Related
Hi,
I've got 3 apps/live wallpapers currently on the market (links listed below in my signature), all with free and donation versions. Between them they have had just under 32,000 downloads in the last four months. They've been rated between 4 and 5 stars with positive feedback.
Can anyone think of a reason why I've only had a couple of dozen sales of the donation versions? (Many thanks if you have bought one )
It can't be lack of visibility or quality as the free versions seem to be quite popular and are getting healthy reviews. The donation versions have extra functionality as a bonus incentive. It's not price - they are as cheap as I can make them!
Am I missing something? I am at a loss. Please can somebody point me in the right direction?
I'm not naieve enough to think I'll make a ton of cash out of it, just enough to even partially justify the effort I've put in would be nice.
Regards,
Paul
Strangemoo
Hi,
You can get answers to your questions if you look at Wiki - Product Marketing. It is not simple, but when you start to understand this process, your sales will grow.
Sorry for my English.
pphillips001 said:
Can anyone think of a reason why I've only had a couple of dozen sales of the donation versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because people want things for free is the simple answer.
pphillips001 said:
Hi,
I've got 3 apps/live wallpapers currently on the market (links listed below in my signature), all with free and donation versions. Between them they have had just under 32,000 downloads in the last four months. They've been rated between 4 and 5 stars with positive feedback.
Can anyone think of a reason why I've only had a couple of dozen sales of the donation versions? (Many thanks if you have bought one )
It can't be lack of visibility or quality as the free versions seem to be quite popular and are getting healthy reviews. The donation versions have extra functionality as a bonus incentive. It's not price - they are as cheap as I can make them!
Am I missing something? I am at a loss. Please can somebody point me in the right direction?
I'm not naieve enough to think I'll make a ton of cash out of it, just enough to even partially justify the effort I've put in would be nice.
Regards,
Paul
Strangemoo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the free versions ad supported?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I am speaking from a position of total ignorance here but, if I were in your shoes, I would totally just remove the free versions...
Or stick ads in the free versions
Sent from my X10a using xda premium
Yep it is very very simple. Free, even with ads people will choose over the paid versions. Even at 99 cents it's enough for people not to purchase.
Plus if your apps make it to pirating sites, there is no point in buying the app. Even my sister can figure out the piracy stuff for android and she cant even install Windows 7.
I will give you my objective experience as a random android user.
I don't think you have done anything wrong. I installed both Dino Pop and Zombie Pop and found myself chuckling and having fun.
I think that it's just something that doesn't fit in the paid app category as much.
I usually pay for apps that I find useful or have promise of future, as of yet unrevealed, entertainment.
I don't know what the limitations of live wallpaper are, but even a simple game needs a) unpredictable change of scenery b) the need for strategy (to entice the mind to test its abilities) c) some kind of final challenge (maybe like a boss zombie or something, to give that sense of accomplishment)
These are just my super honest thoughts, 100% intended to help out.
On a related note, I used to love this arcade game called strikers 1945 plus. I always thought it would be awesome to have a live wallpaper game like that (but obviously not as in depth..it's wallpaper lol)...again, not sure how difficult something like that would be. Just my two cents.
Sent from my Nexus 6 through tears in rain.
My thinking...
Case 1: If I find an app for free that also has a Donate version, without any extra features, I will never pay for it. Period.
Case 2: Usually when there is a free app, that also has a paid version without ads, I will buy it if I use the free version enough to wish it didn't have ads.
Case 3: There is a free app (usually a game) that I use continuously every/every other day and I will see that there is a paid version. The paid version has tons of cool features, options, game levels, etc. If I get a little bored of the free version, and really need something extra, I usually won't hesitate to buy it. (Ex. Noogra Nuts, Navy Wars)
Then there's those apps like FriendCaster and Twitter apps with ads. The paid version of FriendCaster is $5. I won't ever buy it to remove the ads. I won't pay for it simply because they don't get in the way, and I can access Facebook/Twitter in many different ways.
Even the name "Whatever App - DONATE" is just a red flag to users. Basically they might see that, and just not even look at it. They won't even see that there are extra options available. You might be able to get away with changing the name (to 'Pro version' or just without 'Donate') and really push the extra functionality.
Just my thoughts about free/donate/paid versions of apps. Hope it helps
Oh, and I like your LWs, keep up the good work!
I agree and have had a somewhat similar experience. I have bought a live wallpaper before because it had added functionality and got rid of upgrade messages on the homescreen (photolive wallpaper). The free version was good enough for me to try it and see what its like, but still restrictive enough for me to have to buy it. I have also donated to an app called Llama, but this is a special case where I will donate more than the small amount in the android market because I love the app and the dev isn't asking what I am willing to pay.
I would say to restrict the free versions of features and really give people both an incentive and reason to upgrade the product if they like it. If not people will generally make do with what they don't have to buy. I went for 2 years with my first Droid experience without buying a single app, I just used add supported or completely free versions, but now I'm much more inclined to support developers when I find something I like and usually but not in all cases, that I can try first.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Many thanks to all of the inciteful responses. All very inteteresting points.
In a nutshell it appears that I'm basically giving too much for too little. I've withheld going down the adverts route as I'm not a great fan personally - but if that's how the 'many' prefer to go then who am I to disagree!
Does anyone else find it funny that you have to actually annoy Android users into paying for apps?!
Lol - what a world.
Thanks again,
Paul
Strangemoo
pphillips001 said:
Many thanks to all of the inciteful responses. All very inteteresting points.
In a nutshell it appears that I'm basically giving too much for too little. I've withheld going down the adverts route as I'm not a great fan personally - but if that's how the 'many' prefer to go then who am I to disagree!
Does anyone else find it funny that you have to actually annoy Android users into paying for apps?!
Lol - what a world.
Thanks again,
Paul
Strangemoo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The key to money is think "free = demo," "paid = full featured."
If you do that, and people like it, then you will get more money. I play a game, I like it, it's a demo, that person made a sale. They give it away for free, I'm likely to just use it for free and never even visit their "donation page."
It's like the old saying: Why pay for a cow, when you can get the milk at home for free?
Being not married, that doesn't really apply to me, and I don't pay for cows either way
---------- Post added at 09:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ----------
Oh yeah... It should probably also be mentioned that when people pay for something, it usually gives them a license (or so they think) to rate it and comment more harshly, so don't be all shocked if ratings go down when you implement a pay-per-app methodology.
pphillips001 said:
Many thanks to all of the inciteful responses. All very inteteresting points.
In a nutshell it appears that I'm basically giving too much for too little. I've withheld going down the adverts route as I'm not a great fan personally - but if that's how the 'many' prefer to go then who am I to disagree!
Does anyone else find it funny that you have to actually annoy Android users into paying for apps?!
Lol - what a world.
Thanks again,
Paul
Strangemoo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
majorpay said:
The key to money is think "free = demo," "paid = full featured."
If you do that, and people like it, then you will get more money. I play a game, I like it, it's a demo, that person made a sale. They give it away for free, I'm likely to just use it for free and never even visit their "donation page."
It's like the old saying: Why pay for a cow, when you can get the milk at home for free?
Being not married, that doesn't really apply to me, and I don't pay for cows either way
---------- Post added at 09:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ----------
Oh yeah... It should probably also be mentioned that when people pay for something, it usually gives them a license (or so they think) to rate it and comment more harshly, so don't be all shocked if ratings go down when you implement a pay-per-app methodology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're both right. If you could offer a demo with built in restrictions and then an unlock key. If you can avoid ads and thus the network access permission, which personally I prefer not to see on a live Wallpaper, that would be even better. Then the user has a decent live wallpaper with no strange permissions (for a wallpaper) but something always there to give an incentive to buy it if one likes the developer's work and or the demo product and want to unlock features. This adds value to the product because I would bet less people really care about donating than they would paying to unlock a full version!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
jontornblom said:
I will give you my objective experience as a random android user.
I don't think you have done anything wrong. I installed both Dino Pop and Zombie Pop and found myself chuckling and having fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jontornblom said:
I think that it's just something that doesn't fit in the paid app category as much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean. I figured I'd start off with a couple of live wallpapers to 'test the water'. I have a couple of neat ideas for some original games - but am still unsure it'll be worth the effort on this platform (which is a shame as I love writing for Android).
jontornblom said:
I usually pay for apps that I find useful or have promise of future, as of yet unrevealed, entertainment.
I don't know what the limitations of live wallpaper are, but even a simple game needs a) unpredictable change of scenery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The paid for versions allows you to change the background to anything in your gallery.
jontornblom said:
b) the need for strategy (to entice the mind to test its abilities)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol - got me on that one! Finger popping is a bit strategy deficient! I suppose I could add more baddies with different traits...
jontornblom said:
c) some kind of final challenge (maybe like a boss zombie or something, to give that sense of accomplishment)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had tried to keep both Zombie and Dino Pop lightweight on purpose - largely because they are just wallpapers. But point taken.
I am in two minds whether to polish them up and wrap them both into stand-alone apps.
jontornblom said:
These are just my super honest thoughts, 100% intended to help out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sincerely appreciated and many, many thanks!
jontornblom said:
On a related note, I used to love this arcade game called strikers 1945 plus. I always thought it would be awesome to have a live wallpaper game like that (but obviously not as in depth..it's wallpaper lol)...again, not sure how difficult something like that would be. Just my two cents.
Sent from my Nexus 6 through tears in rain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have a look for that - it may turn into my next project
Kind regards,
Paul
Strangemoo
All the best! I'll keep an eye out for your new products!
Sent from my Nexus 6 through tears in rain.
Hey Guys, i'm a developer in his prime and i was wondering what do you think I should use to make money of my applications? Which solution or ... website? Can you please help?
TerryGidd said:
Hey Guys, i'm a developer in his prime and i was wondering what do you think I should use to make money of my applications? Which solution or ... website? Can you please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Admob :good:
Thread moved to a more relevant forum
TerryGidd said:
Hey Guys, i'm a developer in his prime and i was wondering what do you think I should use to make money of my applications? Which solution or ... website? Can you please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
TerryGidd said:
Hey Guys, i'm a developer in his prime and i was wondering what do you think I should use to make money of my applications? Which solution or ... website? Can you please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you be more specific? I think most people use the Google Play market for app sales, although there are alternatives (such as Amazon). Are you asking whether you should charge for the app vice depending on ad revenue?
TerryGidd said:
Hey Guys, i'm a developer in his prime and i was wondering what do you think I should use to make money of my applications? Which solution or ... website? Can you please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Three options:
Have an app that's good enough to make people pay to install it: Quite hard, especially on the Android platform where many users expect even high quality apps to be free.
Free app with advertisements. This usually only works well for apps which have a high user engagement, both session frequency and session length. If you have a utility app that runs in the background or gets used once in a blue moon, this model is not really suited for that, even if the app is super useful.
Free app with in-app purchases to unlock features and/or acquire consumable items. Especially games seem to be very successful with this approach.
leviteo.com :good:
leviteo said:
leviteo.com :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been pretty happy using these guys.
mrp.adsyolo .com
more of an exchange instead of a single ad network that includes around 120 various networks acting as demand partners. (admob, inmobie, yadda yadda yadda). I'm currently getting about 1500 +/- a month with these guys, not enough to leave the day job but it covers my beer expenses.
:highfive:
I'm using multiple networks... been testing the new network tapcontext because of their high payouts. Averaging $6 CPM's. Really depends on your apps though.
aiaran said:
I'm using multiple networks... been testing the new network tapcontext because of their high payouts. Averaging $6 CPM's. Really depends on your apps though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whoa, $6? could you provide some details? what kind of app did you do that is making you that kind of cpm? what kind of ad placement did you use?
LanceMarble said:
whoa, $6? could you provide some details? what kind of app did you do that is making you that kind of cpm? what kind of ad placement did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I obviously don't want to give too much away in regards to the exact apps as I wouldn't need the competition , but they are travel related. I am getting the $6+ CPM off tapcontext, using both their interstitial & notification ads.
This list below in general is a pretty good summary of some of the best ways to monetize your application.
With this in mind, the latter in the list (unlockable content) is something that we will be experiencing far more of in the future in my opinion...
smartician said:
Three options:
Have an app that's good enough to make people pay to install it: Quite hard, especially on the Android platform where many users expect even high quality apps to be free.
Free app with advertisements. This usually only works well for apps which have a high user engagement, both session frequency and session length. If you have a utility app that runs in the background or gets used once in a blue moon, this model is not really suited for that, even if the app is super useful.
Free app with in-app purchases to unlock features and/or acquire consumable items. Especially games seem to be very successful with this approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is kinda sad that its getting harder and harder to make money off the purchase of the app itself anymore. Even if you give out the free version, I've seen that very few people upgrade to the full version. There are just too many free games out there. Users end up spending more money within their favorite free apps instead of trying out many different apps.
I'm in the middle of an ad campaign for my new app and its getting a great # of installs (more than other apps). Reviews are good and emails/comments on social media about the game are positive, and yet so few people upgrade to the full version!
In my opinion never use the notification kind of adds, its very annoying wich makes people uninstall your app, unlockable content would be the best move i think. Again, its my opinion.
Sent from my super awesome LG-P700
Different ads are good for the beginning.
I use Admob and for now it's good for me.
I can't live with this money but little is better than nothing.
How To Recover Deleted Photos From Android Phone For Free
It often happens that you accidentally end up deleting all the pictures stored on the memory card of your smartphones. It sucks, especially if you have not stored a backup of the images elsewhere (usually on an external hard drive or laptop).
Sure, you may try to place the in-app ads. Clickky's monetization platform will help you to place ads relevant to your users (the programmatic approach identifies your user and his interests and shows him the appropriate ads). It works by eCPM. One of the publishers received traffic from 11 geo locations in various regions. eCPM rates peaked at $61.5 in Russia, followed by $30.28 in Switzerland, $14.13 in New Zealand, and $9.45 in France. Overall, eCPM haven’t fallen below $0.65. He had a mobile web-site, not an app, but it doesn't matter.
The eCPM you get depends on users. Let's suppose that the app advertiser has some profile of users who will most likely install his app, use it and make in-app purchases. He is ready to pay money to attract these certain users, showing them the ads. When these certain users use your app, the system (RTB-based) connect you (publisher) and app owner (advertiser). That's why the eCPM is very high. Imagine, how much you are ready to pay as an advertiser for the particular user who will bring you at least $200/mo via in-app purchases. Yes, that's why some publishers may earn up to $150
Agree with @aiaran that you should use multiple networks as they give you different fill rates in different GEOs. Unfortunately there is no best-ever solution on the market. E.g., now Clickky's monetization platfrom is now very good on Tier 1 countries, and maybe some other platform will monetize your traffic from Australia or Russia much better. In a month the situation may change, so you have to combine different platform and monetize yur traffic to the fullest.
I work for AppLixir which specializes in reward videos for games and we would love to help you with any apps or games you have. You really don't need to prepare anything other than having a great game! Revenue generation on our platform can be implemented in less than an hour (15 minutes for many).
It's free to signup too.
Try looking into Kin, a cryptocurrency that is working to change the monetization game completely. No more annoying ads or in app purchase. kinecosystem.org
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Hi
If I wanted to release an app on the Play Store for free but wanted the option that anyone can pay if they wanted to, how would I go about doing it? I dont want to have two apps, just one paid and one free.
Is it possible to have something similar to in app purchase but thats a way of thanking the dev? And does Google take a percentage from it? Or maybe PayPal link in the app?
Or any other methods?
You can use in-app billing to do what you need.
Google take 30% of your sales and as far as I am aware you are not allowed to link to paypal.
You can find a tutorial for in- app billing here or you can look through the official documentation here.
Good luck.
Just Me said:
You can use in-app billing to do what you need.
Google take 30% of your sales and as far as I am aware you are not aloud to link to paypal.
You can find a tutorial for in- app billing here or you can look through the official documentation here.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Ive seen apps that link to PayPal
ermacwins said:
Hi
If I wanted to release an app on the Play Store for free but wanted the option that anyone can pay if they wanted to, how would I go about doing it? I dont want to have two apps, just one paid and one free.
Is it possible to have something similar to in app purchase but thats a way of thanking the dev? And does Google take a percentage from it? Or maybe PayPal link in the app?
Or any other methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Why would anyone pay for something that is available for free? No matter how better the application is, if it is available for free than i am never going to pay for it no matter what. And when it comes to your question's answer no you can't do that, Google Play isn't offering any such option. Yes Google takes 30% of your sales and so does iTunes.
alextodd said:
Lol. Why would anyone pay for something that is available for free? No matter how better the application is, if it is available for free than i am never going to pay for it no matter what. And when it comes to your question's answer no you can't do that, Google Play isn't offering any such option. Yes Google takes 30% of your sales and so does iTunes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fact is, some people will pay for something that is free.
Most of the ROM's, apps etc on xda are free. They are done by devs that enjoy what they do and enjoy helping others. People donate to them as a way of saying thank you.
Also, in the past I've put apps on Google Play that are completely free, with a donate version that is exactly the same. People have used the free version, then bought the donate version because they liked it. It's all down to the individual.
Hi! I'm Dylan, the xda intern :victory:
I'm doing some research on how devs monetize their apps. We're currently exploring ways to help you make more money from your apps and we'd like to find out about what you currently do. If you could please, please take this short survey, it would be much appreciated! We promise to keep everything confidential; in fact, the survey is anonymous.
Thanks again! :laugh:
~dylan
Adesense
You can use Google adsense in your app
..
pmarius04 said:
You can use Google adsense in your app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Adsense is for website not for apps
use Admob or other ad-Networks.
Also, you can try to add some InApp Purchases.
script zoisea
AdSense
edictyu social
~dylan said:
Hi! I'm Dylan, the xda intern :victory:
I'm doing some research on how devs monetize their apps. We're currently exploring ways to help you make more money from your apps and we'd like to find out about what you currently do. If you could please, please take this short survey, it would be much appreciated! We promise to keep everything confidential; in fact, the survey is anonymous.
Thanks again! :laugh:
~dylan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you share results somewhere?
ps. admob ftw
Lots of great tips in this thread! I am currently making an app as well and plan on attending the Crowdfund Global Expo in San Diego, Jan. 30th-31st. I heard there will be lots of great investors at this event and wanted to take a look for myself. I highly suggest visiting crowdfundweeklynews.com to find out lots of great info about crowdfunding and how it can help people like us!
Probably thru admob first? Then try in-app purchases and stuff like that?
Revmob
Besides google admob, revmob also providing similar service $ too.:good:
http://www.revmobmobileadnetwork.com/
I'm displaying admob ads and using in-app purchases (IAP) to unlock additional levels. After 100 game downloads (it's my first game for android, just released), IAP considerably outperforms ads.
adrian.adamiak said:
I'm displaying admob ads and using in-app purchases (IAP) to unlock additional levels. After 100 game downloads (it's my first game for android, just released), IAP considerably outperforms ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get higher revenue from ads when you will have more users. But remember you will need active users because they will see your ads(earn by CPM) or they will click on it(earn by CPC) unless you will earn in other way like PPC/CPI or something else.
~dylan said:
Hi! I'm Dylan, the xda intern :victory:
I'm doing some research on how devs monetize their apps. We're currently exploring ways to help you make more money from your apps and we'd like to find out about what you currently do. If you could please, please take this short survey, it would be much appreciated! We promise to keep everything confidential; in fact, the survey is anonymous.
Thanks again! :laugh:
~dylan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Dylan that link is not working
PM when you get it up and working, I will do the survey
Interesting stats regarding the e-Commerce. What sort of thing are we talking here, bigger companies re-selling through apps?
Paid app and also ads network. But today is very difficult to monetize app for such competition. you should have very unique and useful app that can pay attention.
edwardchan123 said:
eomobi si a good choice,-Smartwall out ad with High Payment up to 60$ per 1000 new install ! For In-app ad they're paid by CPM not ecpm . what's more they're paid by weeks! if u r interested u can contact me for more info , here is my email address [email protected], or u can send me private messages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lately heard about eomibi... how long do you work in this field, May we trust the system? ...60$ for 1000 new downloads is not bad if you try to monetize the app via IAP
edwardchan123 said:
we've already had clients earned lot money through our platform
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
information of your website is not comprehensive.
you tried to keep the website in a corporate style, but it looks like cheap imitation imho. you should provide more professional and conprehensive information to developers, especially for those who already use other services.
edwardchan123 said:
well,first thank you for your advice, we are actually a new platform in this field which dominated by English corps and a lot of works need to be done, But the good thing is i think we're on our way of growing better and there are achievements which prove that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy for your achievements, hope you'll grow both in quantitative and qualitative aspects. And one thing also should be mentioned re website homepage as an advice .. please upload another pic of Fannie Fang (Advertisers affairs) - without that tea cup
adMob
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:41 AM ----------
or sell your game
There are lots of ways to make money from the apps. By Adds, CPI Network (cost per install) ,sponsorships and app upgrates
I have an excellent idea that will help you to make huge amount of money from your apps try
http://www.yooarticles.net/article/how-to-make-money-from-ipad-applications
hello friends, i have published my second app on google play.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.awlabs.gta5cheats
pls take some time to download it and rate it..and tell me from when i should start monetizing my app..?
thanks ..
ankur.walia said:
hello friends, i have published my second app on google play.
pls take some time to download it and rate it..and tell me from when i should start monetizing my app..?
thanks ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you should not. If you want to earn money from android application development, think about making a killer app. Try making something that you never seen before.
But always remember : You should always start small; make your app simple , intuitive.
nerroSS said:
No, you should not. If you want to earn money from android application development, think about making a killer app. Try making something that you never seen before.
But always remember : You should always start small; make your app simple , intuitive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey...thanks for replying..
actually i am still studying ( i am in college) and make these apps in my leisure time..so i am not hoping to get huge amount of money..
i was thinking if i could get enough money just to cover up my expenses like hostel and other stuffs..
ankur.walia said:
hey...thanks for replying..
actually i am still studying ( i am in college) and make these apps in my leisure time..so i am not hoping to get huge amount of money..
i was thinking if i could get enough money just to cover up my expenses like hostel and other stuffs..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to learn some money, think about making a game.
Simple, small, not so complicated. Maybe a kid's game sounds good? Something 2D or 3D , doesn't matter.
I know it could take long , but it's worth it.
Editos #1: Remember : Always start small, don't get too bulky and complicated. You can always add features to the games by updates.
I understand we students are always short of money and earning our own extra money is always cool . But you must also understand how people look for paid apps. If you make a simple app (in terms of functionality or graphics what ever it is), people doesnt feel like paying for it. As neroSS said, start small, new, intuitive, innovative and attractive and finally! Promoting it! Nobody knows you have done a app without promotion and xda does it for us for free!
TIP: Never re-produce something which has already been done. It doesnt attract more users. But you can always try them for learning purpose.
I would also be careful with using registered trademarks in your app (which GTA for sure is).
mkrstudio said:
I would also be careful with using registered trademarks in your app (which GTA for sure is).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good point.
Also, look for another way to monetize your app, for example using ads, or making two versions of it (free - pro). Generally in Android, a user only pays for a very good app.
Hope it helps.
I don't see a point in having this application if you could easily just search online for them without the app. Thanks for the contribution regardless.
Sent from ALCATEL One Touch Fierce