When should I publilsh a paid version? - General Marketing & SEO

I am just finished the work on my app in the first version. At the moment the app is only for free, but I am thinking about a paid version as well.
So there are two strategies to perform and I don't know which one is the best way:
1. Improve the free version, promote on sites and try to get a lot of downloads. Publish the paid version after a huge user base.
2. Publish a paid version before the app has got a lot of downloads. So the promotion is more worth.
My app: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moviebase

lionberlin said:
I am just finished the work on my app in the first version. At the moment the app is only for free, but I am thinking about a paid version as well.
So there are two strategies to perform and I don't know which one is the best way:
1. Improve the free version, promote on sites and try to get a lot of downloads. Publish the paid version after a huge user base.
2. Publish a paid version before the app has got a lot of downloads. So the promotion is more worth.
My app: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moviebase
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it is suggested that you work on both at the same time
so both will succeed
if you go for free only the free app will succeed and paid app will be slower and lower

Related

[Q] Do most Android users not download paid apps?

I'm working on a couple Android apps and haven't yet decided if I'd like to charge for some (something small like .99 or 1.99 USD), or make them free but have ads in them. I was leaning towards charging for them, but I noticed that Angry birds is a paid app on the iPhone, whereas the Android version is free and has ads. I thought this was interesting and I'm curious whether iPhone users are more interested in paid apps than Android users are. Anyone know anything about this?
They made Angry Birds available for free because they want everyone to play it, they are gonna make a paid-app later that removes the ads. I would gladly pay for that game even if I can get it for free.
So I actually don't think that iPhone users is more interesting in paid-apps than Android users.
Make one free app with ads and then have a paid-version that removes the adds, that way everyone can download and use it whether they are in a country with or without paid-apps. Or you can make a "premium" app that has more features than the free one. Just a couple of suggestions
When paid-apps wasn't available in Sweden, I got so frustrated on apps that were only available for paid-apps-countrys and had no free alternative with ads or less features and stuff.
Hope this helps.
EDIT:
And remember, if the apps are good quality they will probably sell, people don't want to pay for apps that look like crap and have no functionality. And also, have screenshots in Market because people want to be ale to check out how the apps looks and stuff before they make a purchase or download it
I used to try crippleware/nagware/adware on my PC and use a lot of it on my phone. I don't need a lot of apps so I don't buy many but I try hundreds.
Over the years, I have acquired lots of apps for my WinMo phone, many of which I still miss, INCLUDING A SIMPLE "PHONE TO OUTLOOK" APP! Make that app happen on Android and I will pay for it AND I won't mind iif you want to still collect ad revenue from it.
I bought all apps that were available as adware to remove the ads. Half my apps are paid apps. If the price is reasonable I have no problem paying for the app and supporting the developer.
I myself will only pay for what I feel are essential apps or if I feel the developer really just loves the community; I don't generally mind ads, but sometimes will be so annoyed i will buy the paid version.
Apps ive paid for up to this point:
Launcher Pro
Root Explorer
Rom Manager
Better Keyboard (Before i had swype)
Widget Locker
Set CPU
Chomp SMS (Really wish I didn't as the developer seems to be very confrontational with users)
I have donated to the following:
Smooth Calendar
Anderweb
and a few others ive sent a few dollars to for being supportive and not berrating their customers for not wanting to pay.
I do pay for apps if the price is reasonable . I think the most I have paid for an app is ~5 bucks
I've bought 3 apps for my phone so far. LauncherPro, BeautifulWidgets and SNesoid. Both Snesoid and LauncherPro have "trial" versions with limited functionality (but unlimited usage), whereas BW you just have to flat-out pay for.
I am definitely more inclined to purchase an app if I have chance to try it out first, if for no other reason than to make sure that it works correctly on my phone before I buy it, so having a locked-down version for free (and I mean, leave out some features for PRO users only), as well as maybe ads is probably a good move. that way you might get some money from ads in the free version, and a lump sum if the app is purchased.
Zeb
panguin said:
Right. Cause **** all those people who put in time and effort to make my phone do the things I want it to do, right? Bunch of no good leeching assholes. How DARE they try and collect recompense for all their hard work!
/s
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I agree 100%. I've paid for about 10 apps thus far and not just to remove ads, but to support the developer's efforts.
Yeah ive bought a lot of things, and like they are saying make a paid version and a trail to show people how it is if they like they will pay.
ya...i buy too.....
my phone
i`ve spend ~400€ on my phone and now spend more for apps?! no...not me!
one of the things who lead me to buy an android was the "open source thing".
i won`t ever buy an app for it!
allways search for a open source app that suits me instead of buying something.
ya, ya, ya...we must pay for all hard work and bla, bla, bla...so...by an WM or an iPhone
look at the example given. Angry Birds.
another? swype...allways beta
just my 5cents
i buy paid games and launcher pro plus as well ans a few other apps that are
payable and to all you people that say you support the xda but you have unpaid full app like pirating them you people suck. if you support something you shouldn't feel bad sending a few bucks to the dev.
rendeiro2005 said:
ya...i buy too.....
my phone
i`ve spend ~400€ on my phone and now spend more for apps?! no...not me!
one of the things who lead me to buy an android was the "open source thing".
i won`t ever buy an app for it!
allways search for a open source app that suits me instead of buying something.
ya, ya, ya...we must pay for all hard work and bla, bla, bla...so...by an WM or an iPhone
look at the example given. Angry Birds.
another? swype...allways beta
just my 5cents
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And yet you have a 'Donate to me' button. Well no support for you I guess.
I will always pay for an app if it's something I need or want. I generally like to buy from apps made by devs not companies who charge outrageous amounts for something. Like Documents To Go, if I had the knowledge I'd make the exact same thing for free and I guarantee people would donate to support my effort instead of charging $16, $17, $25 for an app.
So far I've bought:
SetCPU (even though you can get it for free in the thread here)
Rom Manager
'File Copy'
SU File Explorer
Mini Info
Some LWP's
Some games
and about 7 or so other apps
For me it's simple - I will spend my money on a good, quality app. I've got quite a few apps, and I love the fact that Google's market gives you the 24 hour trial period - so how can you go wrong?
I've paid for a lot of apps. About 90% of them I don't even use anymore.
I wouldn't charge too much for it. That would only lead to people paying, copying the apk, then refunding... Sadly.
ante0 said:
I've paid for a lot of apps. About 90% of them I don't even use anymore.
I wouldn't charge too much for it. That would only lead to people paying, copying the apk, then refunding... Sadly.
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Wow, I had never thought of that before
JGeZau said:
Wow, I had never thought of that before
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Good thing though is that they don't get updates...
More and more apps use license check now though, forcing you to redownload the app (Which I have noticed everytime I restore apps using Titanium backup). Which in that case wouldn't be possible since you refunded it
Google should make some license check too, everytime you open up the market it should check for apps that need licenses (i.e. paid apps), if none is found it could force you to uninstall it and not let you use the market until you have done so.
I think most people on this site are more willing to pay for apps then if you looked at some other forums because this is a forum for developers and they know the hard work that goes into these products. I buy a lot of apps, most under $3.00, If I don't find an app I want then I buy a soda there's not much of a price difference and people buy sodas millions of times a day so I don't see why so many people are so hesitant to buy apps. I think there needs to be an Android gift card like an iTunes card but that's for a different thread.
ante0 said:
Good thing though is that they don't get updates...
More and more apps use license check now though, forcing you to redownload the app (Which I have noticed everytime I restore apps using Titanium backup). Which in that case wouldn't be possible since you refunded it
Google should make some license check too, everytime you open up the market it should check for apps that need licenses (i.e. paid apps), if none is found it could force you to uninstall it and not let you use the market until you have done so.
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Yeah, I imagined they wouldn't get updates, but I wouldn't do it, I support Android development
I have paid for three applications, because they were the single best applications that delivered the most functionality.
This post has got me wondering, what sort of money would you expect to get from adverts and if there was an ad blocker installed on the phone would you still get paid? In other words would you get paid for having the advert built in or just on a paid per click basis?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Paying for apps

Just a questionaire, i'm trying to do some market research as I begin my personal app development project after I have finished my studies, thanks.
OK so what are the questions?
Yeah.. I pay for my apps.
Hi,
I would've loved a multiple-choice questionnaire because price is not the deciding factor. I paid 4,99 € for Juice Defender Ultimate without blinking, but I wouldn't pay a dime for an app that is half-way done, ugly and doesn't do what I need to.
Do ask if you want to know more about my buyer profile.
Cheers!
I pay for apps when the f4ck1ng Playstore lets me. Since I'm a citizen of an exotic European country, the Market has allowed me to buy just 1 app so far (Root Uninstaller). The other one (Titanium) I could buy off the dev directly. Other than that - "This app is not compatible with your N7000", meaning fcuk off.
As a result of that, I'm forced to use just free apps - not that I need many anyway - but it's humiliating and degrading.
chasmodo said:
I pay for apps when the f4ck1ng Playstore lets me. Since I'm a citizen of an exotic European country, the Market has allowed me to buy just 1 app so far (Root Uninstaller). The other one (Titanium) I could buy off the dev directly. Other than that - "This app is not compatible with your N7000", meaning fcuk off.
As a result of that, I'm forced to use just free apps - not that I need many anyway - but it's humiliating and degrading.
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That's unbelievable... what a fuc.. shame!!
What's the reasons (if any..) ?
If its worth it. I'm 50/50. Depends on quality.
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A free (limited functionality or ad supported) version to ensure it works properly on my devices with an in app purchase to unlock the full version. That last part is what I find missing in a lot of games and I hate starting over because I decided to buy the full/ad-less version
there should be an option saying " when the play store is available in your country !!"
it's sickening how one would like to buy stuff only to find that he's being blocked due to geo-based restrictions ,even when using market unlocker I still can't buy paid apps.
actually I once went through the trouble of creating a fake US address just to buy "Set cpu" from Amazon app store ,cause that's the only app store I can fool ,and even that is getting harder to do now a days.
it's just frustrating you know.......not to mention makes devs lose potential sales.
I've bought more apps in my 2.5 months on android, than my previous 3 years in iOS. Interestingly, there are more apps in the android world that I'm willing to pay for.
Ive recently just came over to the android community previously being an iphone user. Any apps i bought through the appstore i have repurchased through the marketplace. I find aslong as there is value for money then i will pay for it
chasmodo said:
I pay for apps when the f4ck1ng Playstore lets me. Since I'm a citizen of an exotic European country, the Market has allowed me to buy just 1 app so far (Root Uninstaller). The other one (Titanium) I could buy off the dev directly. Other than that - "This app is not compatible with your N7000", meaning fcuk off.
As a result of that, I'm forced to use just free apps - not that I need many anyway - but it's humiliating and degrading.
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Hey brother, have you seen this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24454758
Oh and on topic : I am buy all my apps. Think I spend about 100 bucks on play store by now....
lsbe said:
A free (limited functionality or ad supported) version to ensure it works properly on my devices with an in app purchase to unlock the full version. That last part is what I find missing in a lot of games and I hate starting over because I decided to buy the full/ad-less version
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Same here
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

[Q] Trial App and in-app purchasing

good afternoon, i was just wondering if anyone has any idea if its possible to make an app last 14 days and then the user is required to make an in app purchase to get the full app past the 14th day. Trying to work out best way of marketing with free app then get people to feedback their dislikes or purchase if they like the app.
Regards
It's technically possible, though depending on the app it may be easy to restart the trial by just deleting the app data.
In your case I'd go for two versions: trial and paid one. With in-app purchases you're getting a lot of 1-star comments of users complaining that the app is in fact a trial, while having a paid one will probably end with good score (after all only users that have paid can comment, and must have bought it because they liked it).
You could do it with a server check if your app requires an internet connection. Cheers!

[Q] Comparing free to paid app advice.

Hi,
I’ve had a diary app called the “TASP Business Diary” developed for both the iPad and Android tablet platforms.
For Apple, I have a paid version as well as a free (ad supported) version so users can try before they buy.
For Android, I have a paid version and am wondering if I should create a free (ad supported) version, considering the fact that users can uninstall a paid app within 15 minutes to get an automatic refund.
The argument for a free version is that there is no hesitation from users to install and try it.
The arguments against a free version is that they seem to generate very little revenue, and users may continue using the free version without every upgrading to the paid version.
Has anyone had any experience releasing free versions of apps when they already have a paid version out there? Or any other advice for me on how to revenues from the products as they’re my first.
Many thanks and happy new year
Ana

If you were to spend 1000$ on marketing for your new app

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?
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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?
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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...
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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 ?

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