I was at an interesting internal workshop yesterday which focused on Apps - what they are, how you can build one how you can make them successful. Here are 7 key takeaways:
1. There are 140k Apps which are downloaded 3bn times. This is a big number but includes EVERTHING!
2. You can build apps for the iPhone, Blackberry as well as some other mobile devices
3. Some Apps are paid for, some are free. Think about apps as an extension of your website
4. To create an app, follow the standard steps you would do with any product development:
a. Who - determine who will use it and why. The more acute problem it solves, the more likely they will be to use it. Find out what the penetration of iPhones, Blackberries is in your niche sector?
b. Who else - research the competition to ensure yours has a clear differentiated usp
c. How -what will it look like (draw it out using tools ); will users be able to interact with the app;
d. Write brief for developers - you
can find a global network of freelance developers at www.elance.com
e. Business model - will users pay or not?
5. Benefits of apps include: brand awareness, user engagement, visitors to you website, potential conversions and revenue - but they're not cheap, so think through the business case
6. Building an app will cost £6k for iPhones, android apps - £5k and just £1k for Blackberry
7. You can generate advertising revenue from Admob who can host your own advertising or their own, although these will be broad consumer ads. Advertising sits on top of the app, so it can be added after the app has been created
Leave a comment