Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Apple should make promo codes for iPhone App developers
With thousands of developers creating new applications for iPhone every day, app store shoppers rely on reviews from to evaluate a potential app to purchase. The alternative is to check Apple blogs and tech sites on a regular basis, but there's no comprehensive ranking system for customer reference.
Developers, App store shoppers and tech bloggers would all benefit from promo codes. Let's say you've just developed "the next great app" and it costs $5.99 to download. As the developer, you want to showcase the great product to reputable blogs and online magazines, but they're forced to fork out $5.99 to test it for a potential review. Basically, you're asking them for two favors.
- Devote part of your day to review my product.
- Spend a few bucks just to test it.
Those create a major disadvantage for developers searching for publicity.
A perfect example is Electronic Arts, (NASDAQ: ERTS) a major developer that recently laid off 1,000 workers. EA created one of the top-five most popular apps: Monopoly, which sells for $5.99. If EA wanted to distribute the game to 100 publications, they would have to include an iTunes gift card, or ask the media to eat the cost. 
Another example is Nascar Live (iNascar), created by iApp Ventures LLC.The application was released last week, and no customer reviews are available yet, so there's no gauge for the shopper.
Now, I know most of you are probably thinking, what's another six dollars? Well, it's just enough to make someome hesitate about reviewing your product, because there are plenty of free apps competing for attention.
Posted By Matt O'Hern at 09:20 AM
Permanent Link: Apple should make promo codes for iPhone App developers
| Comments (1)
Subscribe to The MarketingShift Feed