Developing iOS apps offers a wealth of opportunity for helping customers and for earning thousands in ad revenue.
The main decision for anyone looking to build an app is simple: which of the platforms do you publish on?
Here, we’re going to take a look at Apple’s own iOS app store.
Revenue is higher.
We’ll start with the most obvious point: apps on the iOS tend to make more money.
It’s simple: Apple devices are more expensive, so people owning them tend to have more disposable income: cash they can spend on apps!
Of course, you’ll still need to make sure you’re going after the right target audience, but selling apps is nearly always more profitable on iOS.
There’s a dedicated user base in place
Apple users are nearly always committed to the platforms: the brand has been built on creating fanatical fans.
As a result, creating an app that benefits users on iOS will usually mean obtaining more loyal customers yourself, resulting in ongoing business and a positive LTV.
As long as your product’s good, you’ll find – and keep – customers.
E-commerce results are higher
This is only relevant to one area of the market, but it’s still worth highlighting: if your app is e-commerce based then iOS is almost your only option.
iOS users account for a large amount of mobile commerce purchases, and in the UK it’s as much as 66 per cent of the market. Once again, sales are pretty much guaranteed on iOS.
The platform is less buggy
Though we recommend working with a bespoke app development company rather than taking a DIY approach, those who are self-developing will feel the benefits of iOS.
Apple’s platform has strict development guidelines in place, which means there’s less room for things to go wrong. It can be tough getting the initial publishing done, but once you’re in, the need to write less code when developing in iOS really makes a difference to stability.
Great developer tools
Again, this is only relevant to the DY developers, but it’s worth bearing in mind. Apple’s development tools are very stable, their emulators run more efficiently. Apple are visibly committed to working with developers to get the best results.
First things first: ensuring your app’s approved.
As is the case with many internet giants, Apple aren’t totally specific on what makes them reject or accept submitted apps.
However, they’re MORE helpful than, for instance, Google.
Why? Because of their submission guidelines, which you can read here.
Typically, there are two huge red flags: sex and religion. If your app’s linked to either, you’re treading a fine like.
Look to follow the guidelines as close as you physically can, and you’re more likely to get the green light.
(And, of course, you can always consult an expert firm such as Iconic Solutions. We have years of experience in working on Apple’s iOS platform.)
Improving visibility on the app store.
If no-one can find your app, you won’t make sales: simple, right?
You’d be surprised!
Many app developers don’t take the time to make sure their app page is fully optimized.
What doesn’t help is that the iOS store suffers from a fairly poor search function: it’s possible to search for a specific app by title and see it some way down the results page.
One of the most effective ways of getting found s to link up your app with a social media account or a high quality website. If you link the two up AND ensure that both pages are optimized to the right key terms, you’re more likely to be found.
And without being found, you won’t get the users
Reaching the charts.
Apps higher up the iOS charts make more sales. In one sense, marketing to the Apple market is that simple: more downloads, more money or more brand exposure.
There are two main options for doing this:
- Paid advertising platforms. If you’ve got the money, you can advertise your app using Facebook, Twitter or Adwords. One of the downsides of this approach is that it’s FAR more effective for free apps. (Though if yours is free, of course, this can work to your advantage).
- Promote your app to the relevant audiences. If you’ve got a firm demographic in mind for your app – and you should – then you should work to promote it amongst the blogs and YouTube channels that your audience is already engaging with. If it’s a fitness app, seek out personal trainers or fitness bloggers. If you’ve built an app for musicians, seek out one of the many YouTubers reviewing gear. Though this might seem like a lot of work for little reward, you’ll be surprise: a single review from a genuine influencer can lead to thousands of downloads. (Assuming that your app is good!).
There are thousands of apps out there, all competing to get attention from the media. You need to set yourself apart from the pack: that’s not negotiable.
Here are a few tricks that can help you stand apart:
Include a download code or a discount of some kind. Influencers make a lot of their money through affiliate marketing: that is, asking a cut of the sale. In order to do this, they will offer a ‘special offer’ to their viewers. If you can give the influencer a free copy of a paid ad as well as a discount for their followers, you’re more likely to get results.
Send out a proper press kit and high quality media images. It never hurts to include as much information as you can when promoting your work. As we’ve mentioned in a couple of our other guides, it’s vital to have high-res photos of your app in operation. (And make sure the shots are big enough to be shown on a full size PC screen).
(If you’re unsure about what a press kit actually involves, check out this killer guide).
If you get any queries from the media, RESPOND. Obvious again, right? You might be surprised. Many app builders feel too ‘busy’ to respond to media enquiries, especially in the early days of trouble shooting, fixing bugs, managing user feedback and so forth. Don’t fall into the trap: if you get an enquiry, respond. You never know how much you’ll benefit from talking to someone, even if their audience isn’t that huge.
As with all publishing platforms, Apple’s iOS app store has its own problems and issues that you’ll need to manage if you want to see success.
At Iconic Solutions, we have years of experience in ensuring our customers get the results they need from the app store. If we can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to call.
