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2014 | Book

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The Business of iOS App Development

For iPhones, iPads and iPod touches

Authors: Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Publisher: Apress

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

Updated and expanded for the new Apple iOS8, The Business of iOS App Development, Third Edition shows you how to incorporate marketing and business savvy into every aspect of the design and development process, giving your app the best possible chance of succeeding in the App Store.

This book is written by experienced developers with business backgrounds, taking you step-by-step through cost-effective marketing techniques that have proven successful for professional iOS app creators—perfect for independent developers on shoestring budgets. No prior business knowledge is required.

The phenomenal success of the iPhone, iPad and the iPod touch have ushered in a "gold rush" for developers, but with well over a million apps in the highly competitive App Store, it has become increasingly difficult for new apps to stand out in the crowd. Achieving consumer awareness and sales longevity for your iOS app requires a lot of organization and some strategic planning. This is the book you wish you had read before you launched your first app!

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Table of Contents

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Seeing the Big Picture in a Crowded App Store Marketplace

Abstract

Living in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of Hollywood clichés. There was a time when it seemed like everyone I met—no matter their profession—was working on a screenplay.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 2. Doing Your Homework: Analyzing iOS App Ideas and Performing Competitive Research

Abstract

So, you think you have a good idea for an iPhone or iPad app? Make sure it’s a great idea. No amount of marketing will help sell a bad app. Sure, you may have excellent coding skills with the ability to produce a performance-optimized, high-quality application, but if it’s based on a poorly conceived concept, it won’t stand a chance in today’s crowded App Store.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 3. Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Abstract

This chapter was contributed by Michael Schneider, a technology transactions attorney and iPhone developer. As an attorney, Michael works with clients on intellectual property and technology-related contracts, helping them build, monetize, and protect their products. As an iPhone developer, Michael has published a number of successful apps, including TouchType, Private-I, and the Andrew Johnson series of self-help apps.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 4. Your iOS App Is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool

Abstract

There are many factors that contribute to a successful launch and life of an app. Factors such as your app icon and screenshots are among the most important visual elements that users see in the App Store. Just like with any business, a bad first impression can cost you sales and invite negative reviews, so fine-tuning your app’s design is a critical component to success. In this chapter, I’ll go through the process of getting your app off the ground by prototyping. I’ll also go over creating a great user experience with an intuitive UI and eye-catching icons, as well as designing for multiple iOS devices. I’ll provide useful tips for all of these topics throughout the chapter.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 5. Social Inception: Promoting Your Apps Within Apps

Abstract

Building upon Chapter 4’s quest to transform your app into its own marketing powerhouse, this chapter will take you one step further. You’ll learn how to integrate convenient sharing and social media elements such as In-App Email, Twitter, and Facebook. You’ll also explore tactics for gracefully encouraging App Store user reviews within your app, and improving app discovery with in-app cross-promotion and third-party social gaming platforms. The sample code in this chapter demonstrates how to implement these various ingredients for effective results.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 6. Money for Nothing: When It Pays to Be Free

Abstract

Unlike the traditional desktop software world, the App Store currently does not allow time-limited or feature-crippled trial versions. To work around this restriction, many developers offer an In-App Purchase–supported “freemium” model or a free “lite” version of their apps, hoping users will buy in-app content or the separate paid edition to gain access to premium features. In this chapter, you’ll learn when and how to harness the power of free for effective results, plus how to tap into the additional revenue opportunities of affiliate programs.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 7. Monetizing Free Apps with iAd and Other In-App Advertising Opportunities

Abstract

Mobile advertising is widely perceived as the next great marketing frontier, with advertisers racing to target that growing audience. In this chapter, the world of in-app advertising is thoroughly examined, educating you on the mobile ad networks available for iOS apps and the value of tracking usage through in-app analytics. Alternative advertising models, such as sponsorships and product placement deals, are also explored.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 8. Exploring the Freemium Model with In-App Purchase

Abstract

In-App Purchase was one of the more exciting and highly anticipated features introduced in iPhone SDK 3.0. The option to integrate e-commerce within both free and paid iOS apps opened a new frontier for developers to create additional revenue opportunities beyond traditional app sales. In-App Purchase enables you to sell subscriptions, services, virtual goods, and add-on content, such as premium features or additional game levels—all within your app.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 9. Testing and Usability: Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Abstract

As you’ve read about the various techniques for improving your app’s marketability from within the app itself, you’ve probably noticed a running theme throughout this book: your app needs to rock! Having a great app idea is not enough. So, what sells? Beautiful, intuitive interfaces that are easy to use and provide functionality that works as intended.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 10. Get the Party Started! Creating a Prerelease Buzz

Abstract

Development completed? Check. Testing completed? Check. Ready for the App Store? Almost.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 11. Keys to the Kingdom: The App Store Submission Process

Abstract

After months of extensive planning, development, and testing, you’re finally ready to submit your iOS application to the App Store! Congratulations on all your hard work! Your beta testers love your app, but will Apple’s app review team give it a thumbs-up?

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Chapter 12. Increasing Awareness for Your iOS App

Abstract

Your app has been approved and is available for sale in the App Store, so now what? First, I would like to congratulate you on this milestone achievement! If you’ve worked your way through the entire book and finally have an application listed in the App Store, that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Only fellow developers truly know how much hard work and dedication goes into launching a new software product. After months of meticulously planning and programming your app, you deserve to celebrate. Although you would probably love nothing more than to take a much needed vacation at this point, unfortunately, you can’t rest yet.

Taylor Pierce, Dave Wooldridge

Backmatter

Title: The Business of iOS App Development
Authors: Taylor Pierce
Dave Wooldridge
Copyright Year: 2014
Publisher: Apress
Electronic ISBN: 978-1-4302-6239-8
Print ISBN: 978-1-4302-6238-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-6239-8

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