@nodemaker I think this raises some really interesting points. Based on my experience moderating an exclusive app entrepreneurs group on Facebook I have seen this come numerous times where an indie developer starts a post in frustration complaining how he needs a huge marketing budget to go up in the ranks on App Store. I hope either Tapdaq or somethings else can provide an effective solution for this problem.
Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
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Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#12>Overall, King.com spends over $350k (Source: King.com) a day on mobile ads and it can be assumed that the other 4 developers have ad budgets within this range. I have said this other places, but I will repeat it here. Kudos to them for finding (or creating) a successful niche with high demand. I find it sad though that sooo much money is going to marketing games that don't push technology further, or really fundamen…
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#13I've tried emailing a few blogs to get reviews, and now I'm trying to use Twitter (@h4labs). I'm building iOS language learning software. The apps could still use work but I think I'm approaching "useful."
The one interesting observation that I have is that since I wasn't making many sales at $1.99, I raised my price on Monday to $2.99. As of this morning, I already have as many sales this week as last week. In other words, for the people who want my app, the extra dollar doesn't mean much.
By the way, constructive, even brutal, feedback is always welcome.
Back to work... gotta get one more release before the holidays.
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#14Mojang is on the list and they were an Indie developer and they don't do advertising.
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#15Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#16Any advice on cheap marketing, or simply how to get the word out? I've tried emailing a few blogs to get reviews, and now I'm trying to use Twitter (@h4labs). I'm building iOS language learning software. The apps could still use work but I think I'm approaching "useful." The one interesting observation that I have is that since I wasn't making many sales at $1.99, I raised my price on Monday to $2.99. As of this morn…
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#17>Overall, King.com spends over $350k (Source: King.com) a day on mobile ads and it can be assumed that the other 4 developers have ad budgets within this range. I have said this other places, but I will repeat it here. Kudos to them for finding (or creating) a successful niche with high demand. I find it sad though that sooo much money is going to marketing games that don't push technology further, or really fundamen…
Blame the piracy laws. These games are, of course, inherently worthless but the current policies are propping them up when innovation should be in other places.
You mistakenly conflate cost to produce with value to consumers. Obviously the content has value to consumers.
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#18I hate the king.com people. Their mobile app ads are almost malware. They do scammy App Store redirects when you're on certain websites. No, I don't give a shit about candy crush.
The funny thing with Candy Crush is that it's a free app. The only thing that costs money is if you want to "cheat" to get extra turns and goodies to help you get past levels. Totally defeats the purpose of playing a puzzle game, as far as I'm concerned, but they make tons of money off those who are fine with dishing out cash to see that next level sooner.
Re: Why indie developers can't win on the App Store
#19But if by "win" you mean "earn a comfortable living and possibly modest riches" then I doubt this thesis has any legs at all.