The holiday seasons is quickly approaching and a little known fact is that app developers get a sort of year-end bonus during the holidays. What was happened each year is that sales go up as people have a week or two of idle time after a hectic shopping season when they play with their new [...]

This week I answered an interesting reader question about the App Store and I figured that other peeps may want to know the answer and a few more details.  Here was the question sent in by David, Hey Matt I have a question…. Once we do make the app(we have the Mac and all now) [...]

I’ve been fortunate enough in the last year to help Pinger promote 8 different apps into the top 100. I’ve learned as much from the mistakes we’ve made, as from the things we’ve done correctly.
Guest Author: Brook Lenox

Here are top 10 mistakes I’d encourage you to avoid.

#1 Creating an Overly Complex App

The first app we created at Pinger was called Pinger Phone. Although this app did get into the top 100 for a short while, its main flaw was that it was way too complex. It had both a social media feed and an IM client. Those who understood it, loved it. Buy many people just didn’t get it.
So when it comes to apps, keep it simple.

#2 Having a Paid Only Strategy

There may be certain apps that don’t work well with a lite version, but I suggest you have a free and paid version if possible. You get double the possible exposure in the app store and you let users try your app before spending money on it.

#3 Using Sub Par Graphics

Just look at the top 100 apps. Some of the icons look like I created them (that’s not a good thing). They are blurry, unprofessional, and don’t stand out. Create the best graphics that your budget allows.

#4 Flipping a Coin to Price your App

The app store is a bit of a garage sale with $.99 tags on many items. Before you just go with the $.99 price, do research. What are your competitor’s apps priced at? Better to price your app a bit high to start. You can always lower the price later. One exception to this is the app Ping! Great app and great strategy. It was free for the first couple days while he marketed it into the top 100. Then he made it $.99. His strategy worked.
So it’s not always one size fits all. Think it through.

#5 Having No or a Last Minute Marketing Plan

I talk to so many developers that start their marketing plan once their app has been approved. Big mistake. While you’re dreaming up your perfect app, you should make your marketing plans.

#6 Not Tracking Everything You Can

At a minimum track downloads, ranking, revenue, and important changes daily. You do this to see what is driving your downloads and what is not. If you get a great review in an app review website, did it drive more downloads? If you spend money on mobile ads, how did that impact your lite and paid downloads?

#7 Not Being Willing to Spend Money

You’ve spent hours and hours building a great app. You should be willing to spend some money to promote your app. I realize it could be a waste of your precious funds, but you may also have a hit on your hands that no one ever finds out about.

#8 Not Doing Keyword Research

Apple gives you 100 characters to enter keyword information about your app. Do your homework. Use Google’s free keyword tool and the iPhone app store search box to figure out what keywords to use.

#9 Not Using your Userbase

If you’ve got a userbase when you launch your first app, announce the app to them. If you don’t, create a way to register or message your users for future updates or other app launches. Happy users you can contact are invaluable.

#10 Not Becoming or Hiring a Marketer

You can’t just be a developer. You need to become a marketer. Either start learning on your own or hire someone who can help you.
In summary, hope this helps you avoid mistakes and have success in the app store!

About Brook Lenox

Brook has been working in online customer acquisition for nearly 15 years and iPhone marketing for the past year. He helps developers with iPhone app marketing.

Let Me Guess – You Are An Awesome Developer But You Know Nothing About Marketing?

How To Market iPhone Apps was written by one of our most popular guest bloggers – Brook Lenox. If you don’t already know Brook is a marketing samurai who has launched apps to the top of their lists. In his eBook he tells you how. Brook put 11 apps into the Top 100 list on iTunes. Top 100 list apps are the ones the everyone buys and make tons of money. This doesn’t happen by accident, marketing is an art and a science.

Top 5 reasons you should get this eBook:

Head over to the How To Market iPhone Apps website to find out how to get Brook’s eBook.