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Don't build an app, build a business
- nkozyra 13y agoOkay I'm making it a point to no longer click on titles that are simply commands. It's kind of getting ridiculous now.
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- Terpaholic 13y agoThe core concept of this article is solid - build something useful. That's how I'm getting triple digit year on year growth & traction with my app, http://www.getcampusmaps.com http://www.getcampusmaps.com . Students find the app easier to use than going to the visitors center and getting a paper map, and so it provides real value to them. I disagree that the app store gold rush is completely over however - I entered a crowded space with established competitors (including each school's own app, Google Maps, Apple Maps, GuideBook, Blackboard, and many more, and am still able to carve out a solid niche for myself. The trick is in not only providing value with the app, but having a scalable marketing strategy. Treat it like any other product you want to sell, don't ride the Appstore-luck wave.
- stkni 13y agoYour app appears free though? Growth and traction of free apps and growth and traction of paid apps aren't really comparable unless you have a plan to convert. Care to share?
- Terpaholic 13y agoPoint well taken. I've been hesitant on monetizing because of that very same growth I'm seeing. In about 6 weeks I expect to peak in the top 10 US Navigation app for about 3 days (new school year). I've been debating ads + freemium "ads free mode", but I feel that at this point I'm getting more value out of establishing a user base. My real issue is that I don't have a GOOD scalable monetization option in mind. Negotiating local deals takes way too long with too much turnover. I'd be interested in offering school apparel deals though. That seems scalable with the right vendor. e: I am currently split testing one campus @ 99 cents in a separate app to test how that's received.
- swalsh 13y agoIntegrate with facebook, map dorm rooms to students. Give to girls for free, and charge the men. Works for pubs.
- jere 13y agoCongratulations. That might be the creepiest suggestion I've ever heard on HN.
- true_religion 13y agoJust to add to this. This isn't creepy because its illegal or provides something that was impossible before---actually dorm address information at my uni was available online to students. It comes off as creepy because of the way it is setup: charging men for access to women. It basically circumvents all of our accepted social protocol without any rationale beyond personal profit.
- true_religion 13y agoI think the outcry of how "creepy" it is that an app is selling men access where women live is going to overshadow any possible profit. As soon as the media begins beating that drum, Apple will pull the app to avoid bad press and may just issue refunds too.
- rmc 13y ago
- mozboz 13y agoDNR Don't build a business, create something good.
- sudhirj 13y agoThe article (and it's associated links) simply keep restating the fact that app sales, like most things in and out of this category are a power law distribution. If you want to get into the top of the curve, you need exponentially greater quality / marketing. Was there ever a time, even in the early days of the store, when making a shitty app would automatically bring in primary income?
- michaelbuckbee 13y agoYes, in the early days, apps like fart soundboards and flashlights were making people significant chunks of money. As the competition has increased, you either find dozens of clones of the low quality apps, or one or two competitors that have taken most of the market.