Good way to advertise

[jeonghyunhan]

I seem to be having trouble advertising my app.
I am active in 3 forums now including this ont starting today.
I have the link in my sig and give out promos.
I have a youtube video of the app.
I was wondering how most of you devs go about advertising and how successful you are at it.
Thanks.

 

[NickFalk]

I think you'll be hard pressed to find "one" simple solution that spells success. If I had one, I'm not sure I'd be willing to give it away.
I think us small-time developers have to acknowledge the simple fact that we need to both deliver a great product and have some luck. The bigger publishers like EA and Gameloft have such a strong presence that the news- and review-sites will give their games attention every time they release something. It might seem a bit unfair as these are certainly companies that are able to pay for advertising anyway. But it's just the lay of the land I guess.

So, what can we do? Try to be inventive in some way, give you game a hook that makes people interested. Some great graphical-work, an odd subject-matter or some bizarre twist to have the game came into fruition perhaps. Send out press-releases and work through these with great care, make them sizzle. Stay active on forums, be kind, be fair but don't release information/artwork before you're 100% satisfied yourself. Involve your friends and family, perhaps they too have a blog?

None of the above are likely to make much difference with your first title, probably not your second title but if you do things right and produce apps with enough quality you might eventually start to see some returns when you reach your 5th. or 6th. app. If you're lucky you'll start seeing some review on sites like Touch Arcade and if you're really lucky you might get picked by Apple as a "new and noteworthy" or similar.

Remember: You are competing for attention with literally thousands of others! Some of them with huge wallets, there is no easy way to the promised land...

 

[MacToddB]

I think you'll be hard pressed to find "one" simple solution that spells success. If I had one, I'm not sure I'd be willing to give it away.

Call me crazy, but I'll be giving away my success secrets shortly.

I'm working on an ebook (free) that will also be published in iPhone Life magazine, in serial form, that discusses how to market your app. (I also advertise in that publication and it's more affordable than you might think, starting at $199/issue).

Basically, treat iTunes as if it were PayPal... i.e. that last link in a chain, like the checkout counter. Too many developers think they can post an app on iTunes and they're done. There are a lot more avenues you need to consider... Google AdWords, your website, creative use of promo codes, blogs and review sites, etc. I've even given a dollar to someone in the airport with an iPhone, and a note asking them to buy my app. The point is, if you build it, they won't necessarily come.

I'd be happy to give you some personalized advice if you want.

I seem to be having trouble advertising my app.
I am active in 3 forums now including this ont starting today.
I have the link in my sig and give out promos.
I have a youtube video of the app.
I was wondering how most of you devs go about advertising and how successful you are at it.
Thanks.

BTW, I went to your website (http://jeonghyunhan.tripod.com/). Several issues.

1) get a domain name (GameHaven or BlocksApp, etc.)

2) get a real website, not a tripod one. It has over 8 ads for other products... but no link to your own app in the appstore, nor the YouTube videos you mention.

3) get some reviews from friends and promo code users, and include them on the site

4) Perhaps add a Flash demo of the app. Hard to tell how it works... is it a puzzle app or an arcade game?

 

[NickFalk]

@MacToddB:
You're crazy!
What? You just told me to call you so!
Nah, you're probably just a better person than I am.

Congrats on your success by the way. My point was mainly that you can't expect success over night. The App Store is full of cra... erm not so good apps. And unless you're featured somewhere people are unlikely to even find your app, much less buy it.

 

[MacToddB]

@MacToddB:
You're crazy!
What? You just told me to call you so!
Nah, you're probably just a better person than I am.

Well, it's just a little painful sometimes to see developers not doing the right thing. Like golfing while the people ahead of you keep missing the ball!

Congrats on your success by the way. My point was mainly that you can't expect success over night. The App Store is full of cra... erm

You might like KRAPPS.com! Funny site!

And unless you're featured somewhere people are unlikely to even find your app, much less buy it.

I've never really been featured anywhere (outside of iTunes rankings... best results were Top 32 overall and Top 7 in Entertainment) but you're right, if you rely on iTunes to do your marketing, success is unlikely, but there are specific steps you can take to boost your results. My ebook is already 14 pages of text... just working on the graphics now!

 

[MacToddB]

I've had a chance to look into it some more, and here is some more extensive feedback.

- Your iTunes link to your website is blank, so it goes to 'localhost'!

- You posted codes on the codeshare part of this forum, but as you noticed, people don't post back that they've used a code, nor give you feedback, nor post a review (which you basically asked them NOT to do). You should post the AVAILABILITY of codes, but people have to qualify themselves. Ask for puzzle lovers, or use some way to make sure people who are your target audience will get the code. Have them PM or email you, so you can follow up and ask for feedback, and a review if they liked it.

- Link FROM your website back to the app on iTunes, as I mentioned earlier

- We get such little space to describe/sell/show the app, that you need to maximize the description and screenshots. You have a very short description, that starts out with almost an apology (essentially 1.1 will be better) plus a spelling error (should be "your advantage" not "you advantage")

- Your screenshots, especially the "Instructions" one, isn't selling the app. Show something more dynamic. It doesn't even have to be a physical screenshot... it could be like a loading screen, or an advertisement. Think of a movie poster. Imagine if the Star Trek movie poster was just a list of credits. That's what your third screen is like.

- The title, Blocks. It's generic, which could be okay, but you should add to the title (not for the app executable but for iTunes). Try Blocks - The Multilevel Addictive Action Puzzle Game or something like that. The words will also help with searches.

I could go on, but if you do the items I mentioned now, and earlier this morning, you'll be on your way.

BTW, I went to your website (http://jeonghyunhan.tripod.com/). Several issues.

1) get a domain name (GameHaven or BlocksApp, etc.)

2) get a real website, not a tripod one. It has over 8 ads for other products... but no link to your own app in the appstore, nor the YouTube videos you mention.

3) get some reviews from friends and promo code users, and include them on the site

4) Perhaps add a Flash demo of the app. Hard to tell how it works... is it a puzzle app or an arcade game?

 

[jeonghyunhan]

I've had a chance to look into it some more, and here is some more extensive feedback.

- Your iTunes link to your website is blank, so it goes to 'localhost'!

- You posted codes on the codeshare part of this forum, but as you noticed, people don't post back that they've used a code, nor give you feedback, nor post a review (which you basically asked them NOT to do). You should post the AVAILABILITY of codes, but people have to qualify themselves. Ask for puzzle lovers, or use some way to make sure people who are your target audience will get the code. Have them PM or email you, so you can follow up and ask for feedback, and a review if they liked it.

- Link FROM your website back to the app on iTunes, as I mentioned earlier

- We get such little space to describe/sell/show the app, that you need to maximize the description and screenshots. You have a very short description, that starts out with almost an apology (essentially 1.1 will be better) plus a spelling error (should be "your advantage" not "you advantage")

- Your screenshots, especially the "Instructions" one, isn't selling the app. Show something more dynamic. It doesn't even have to be a physical screenshot... it could be like a loading screen, or an advertisement. Think of a movie poster. Imagine if the Star Trek movie poster was just a list of credits. That's what your third screen is like.

- The title, Blocks. It's generic, which could be okay, but you should add to the title (not for the app executable but for iTunes). Try Blocks - The Multilevel Addictive Action Puzzle Game or something like that. The words will also help with searches.

I could go on, but if you do the items I mentioned now, and earlier this morning, you'll be on your way.

Thanks for the kind response

The website is horrible and is temporary while I work on my main site without ads.

The title, well, I'm scared to change it as it took me hours and hours just to submit the app to apple because of all the code signing errors, 512 Icon must not be png, and all the other problems that occured. Updating the binary for the new update took a few hours as well since it was accepting my binary and 512 icon. All this makes me NOT want to touch anything again unless I REALLY need to but i'll look into changing the title.

About the promo codes, you are exactly right and that is what I shall do from now on

Linking FROM my site to itunes is a pretty neat idea but since my site is just something I don't want to look at, I doubt others will want to either. Until I fix my site I guess...

EDIT:
Btw, I could make the site look SO much more fascinating using Flash CS4 but I was forced to used Dreamweaver CS4 (no experience whatsoever) cause of people over at idevgames. They gave me a statistical view of how many people use their iphones for viewing sites and stuff so Flash was not a good idea. I'm having second thoughts here, your opinion please?

 

[MacToddB]

Thanks for the kind response
The website is horrible and is temporary while I work on my main site without ads.

The title, well, I'm scared to change it as it took me hours and hours just to submit the app to apple because of all the code signing errors, 512 Icon must not be png, and all the other problems that occured. Updating the binary for the new update took a few hours as well since it was accepting my binary and 512 icon. All this makes me NOT want to touch anything again unless I REALLY need to but i'll look into changing the title.

I can relate. But changing the title is quick, easy, and as long as you leave the beginning the same, i.e. Blocks becomes Blocks - Addictive Action Puzzle Strategy Game, you'll be fine. I change mine all the time to fine-tune search results.

About the promo codes, you are exactly right and that is what I shall do from now on

Yep, you only get 50, so treat them as valuable.

Linking FROM my site to itunes is a pretty neat idea but since my site is just something I don't want to look at, I doubt others will want to either. Until I fix my site I guess.../

It's not terrible, but it needs work. Still, put the link in so it's more convenient, and helps w/ search engines, etc.

Btw, I could make the site look SO much more fascinating using Flash CS4 but I was forced to used Dreamweaver CS4 (no experience whatsoever) cause of people over at idevgames. They gave me a statistical view of how many people use their iphones for viewing sites and stuff so Flash was not a good idea. I'm having second thoughts here, your opinion please?

I have some PHP code that senses if a user is coming in from an iPhone (Mobile Safari) or not. If not, they get the Flash version of the site. If mobile, they get an animated gif. Google for the code (there are javascript versions, too) or email me.

 

[vivithemage]

not a tripod website, haha.

 

[RodThePlod]

This is an interesting thread. My first app Top-Tens went up to the store almost two weeks ago.

It started selling well as it was on the first page of the Reference category, but now that it's on page 5, sales have started to decline. The feedback from the first week on sale (which is only visible in the US iTunes store), is very encouraging.

I've done a press release, and been pushing out promo codes to iphone/app sites in the hope of a review, but none yet. I've also pushed out some promo codes here and done a youtube video which is also linked to my site (http://www.iviewr.com/toptens).

Essentially, I'm also on the lookout for pointers in how best to market Top-Tens - so MacToddB, I'll be looking out for your eBook!

I'm thinking of doing a free, Lite version of the app which restricts the user to only viewing four or five Top 10 lists, but allows them to see the full library available if they were to purchase the full version of Top-Tens...

If only I could get on Apple's New and Noteworty list

R.

 

[DipDog3]

Get Reviews and get people to place links to your app on their website.

You need to market just like with anything else you are trying to sell.

I have lots of developers that advertise on my sites.

So Good Luck.

 

[RodThePlod]

I have lots of developers that advertise on my sites.

Yup - I think I might have to look at having an ad or two running...

Recommend any reasonable sites to advertise on? including yours, of course

R.

 

[rekhyt]

Mine? Actually I'd give you two sites for the price on one. (Tech blog/iPod Touch-iPhone Apps review.)

 

[RodThePlod]

Mine? Actually I'd give you two sites for the price on one. (Tech blog/iPod Touch-iPhone Apps review.)

Hahaha - please post here or PM me with your best prices and URLs so I can check out your sites.

If it's a good offer then I may give it a test to see if it has any impact on sales...

EDIT: (Not sure if this is against forum rules - please accept my apologies if it is and feel free to remove my posts).

R.

 

[MacToddB]

Essentially, I'm also on the lookout for pointers in how best to market Top-Tens - so MacToddB, I'll be looking out for your eBook!

As stated earlier, by myself and others, setup a good website. Not sure if you have one, because your signature points to itunes, not your site. You can do a lot more on your own web site than Apple lets you do in iTunes.

 

[RodThePlod]

As stated earlier, by myself and others, setup a good website. Not sure if you have one, because your signature points to itunes, not your site. You can do a lot more on your own web site than Apple lets you do in iTunes.

Yup - the site was mentioned in the post. It's http://www.iviewr.com/toptens

I'll update my sig!

R.

 

[omniinvoice]

a few posts on sites like reddit help. Not the best way, but it will get you at around 10/20 uniques a day.

 

[shabbado]

Would you all mind checking out my site and giving me some feedback? I know it is a free host, but they dont have any adds or restrictions.

http:// sparechange.free hostia.com

 

[Linkmobile]

Is there effective paid way to promotion apps?

 

[marksman]

Basically, treat iTunes as if it were PayPal... i.e. that last link in a chain, like the checkout counter.

I really like that comparison. the App store replaces the need to have a shopping cart website, a merchant account etc etc. It does not remove all the other things you need to do to run a successful business.

It does provide some good exposure by being in the app store, although as the store grows, that exposure becomes more minimal for almost all apps. A few will receive the shining light and benefit from it, but I think any developer whose marketing plan is to ride the App Store rankings, they are not long lived for the world, unless they are a junk peddler who is just churning out garbage and any sale they get is essentially free money beyond the submission cost.

As for the OP, just reading the name of your app, I can tell you I am not really interested. I don't know what it does, but I can guess. Probably is some game involving manipulating blocks in some way, shape or form. Played a few of those, and it was enough. Keep plugging though, not everyone is going to be interested in your app. In fact almost everyone will not be, even if you are wildly successful.

World of Warcraft has like 11 million monthly subscribers for their game. They also have like 5 billion 989 million non-subscribers.

 

[marksman]

Is there effective paid way to promotion apps?

I would be interested to see if anyone has had any luck with PPC advertising (pay per click). Be it on websites or in search engines. It is the primary focus of my business (but not iphone apps)... so I am wondering how well it has worked for people who have tried.

If someone is working on doing something with Pay per click and have any questions let me know, and I will try to help you out if I can.

 

[Linkmobile]

I would be interested to see if anyone has had any luck with PPC advertising (pay per click). Be it on websites or in search engines. It is the primary focus of my business (but not iphone apps)... so I am wondering how well it has worked for people who have tried.

If someone is working on doing something with Pay per click and have any questions let me know, and I will try to help you out if I can.

there is no luck actually. i've paid admob for PPC but almost no result.

 

[rekhyt]

Allright then. http:// byzone . org