App Store Profits | Can you actually earn a living as an indie developer?
Can you actually earn a living as an indie developer?
Everyday more and more indie developers are trying to bank in on what they think will be a hit in Apple’s App Store. Some even going as far as taking out bank loans, selling their cars, putting it on credit and the like.
But the real question is..
Will becoming a independent mobile app developer really pay off?
Those of us who missed the [dot]com boom are doing everything in our power to make sure we don’t miss this one as all signs ahead point to mobillity; and specifiically mobile apps.
When given serious though about the state of the economy and unemployment rates where they are it almost seems like you have nothing to lose.
There is an info-graphic I saw a few months ago that I think describes what I’m trying to get at brilliantly.
So while I personally think that venturing off on your own and starting your journey as an indie developer is not a bad idea you have to also take into consideration where the industry is really at. Sure, Apple just hit their 1 millionth ‘approved app‘ but at the same time, the first 3 years (since 2008) were rather sluggish.
As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until just last year that the App industry started seeing REAL growth. And this years revenues actually doubled what they were last year, which is a nice benchmark.
So, long story short – the App Industry is still in its infancy – but times have changed even these short years that it’s been around. There is a quote from Ethan Nicholas, the developer of a remarkable app called iShoot that I think illustrates this one..
When asked, ““Can someone drop everything and start writing apps? “
Mr. Nicholas said “Sure,”
Can they start writing good apps?
“Not often, no. I got lucky with iShoot, because back then a decent app could still be successful. But competition is fierce nowadays, and decent isn’t good enough.”
Ethan was one of the early developers who jumped on board back in 2008 (when there were only 11 million devices in circulation). Ethan developed iShoot in 6 weeks (mostly in his spare time)
And the result..?
At $2.99 per install he had 17,000 Installs – in a single day.
(This amounts to over $51,000 – before Apple’s 30% cut)
This took place in 2009 on January 11th. (Sunday to be exact) The very next day he quit his job and by march had earned more than $1 million from his app.
Today…things are much different.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s a fierce and compettive, cut-throat, app-eat-app world out there.
41% of developers are still developing apps part time and on their spare time while earning their incomes through their jobs.
Only 26% of developers who create apps to go on the App Store them are actually ‘full-time’ mobile app professionals that actually gain most of their income from the apps they’ve created.
22% are considered to be ‘hobbyists’ who don’t necessary have the tech savvyness to create the apps themselves but do how the know-how on bringing it all together.
As for the remaining 11%? Mostly students and recent grads who are also developing the apps in their spare time.
To wrap-up..
There is still a high % that you can and will succeed in the app store, but chances are it’s not going to be on your first app. It will likely take more than 1, or 2, or even 10.
Did you know Rovio (Creator of AngryBirds) made 53 Apps before they had their debut WITH Angry Birds? That’s dedication.
You wan to bring that same dedication to your business, and ask yourself.
Am I in this business because I truly have a passion for developing apps, and am interested in this for the long haul, and growing with the industry in order to grow my business?
If not, send me an email and I’ll point you in the right direction.
If so, then more power to you – Mobile Minute is always here to be your guiding light in your journey to breaking through to the top of the charts.
Best,
Kevin
Kevin is an Online and Mobile Marketing Strategist who has worked with companies of all sizes over the last 6 years. You can follow Kevin on any of the social platforms below.
