Straight Talk from Developers – Mobile App Marketing Tips

1) You need to have a plan.

Specifically, a marketing plan would serve you better than a business plan for apps.  But things that should be include are:

When you plan to launch (when is the market most receptive? - hint: right now.)

Marketing channels you plan to draw traffic from outside of the Apple App Store or Google Play market.

Something people people always fail to neglect is implementing what I refer to as the, Launch Formula.  Not many people know this formula, and personally. I'd rather not disclose it unless you're interested in a consultation.

What I can say is: Every person or business who has used this formula vs implementing the same ol' traditional marketing strategies they think are best - hass reaped the benefits upwards of 200%.

You're basically trying to reach AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE in the shortest period of time, specifically within the first few days your App hits the market ARE THE MOST IMPORANT.  Having a well defined launch strategy can help you do just that ;). 

One thing to also remember is, you can SCHEDULE your launch time with Apple, or Google.

2) Don't take Steroids

Seriously though, I like to explain this one with an anology that my friend Jason bestowed upon me.

The difference is the Athlete who trains hard for his sport and as a result is able to naturally perform at his best; and a steroid user who uses the 'supplement' to get the performance he yearns but in order to maintain that 'performance' he has to keep taking the steroids.

Do you know what I think is better?

Being an Athlete whose putin the training to reap the benefits of their natural performance but can ALSO take steroids, if they desire.

So, let's flip that around into business terms.

If you're only earning let's say, $400 hundred dollars a month from your app, it wouldn't make sense for you to go and pay $4000 for advertising to only move up to the $500 or $600/mo level.  

It's far betterto take it easy, and focus on driving consistent traffic. After all, the industry is still in its infancy, we're going on the Apple App Stores and Google Play's 5th Birthday in less than 3 weeks 

(if we make it past the Apocolypse that is)

One thing I want to add to this one also is, don't focus on vanity metrics.

Vanity Metrics are just superficial #'s like: installs, ratings, etc..

It's far better to use Actionable Metrics: which allow you to.. well, take "action" on your findings. 

For instance..

If you have 200 installs a day, how many of those 200 installs are actually using your app for more than 1hr?

In the 1hr that they're using it, what screen are they spending the most time on?

Is that screen they're spending the most time on where you want them to be spending their time?

etc..

Last thing..

I know I sound like a broken record by repeating this, but it literally cannot be stressed enough.  You want to make your App SHINE.

Don't just make a good app.  Or even a great App.  

You want.. A REMARKABLE APP.

• Name
• Icon
• Description
• Video
• Screenshots

If you cannot afford to get your graphics looking above par, then I'm sorry - but unless your gameplay is ABOSLUTELY ASTOUNDING. (meaning)

Highly..

• Addictive
• remarkable
• easy to use
• fun
• etc..

Then, you simply don't have a chance and you may as well just bury your app now and move on to something else that you have a better shot at, at making some passive income.

Those are my two cents.