
- Less reviews since they are split
- Less download count per apk
- Above will affect search rankings in stores
- Always including two app links in any marketing I do
Since I could've gone with one version (and just had logic for two IAP tiers in the game), I am wondering now about if I made a mistake.
Anyone else have any thoughts or experience with this?
I don't want to spam my game since I'm new here, so only if someone asks what it is will I mention it.
If the only reason was different price, I fear you made the wrong decision, and you already know why.
Is there any marketing or statistical background in the "different price for the tablet version" choice?
Most apps and games fork a different apk only if they want to have a free version. Better yet, they do in-app purchases, so the apk can be just one.
marozu said:
I just released my first Android game, and now as I continue to learn about marketing it, one question I never thought of before:
I have two versions of the app, one for tablets that I call the "HD" version and one for phones. I did this since I wanted to charge more for the tablet version.
But now I am wondering if having two versions will affect marketing negatively:
- Less reviews since they are split
- Less download count per apk
- Above will affect search rankings in stores
- Always including two app links in any marketing I do
Since I could've gone with one version (and just had logic for two IAP tiers in the game), I am wondering now about if I made a mistake.
Anyone else have any thoughts or experience with this?
I don't want to spam my game since I'm new here, so only if someone asks what it is will I mention it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think simultaneously having two different versions (one for tablet and phone) of an app is possible through A/B testing. Although, it is quite cumbersome to do it by coding, it would be quite sensible to use a visual A/B testing platform. There are a few of them out there (appiterate, useartisan)
This way you do not lose out on the negative points you have mentioned.
Where and how will you spend them?
I recently launched my new app, and are receiving dozens of emails from review sites ive never heard of, claming they have hundred thousands of readers each month.
I paid 99$ for a featured review, and sent out a press release through PrMac/pc, so far nothing measurable.
So, what are the actions that REALLY works to get more downloads?
Care to colaborate on this subject?
appfactory said:
Where and how will you spend them?
I recently launched my new app, and are receiving dozens of emails from review sites ive never heard of, claming they have hundred thousands of readers each month.
I paid 99$ for a featured review, and sent out a press release through PrMac/pc, so far nothing measurable.
So, what are the actions that REALLY works to get more downloads?
Care to colaborate on this subject?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you're trying to promote paid android app... Is that right?
anuloid said:
I guess you're trying to promote paid android app... Is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thats correct, and its that sort of app that isnt suitable with ads all over, otherwise i would for sure have made a in app ad vers of it...
appfactory said:
Yes, thats correct, and its that sort of app that isnt suitable with ads all over, otherwise i would for sure have made a in app ad vers of it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it'd be prudent to have a free version, so you can measure the demand of your app, plus use some marketing strategies to promote your app, and after then ask money for the full version (maybe via free app). Having only one app in your account will probably make people think deeper before buying, let alone bugs that might be in the app itself.
If you sure you've developed a great bug-free app that is unique and will be of a great help for users, than you can invest in promotion of the app, but I must warn you that it's some kind of tricky thing and you may lose more money than till now.
Anyway for paid apps and monetization purposes iOS is better based upon my experience. Is your app available at iTunes?
anuloid said:
Maybe it'd be prudent to have a free version, so you can measure the demand of your app, plus use some marketing strategies to promote your app, and after then ask money for the full version (maybe via free app). Having only one app in your account will probably make people think deeper before buying, let alone bugs that might be in the app itself.
If you sure you've developed a great bug-free app that is unique and will be of a great help for users, than you can invest in promotion of the app, but I must warn you that it's some kind of tricky thing and you may lose more money than till now.
Anyway for paid apps and monetization purposes iOS is better based upon my experience. Is your app available at iTunes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, ive been considering that myself, its amazing how cheap people are, even with "useful" apps for .99 bucks.
A bugfree app is essential free or paid, naturally... It has been going through extensive testing for 8 months, a new vers is currently in the que at Apple, but no crash bugs have been discovered so far, this vers only fixes a problem when words are split in two after a line shift, nothing else.
iOS is here, i have some promocodes if you would like to try it out
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medicall-app/id878350761?ls=1&mt=8
appfactory said:
Yes, ive been considering that myself, its amazing how cheap people are, even with "useful" apps for .99 bucks.
A bugfree app is essential free or paid, naturally... It has been going through extensive testing for 8 months, a new vers is currently in the que at Apple, but no crash bugs have been discovered so far, this vers only fixes a problem when words are split in two after a line shift, nothing else.
iOS is here, i have some promocodes if you would like to try it out
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medicall-app/id878350761?ls=1&mt=8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send via pm, will try.
So what are your stats so far as for download in the App Store and on Google Play ?