Everyone is trying to capitalize on the iPhone app craze, and if you’re reading this you probably have already made (or are trying to make) the next big application. You realize that there is a huge amount of money to be made in this burgeoning business, but beyond posting your app in Apple’s store you may not know exactly what else you can do. Well, fear not, there is lots you can do to get your piece of the app store pie.
If your goal is to make more than just a little extra cash off your application idea, you need to start developing a Iphone App Marketing plan and a sales strategy for you application. For instance, what types of people are going to be interested in your app? How do you make sure that these people will easily understand the value of your application? How might you price the app to make sure it is competitive in the market? All of these are very important questions to ask your self.
Marketing an iPhone application is very similar to marketing any other product. Indeed, you can divide it into a few simple steps: first develop a unique product that the customer needs; second, implement a marketing message that will attract potential customers; and lastly, keep creating new products and upgrading old products so you can build loyalty among existing customers. It is important to understand that marketing your app is a process that incorporates all of these aforementioned steps. Once you understand this you will be able to increase the sales of your iPhone application.
Because marketing is so important to the success of your application, I am going to go in depth over four important steps for marketing your application.
Step 1: Unique Product
You have already come up with the application idea, you realize that there is a market out there, now it’s time for you understand why your idea is different from the thousands of other applications. Why does someone want your application over someone else’s? To answer this question, ask yourself the following three question:
First, what is unique about your product? Is it the graphics? The sound effects? The networking capabilities? Make a list of these benefits and your on your way to better understanding and thus marketing your product. Second, what type of person is going to buy your application? Are you targeting the gym rat or the business man? The video gamer or the armature chef? Knowing who your audience is will help you target your application appropriately. Finally, what type of competition is your app facing? By understanding your competition you can better differentiate yourself and improve your application chances of success.
Step 2: Deliver Your Specialized Message
The demand for you application is likely already there, so now it is just important to make sure that people are aware of your application. The way you make sure they are aware is by creating a message that connects with them and makes them notice you.
There are many ways to get your audience to recognize your application. You should start by drafting an in-depth descriptions that concisely though powerfully explains your app to your customer. You should then make sure that you get a professional, high-quality screenshot of your app in action. Remember, you are trying to showcase your application to your customers; you need to make it easy for them to see, understand, and purchase your product.
Also, do not forget about social media marketing, as it can be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your application. If people are talking about your app, you are getting free advertising. You should facilitate this type of marketing by developing a Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace page for the app.
Step 3: How Much?
The price at which you set your application is one of the most important factors that will dictate the success or failure of your app. It used to be that pricing an app at $.99 was a sure way to get noticed, but with the influx of thousands of application this strategy has become more and more difficult.
An alternative approach is to study your competition and understand the rate at which they are selling their apps. If your application has better and more sophisticated features, consider pricing your app at a slightly higher rate than the competition. This approach can give you financial room to support your app with discounts and other special promotions. Remember, cheap isn’t always better. Indeed, people will happily pay for quality.
Step 4: Implement the Plan
Once you understand your own product, your competitor’s product, and your target audience, you are ready to implement your marketing plan. This plan does not have to be lengthy and costly, but it does need to outline exactly how you will reach your target audience. That is to say, your marketing plan must include an easy to understand message, outline of your defined customer, promotional materials (including reviews, promotions, and press releases), so that you have a map for success for your application.
Whether you have already completed your application or have yet to even start programming, it is never to late or early to think about how you are going to market your application. Doing so just might make sure your application starts bringing in the big bucks.
No comments:
Post a Comment