3 New Ways to Get Your App Noticed

GigaOM's JKontheRun blog posted on 3 new ways to get your app noticed. We all know the struggle of standing out in a crowd of, literally, millions of apps. The three tangible ways the article refers to are Appolicious, which helps people discover apps by using what they call "social graphs" plus an algorithmic search and recommendation engine, Appsfire, which personalizes apps in an app stream like Pandora has done for music, and Appboy, which now lets users "check in" when they open an app to let their friends know about the apps they like and use -- Foursquare style.

Robert Scoble, in response to the post, said, "You forgot the most important way: to get Apple to feature your app. That gets you more users than anything any of these other sites can do. Now, all is NOT lost, though, because if you get everyone else to feature your app, and get some bloggers to say it’s the best thing since sliced bread, then the chances that Apple will feature it go way up."

The problem is there aren't that many featured spots Apple or Google can deliver, but he's right that if your app gets publicized on some top blogs, the gangs at Apple or Google will likely notice it and it will improve your odds of getting featured. But smart developers can't necessarily just bank on this hope -- because there's no guarantees and even if you get featured, it's a short lived spike you'll experience. Smart developers should try a number of avenues to reaching potential users, including Appolicious, Appsfire and Appboy -- and don't forget YouTube videos.

Meet the Android Millionaires

Electric Pig posted a good article with some tips on how to succeed as a developer of Android apps.

1. Make it great


It might sound simple, but quality really matters in the Android market. A dearth of second-rate apps means the great ones really stand out. Android owners will give everything from simple games to handy utilities and even swift iOS ports the time of day, so long as they’re worth the asking price. Make it great, price it sensibly and you’ll see there are greater opportunities for cut-through than in other mobile markets.



2. Sell it in the Android Market

Many Android developers still hawk their wares outside Google’s official Android Market, but that’s a mistake. Recent security scares, and an enormous pace of growth mean the Android Market’s being seen as the only trusted destination. Improvements by Google that let users discover apps more easily will help you out too, and it’s no longer a race to the bottom. Price your app sensibly, and as long as it conforms to point 1 above, you’ll be on the right track.



3. Don’t be cynical

Being motivated by profit isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just don’t try to cash in too obviously. There are already several I Am Rich apps on the Android Market going for anywhere between $99 and $199, none of which appear to have sold any at all. Don’t be that guy, create something worthwhile and have faith in your customers. If you build it, they will come… and pay.



4. Invest in Android now

“Android was always an afterthought,” Will Moore tells us. “The business world wanted iOS; Once an app had been made for iOS, we often made it work for Android too, but it wasn’t the starting point for any project.” As these high achievers indicate however, that’s about to change forever. “Sadly, Android is still seen as the domain of geeks, but I don’t think it will be long before this changes. With Android appearing in everything from fridges to cars, as well as mobiles, the world will be using Android without even knowing it…Android is on the tipping point of big brand adoption.”

Getting Your App Reviewed

Mobile Orchard published a nice post by Jim Bernard on how to get your app published. It's worth a read, and lines up with my own experience. Here's a quick summary, but go over and view the full article:

1. Provide complete information. Every email, website, video should include basic information such as the app name, your contact information, company name, and link to the app store page.
2. Start with a great description. Lead your inquiry letter with a precise description of what your application does, what segment it belongs in (games, productivity, etc.) and why it is unique or interesting. 
3. Include promotion code. Reviewers want a promotion code with your request for coverage.
4. Make a great video. A short video that shows your application in action is perhaps one of your best selling tools.
5. Put your best app forward. If you canʼt take time to polish your application, why should a reviewer take time to provide feedback and encouragement?

Think Global

Other than Winning Rules for smartphone app developers, I write a column for TK Magazine (which I founded and published until a year or so ago) -- also called Winning Rules. That column just focuses on winning rules for small business owners, since TK is Topeka's business magazine. The Spring 2011 issue is out! My column is on page 60 and the rule this time is "Think Global!". I tell the story of Amy Rose Herrick and how she dreamed beyond the borders of Topeka and just opened a branch of her financial planning company in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. What a view she has! The column ends with a Mark Twain quote she had painted on her bedroom wall:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Charlie Sheen publicist quits

In the category of "You couldn't pay me enough", the poor sap who served as Charlie Sheen publicist has politely quit.

I'm so glad to have decent human beings for clients. Then again, if you sign up to be a Hollywood publicist, you've got to be prepared to handle narcissistic lunatics like Sheen.

I've not been sure whether I pity his father or his publicist more. I probably lean to the publicist because Martin Sheen has to take some responsibility for the brat he raised. Then again, the publicist can (and has) quit! Martin is kind of stuck with the kid to a certain degree.