Don't build an app, build a business
alexwarren.co.uk
Don't build an app, build a business
1–10 of 18 posts
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#2Okay I'm making it a point to no longer click on titles that are simply commands. It's kind of getting ridiculous now.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#3The core concept of this article is solid - build something useful. That's how I'm getting triple digit year on year growth & traction with my app, http://www.getcampusmaps.com . Students find the app easier to use than going to the visitors center and getting a paper map, and so it provides real value to them.
I disagree that the app store gold rush is completely over however - I entered a crowded space with established competitors (including each school's own app, Google Maps, Apple Maps, GuideBook, Blackboard, and many more, and am still able to carve out a solid niche for myself.
The trick is in not only providing value with the app, but having a scalable marketing strategy. Treat it like any other product you want to sell, don't ride the Appstore-luck wave.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#4The core concept of this article is solid - build something useful. That's how I'm getting triple digit year on year growth & traction with my app, http://www.getcampusmaps.com . Students find the app easier to use than going to the visitors center and getting a paper map, and so it provides real value to them. I disagree that the app store gold rush is completely over however - I entered a crowded space with establi…
Your app appears free though? Growth and traction of free apps and growth and traction of paid apps aren't really comparable unless you have a plan to convert. Care to share?
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#5The core concept of this article is solid - build something useful. That's how I'm getting triple digit year on year growth & traction with my app, http://www.getcampusmaps.com . Students find the app easier to use than going to the visitors center and getting a paper map, and so it provides real value to them. I disagree that the app store gold rush is completely over however - I entered a crowded space with establi…
Your app appears free though? Growth and traction of free apps and growth and traction of paid apps aren't really comparable unless you have a plan to convert. Care to share?
Point well taken.
I've been hesitant on monetizing because of that very same growth I'm seeing. In about 6 weeks I expect to peak in the top 10 US Navigation app for about 3 days (new school year).
I've been debating ads + freemium "ads free mode", but I feel that at this point I'm getting more value out of establishing a user base. My real issue is that I don't have a GOOD scalable monetization option in mind.
Negotiating local deals takes way too long with too much turnover. I'd be interested in offering school apparel deals though. That seems scalable with the right vendor.
e: I am currently split testing one campus @ 99 cents in a separate app to test how that's received.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#6DNR
Don't build a business, create something good.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#7Earlier quoted context omitted.
Your app appears free though? Growth and traction of free apps and growth and traction of paid apps aren't really comparable unless you have a plan to convert. Care to share?
Point well taken. I've been hesitant on monetizing because of that very same growth I'm seeing. In about 6 weeks I expect to peak in the top 10 US Navigation app for about 3 days (new school year). I've been debating ads + freemium "ads free mode", but I feel that at this point I'm getting more value out of establishing a user base. My real issue is that I don't have a GOOD scalable monetization option in mind. Negot…
Integrate with facebook, map dorm rooms to students. Give to girls for free, and charge the men. Works for pubs.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#8Okay I'm making it a point to no longer click on titles that are simply commands. It's kind of getting ridiculous now.
[deleted]
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#9Earlier quoted context omitted.
Point well taken. I've been hesitant on monetizing because of that very same growth I'm seeing. In about 6 weeks I expect to peak in the top 10 US Navigation app for about 3 days (new school year). I've been debating ads + freemium "ads free mode", but I feel that at this point I'm getting more value out of establishing a user base. My real issue is that I don't have a GOOD scalable monetization option in mind. Negot…
Integrate with facebook, map dorm rooms to students. Give to girls for free, and charge the men. Works for pubs.
Congratulations. That might be the creepiest suggestion I've ever heard on HN.
Re: Don't build an app, build a business
#10Earlier quoted context omitted.
Point well taken. I've been hesitant on monetizing because of that very same growth I'm seeing. In about 6 weeks I expect to peak in the top 10 US Navigation app for about 3 days (new school year). I've been debating ads + freemium "ads free mode", but I feel that at this point I'm getting more value out of establishing a user base. My real issue is that I don't have a GOOD scalable monetization option in mind. Negot…
Integrate with facebook, map dorm rooms to students. Give to girls for free, and charge the men. Works for pubs.
I think the outcry of how "creepy" it is that an app is selling men access where women live is going to overshadow any possible profit. As soon as the media begins beating that drum, Apple will pull the app to avoid bad press and may just issue refunds too.