Developers shouldn’t just rely on app stores to market their apps
Unfortunately this latest move by Apple doesn’t do much to alleviate these issues but instead caused anger amongst some of them, so what’s next for developers?
App developers and content providers, in particular those supporting the iTunes app store, need to realize that marketing their apps through one channel is not the answer. Why limit yourself to selling your app to one segment of the market when you can be reaching millions of people around the world?
As mobile web browsers become more sophisticated, more options for developers are starting to appear, which means they don’t have to rely on app stores to market their apps. Billing solutions, such as Bango Payment, enables developers to sell their apps directly from their website without having to worry with restrictions, delays, commonly found when selling through app stores. In addition they can charge users for trial versions of their apps, sell upgrades, virtual goods, all within the app.
Fortunately many developers are starting to realise the benefits of distributing their apps directly. In fact a recent study by Bango found that 45% of developers plan to monetize their apps directly, in other words outside the app store.
So my message to developers, and those still selling their apps through one channel, is don’t put your ‘apps’ in one basket. Take control of your pricing and marketing to reach all your customers directly and you’ll soon start enjoying the rewards.
