Smartphone apps have promise for programmers to make money, but few are successful. Applications on smartphones, better known as “apps,” have become all the rage in the new decade, especially with the exploding market of high-end smart phones and computer tablets using the same kind of software. With both the major market venues of Apple’s iTunes as well as Google’s Android Market, users can find an app to do just about anything on their compatible phone or table.
New Opportunities
For programmers, apps have breathed a new life into potential sources of independent income. For the programmer who is lucky enough to have the app that is in demand, he or she can make a significant amount of money very quickly, especially when demand for a particular app goes viral across the Internet, generating more demand exponentially.
Few Make Money
However, the vast majority of apps made end up being given away for free. Unfortunately, to build popularity for an app in the first place, a programmer needs to generate buzz. This happens the fastest by giving away a trial version of the program for people to try out and talk about. When the program works well, the communication and referrals begin to fly, which then generates demand. At that point, the app programmer can begin to charge for a “pro” version of the application.
Middleman Fees
App programmers also need to keep in mind the market they choose to use will likely take a cut of the profit to make the app available. This is a necessary cost if the app builder wants to have direct access to users who download apps with compatible smart phones and tablets. Some programmers argue this gives significant power to the market intermediate to control what apps become popular. However, on a practical level, these intermediaries are the only way to the consumers for the most part, so programmers have to deal with them to make any viable income.
Marketing
Along with designing a good app, also comes the need for good marketing and business planning. In this respect many amateur app makers fall flat. They know how to make a great program, but they don’t know how to get people to buy it. As a result, those who can combine marketing and programming tend to win.
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