Category Archives: iOS Development

How To Generate Revenue From Mobile Ad Networks

Android Development, iOS Development

You sit at home watching sports while you surf your iPad.  You drive, following the directions of a mobile application.  You work on your computer, but you check your Smartphone while you wait for a page to load. Technology dominates our lives to the point where we’re generally engaged in not only one, but two or more than electronic devices throughout our day.  The 21st century company must reach mobile customers wherever they are, at their desktop, on their iPhone, or on their iPad.  Marketing strategies require cross-platform advertising if they have any chance at success.  As mobile device usage and app development grow, it becomes more and more evident the most effective advertisements are designed to be compatible across different types of devices.
Soon after smartphones were introduced, the best mobile development companies began offering cross-platform marketing.  However, the idea lay dormant for years until sales of iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices reached a tipping point and created a huge shift in how people engage with technology and the World Wide Web.  Now, if someone looks at you on the street while you wait for the bus, chances are you will look to your smartphone, and within that smartphone, you’ll look at a mobile app, and within that mobile app, you’ll glance at an advertisement.  Consumers are starved for web and mobile content to fill up the empty moments in their day, intelligent companies know to take advantage of every opportunity they can to establish their brand.
Smartphone sales now surpass PC sales.  The growth of the mobile platform opened up opportunity for capitalization.  Innovations in geo-location, mobile ad serving/tracking have made it easier than ever to strategically develop and monetize mobile applications and advertisements to target consumers.  Tools such as Google Enhanced Campaign allow marketers to execute paid search programs across mobile platforms.  Generally speaking, cross-platform marketing campaigns require three things to be successful:

  1. Premium scale across all mobile platforms.
  2. Precise first and third party data to link parties together.
  3. An optimized engine designed to increase results.

Total iPad and tablet sales have consistently risen since their introduction into the market place.  The number of downloaded apps also continues to grow.  Meanwhile, PC sales have steadily leveled off and even dropped due to the proliferation of mobile devices.  The days of the desktop campaign are over.  Utah companies and companies throughout the United States are expected to invest in cross-platform marketing to create indispensable brand continuity, solidifying any given company’s presence in the marketplace.
Professional web developers reap the benefits as well.  Cross-platform marketing proves significantly less labor intensive due to the reduced development needs.  Without having to build ads for every platform, web development firms spend more time on graphics and functionality.  The payoff for both companies makes cross-platform marketing the best and most cost-effective design for online advertising.
Sales and sales projections of mobile devices have created an increase in the need for stunning and cost-effective mobile and web ads.  Now, with cross-platform marketing, developers have the perfect tool to make online ads pay off in a big way.  Don’t waste money on ineffective campaigns, maximize every dollar spent on online advertising through cross-platform mobile marketing to achieve a positive ROI.

Attract Advertisers To Purchase Ad Space Within Your Mobile Application

Android Development, iOS Development

In a few earlier posts, we discussed app monetization in our article ‘How To Generate Revenue From Your Free App’  Also, in our article, ‘Survive The App Marketplace By Effectively Monetizing Your Free App’, we detailed the specifics of each app monetization strategy and provided several examples. Click here for a quick refresher.

One of the top four strategies for successful app monetization is integrating advertisements within the mobile application.  Selling ad space is an extremely effective way to generate revenue.  Banner advertising within mobile applications resembles classic banner advertisements on websites.  Due to this familiarity many developers and marketing strategists utilize the following advertising model:

  • Invest in marketing and advertising to create awareness
  • Stimulate discovery
  • Drive downloads
  • Let other companies place ads within your app to generate revenue

While the marketing strategy outlined above has proven effective, companies are now being pushed to think critically about the development of monetization strategies for their mobile applications.  Diligent planning while creating a sustainable and effective mobile marketing strategy is a must.  To begin with, the mobile application must be properly developed and serve the needs of its users. One of the most prominent features of a successful mobile application is that it fulfills the user’s needs. It is also important that these needs are not being  fulfilled by an already existing app or other type of technology.

Another important aspect to the overall mobile marketing strategy is diversifying the revenue stream.  One strategy cannot solve all revenue generation problems.  Along with selling ad space, companies need to consider in-app purchases, subscriptions and app sponsorships. 

Regardless of the secondary revenue generator chosen, the following list outlines mobile marketing strategies that can make an application successful:

  1. Try to achieve a critical mass with your app that keeps drawing people back time and time again. This will make the app more appealing to advertisers.
  2. Identify the app’s target audience in order to determine the type of advertisers you want to attract.
  3. Keep the cost of attracting downloads and advertisers below the amount of revenue the app is forecasted to generate.
  4. Develop and test the app’s marketing options and utilize the options that hold the best promise of helping the app “go viral” thus increasing its appeal to advertisers.

Once critical mass is achieved, quantify your audience via downloads, demographics, banner ad click-through rates and other user statistics to further increase the appeal of your company’s mobile app.  In order to continue to package your mobile application as a product that appeals to advertisers demonstrate the power and reach of mobile technology by highlighting mobile activity and sales.

Lastly, get linked up with a good ad network, like  Google Adwords, Millenial Media or Adfonic.  Ad networks help companies find advertisers.  Mobile ad networks get a cut of the application’s revenue, but they eliminate the hassle of pounding the pavement that is involved with looking for new advertisers.

Effective app monetization isn’t rocket science, although it does require thoughtful planning and calculated execution.  Ad-supported mobile apps can be very successful.  By growing your audience, tracking user statistics, employing at least two app monetization strategies, and joining a good ad network, your revenue stream is sure to grow.  All a company needs to do is keep development costs, and the cost of attracting users and advertisers below the forecasted app revenue stream.     

Survive The App Marketplace By Effectively Monetizing Your Free App

Android Development, iOS Development

Monetization of mobile applications is one of the hottest topics amongst app developers and app owners across the United States.  Especially when one considers how many companies are forced to offer their app for free in spite of the cost of development.  While the debate concerning the price of mobile apps is sure to continue, we have addressed many of the major questions relating to price points in a previous article; How Much Should You Charge For Your iPhone App?

Since free is the best price for most consumers, companies are still in need of covering app development costs.  Back in November we wrote about the best ways to monetize free apps; How to Generate Revenue From Your Free App.  The article stated that, subscription-supported apps, in-app purchases, ad-supported apps and sponsorships are the most effective methods to generate revenue from mobile applications.  Below, is an outline of each strategy in order to assist you in determining which one will work best for the app your company is developing. 

Subscriptions:

Subscription-supported apps are where users pay monthly fees to access and use features not available in the free version of the app.  Developers design apps with subscription-based services that provide access to updates, bundled services or other features that promise to enhance the user experience.  By offering special features not everyone is privy too, companies increase the real and perceived value of the mobile application.  Examples of subscription-based mobile apps include: Wall Street Journal, Rdio, and Soccer Champs.   

In-App Purchases:

One of the most popular and effective means of monetizing apps is through in-app purchases.  Both Apple and Google provide good descriptions of the fundamental components of in-app billing.    

An easy way to think of in-app purchases is to liken it to the following scenario.  Imagine you go out to eat.  Getting to the restaurant is free.  Once inside the restaurant you can stand and eat for free or pay to sit at a table and eat.  Lastly, if you want to view the entire menu instead of being served whatever the chef wants to serve you, you have to pay a small fee.  This is known as the velvet-rope approach, and it is very popular among professional developers and strategic marketers.  Essentially, the user is enticed to make purchases in order to increase their experience within the app.  Examples of in-app purchases include the top three grossing games: Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans and Pet Rescue Saga. 

Mobile Ads:

Ad-supported apps generate money from companies wishing to advertise within your app.  Similar to advertising on a website, advertisers purchase banner-ad space for a set price and can also be contracted to give your company a percentage of the sales that are generated from users clicking through.  Ad-supported apps are usually offered side-by-side paid versions of apps providing users with an option to tolerate non-obtrusive ads or have an ad-free experience.  Developing ad-supported apps maximizes a company’s reach and potential revenue stream.  While some companies prefer to attract advertisers on their own, the best method of finding advertisers is to connect with them via an ad network such as: Google Adwords, Millenial Media or Adfonic.

App Sponsorship:

App sponsorship is quickly emerging as a very effective means of monetizing apps.  Companies attract sponsors by directly linking user interests to the sponsoring company’s products or services.  Sponsorships make it easier for users to take action and/or receive more information by immediately clicking on the banner in the app.  The upside for sponsors is getting user contact information and sometimes making a sale.  App sponsorship is more effective than traditional print sponsorship because it offers a higher ROI to the sponsor.  Many companies have sponsorship submission forms on their websites.  Check Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Subway.    

It might be tempting to think of one of the strategies listed above as “the one”.  However, knowledgeable strategic marketers and mobile app development specialists suggest utilizing a combination of the strategies and seeing which one fits best.  Some apps are better suited to sponsorship, others in-app purchases and so on.  Experienced developers can easily assist you in picking a couple of strategies that will suit your company’s needs.

Cross-Platform Ads – The Key To Generating & Maximizing Revenue From Ad Networks

Android Development, iOS Development

It is vital your ads reach users on every device possible, be it tablets, phones or computers.  Cross-platform advertising should be a key component of your company’s marketing strategy.  Mobile device usage and app development are continuously growing, while desktop workstations continue to dominate the workplace.  Thus, the most effective advertisements are the ones that reach users on all types of devices.

Soon after smartphones were introduced, the best mobile development companies started offering cross-platform marketing.  However, this idea was dormant for years until the sales of iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices reached a tipping point and created a huge shift in how people engage with technology and the Web.

Smartphone sales now surpass PC sales.  Total iPad and tablet sales have consistently risen since their introduction into the marketplace.  The number of apps being downloaded is also increasing.  Due to the proliferation of mobile devices, PC sales have been steadily leveling off.

Cross-platform marketing is a smart investment for companies across the United States and abroad.  Professional web developers are reaping the benefits as well.  Cross-platform marketing is significantly less labor intensive due to reduced development needs.  Without having to build ads for each platform, marketing and development firms are able to spend more time on, specific calls to action, graphics and functionality.  The payoff for all parties is substantial and is the main reason cross-platform marketing is the best online ad delivery platform.

Google recently introduced Cross-Device Measurement in Google Analytics which is sure to turn mobile marketing on its head.  With Cross-Device Measurement internet traffic can be more easily and effectively tracked.  Over the long term, companies will be able to gain a more accurate picture of its customers and their online habits.  Now companies will be able to develop more informed marketing campaigns and pair them with geo-location software to improve brand recognition and ad stickiness.

As sales of mobile devices create an increased need for stunning and cost-effective mobile and web ads, new marketing tools are in high demand.  With cross-platform marketing, developers have the perfect tool to make online advertising truly pay off.  Don’t waste money on in-effective advertising campaigns.  It is important not to focus solely on one advertising medium. By using cross-platform advertising, your company will have a better chance of maximizing every dollar spent on its advertising campaign.

iPad Apps: Innovative Technology Aiding In Child Development

iOS Development

When it comes to apps, most people think of gaming, shopping or music.  While entertainment apps definitely dominate the marketplace, there are innovative apps out there changing lives in meaningful ways.  One such type of app helps children with autism develop and improve necessary communication skills.

Autism is a disorder of neurological development.  It is typically characterized by impairment in socialization, communication (verbal and non-verbal) and restricted or repetitive behaviors.  Typically, symptoms of autism are recognizable before a child turns 3 years old.

In the past, effectively treating autism was hampered by the belief that if children did not develop communication skills by the age of 5, they never would.  Fortunately, a recent study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles debunked this long held belief.  Now children, no matter what age can be taught the necessary skills to keep them on par with or at least closer to their peers in school.  One of the most common tools  educators, parents and counselors are turning to, are mobile apps; with Apple’s iOS leading the way.

App developers are utilizing the powerful iOS platform to build fully customizable apps to meet each child’s individual needs to assist in their development.  One of the first apps to be developed by iOS programmers utilized speech-generating technology.  Wubbzy’s Magic School, by Cupcake Digital is a great example of the power of iOS apps.  Speech-generating apps allow children with autism to hear the same word over and over with no variance in acoustics.  When words sound exactly the same, children with autism can easily understand and incorporate them into their vocabulary.

Another benefit of utilizing iPad apps to develop language skills is the lack of stigma associated with the technology.  iPads are becoming more and more integrated into daily life.  For children with autism, their peers and teachers, iPad apps make communication easy.  Instead of trying to use and interpret hand signals and other non-verbal communication, children with autism can press buttons on a screen to convey their needs and ideas.

iOS programmers are also making play time on iPads more meaningful and enjoyable. Developers are crafting apps based on classic board games.  The overall design of the app is a simpler version of the board games which makes learning easier and more fun.  The apps are purposefully intuitive allowing parents and educators to introduce new features at a suitable rate to match the child’s developmental capability. 

As the future unfolds, it is clear that technology will continue to help change lives for the better in the most unexpected ways.  While research continues to develop ways to effectively help children with autism,  tackling other issues doesn’t appear to be outside of the realm of possibility.  With iPads and apps leading the way the future looks bright for everyone.

What Can Cloud-Based Mobile App Development Do For Your Company?

iOS Development

iOS developers are always looking to innovate and build iPhone apps that exceed company’s expectations.  The next frontier of innovation appears to lie in the clouds.  When cloud-based computing was first introduced, it had its fair share of problems.  However, with time and continued ingenuity, cloud-based computing overcame its myriad of issues and is now posed to support and enhance iPhone app development.

How can iOS developers leverage the cloud for your company?  Cloud-based mobile development provides distinct advantages that are hard to dismiss.  The following list outlines why iPhone app development should occur in the cloud:

  1. Reduces Total Costs: Local & hosted dedicated servers no longer carry the bulk of the computing load, lowering up-front investment and reducing long-term costs.
  2. Flexibility: Cloud-based mobile app development gives companies the necessary means to make adjustments as priorities shift and the market rises and falls.
  3. Faster Development Of The App: Most cloud services already house the important software and tools such as  integrated security, APIs, back-end connections, pre-packaged connections and much more.  When selecting a cloud service it is important to consider what software packages are inherently included.
  4. More Reliability and Scalability: Data delivery is improved through fail-safes, backups and duplicates. Server capacity can also be scaled easily.
  5. Increased Control: The total app experience is more easily managed across the entire mobile stack.
  6. Improved Collaboration: From design, development and deployment, the mobile development team can easily communicate with each other.
  7. Stronger Community: The cloud can better connect developers to end users to enhance the mobile app experience.

With cloud-based mobile development, companies are now able to solve one of the biggest problems; improving customer service.  By making data more accessible, and increasing the opportunities for collaboration and developing stronger communities, iOS cloud-based apps are making customer service a lot easier.  Also, by decreasing total cost of ownership, iOS development firms are allowing companies to still focus on their bottom line.

iPhone app development is constantly evolving contributing to the evolution of technology.  With the help of expert designers, your company’s app will increase revenue, users and can do wonders for any business.   

Understanding App Security – An App Developer’s Perspective

iOS Development

In today’s ever changing world, security is to be measured one day at a time.  New threats are introduced every day, internally and externally, impacting app security.  The best practices for iPhone app developers are periodic security checks of all the critical levels within the code.  However, other steps need to be in place in order to protect a mobile application for the long-term. The first step professional developers take to increase security is having a mindset focused on security throughout the design, development and deployment phases of an app.  This helps mobile development companies minimize security risks throughout the life of an app.

To further mitigate risk iPhone developers suggest the following steps before design work begins:

  1. Initial review: Assessment of the purpose of the app within the context of its users and its market as well as the development and deployment within in the app’s technical environment.
  2. Threat Modeling: Initially identifying areas of the app that handle sensitive data.

As stated above, the next steps are to design, develop and deploy the app with security at the forefront of the process.  Once those steps are put in place, the best app development companies increase the level of security an app possesses by utilizing the following methods:

  1. Risk Mitigation: Prioritize, evaluate and implement the necessary controls identified prior to app deployment.
  2. Benchmark: Measure the security of the app against others in the market and overall industry standards.
  3. Maintenance: Performance of periodic security checks.

By managing app security as outlined above, mobile development companies are guaranteed to:

  1. Protect their client’s brand identity.
  2. Help owners better understand their business through their security needs and solutions.
  3. Protect their client’s vital & sensitive information.

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mystic Media is a company you can trust.  We understand the necessary protocols required to design, develop and deploy the best apps around.  No one knows secure app development better than Mystic Media.  Call today for a free consultation.

 

How To Generate Revenue From Your Free App

iOS Development

For those who read our blog, ‘How Much Should You Charge For Your iPhone App?’ you understand why “free” is the best pricing option for apps.  However, we understand why the notion of paying a development firm to develop an app being offered for free may still be troubling.  In this blog we will explain how to monetize free apps so the money spent on iOS development can provide a substantial return on investment.

In offering a free app on the iOS platform there are a few money-making options to choose from.  Below is a list of the four best monetization options:

  1. Subscription-supported app monetization.
  2. Ad-support app monetization.
  3. In-app purchases.
  4. Sponsorship.

You’ll notice that between the four options, two clear monetization strategies emerge.  One strategy generates income from the app user (1 & 3) and the other generates revenue from advertisers (2 & 4).

Overall, research has shown that advertisers are more willing to pay iOS development firms than end users are willing to pay for iPhone apps.  However, a two-pronged approach should be developed, whereby your company generates revenue from both advertisers and users.  Many companies in Utah, and across the Unites States, have put this into practice and have witnessed a strong response.  Providing free and paid versions of apps can satisfy all iPhone user types (those willing and unwilling to pay for apps), and cover the costs of development upfront by selling ad space or sponsorship/naming rights.

While it is no secret that free apps outpace paid apps in total number of downloads, users as well as advertisers need to be targeted.  Ultimately, as long as the app is highly functional and intuitive, it should easily break through Apple’s App Store clutter making it suitable to both types of monetization strategies.  It is important to remember the iPhone app market is forever growing and the best place to be is out in front.

For years, Mystic Media has continued to utilize the most effective marketing strategies and latest iOS software to help companies easily sell their services and products.  Mystic’s expert app developers craft highly functional apps that are visually pleasing and intuitive to use.  Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mystic Media is the best iOS app development company around.  Call Mystic today, for a free consultation.

Blackberry’s BBM App For Android: Why Your Company Should Be Paying Attention

Android Development, iOS Development

After several years of debate amongst software developers regarding platform superiority, the answer has finally come.  Both Android and iOS are equally powerful and important in overall value to the marketplace.  Where does this answer come from?  Surprisingly, Blackberry, and they’ve done it with the release of their Blackberry Messenger (BBM) app for Android and iPhone.

In developing an app for multi-platform use, Blackberry is quietly acknowledging their loss of mobile hardware and software market share.  Even though Blackberry isn’t explicitly stating the three items outlined below, industry experts surely are:

  1. Android and iOS innovation along with the combined share of the marketplace is too substantial for Blackberry to compete with.
  2. Blackberry is struggling to differentiate itself with their new line of hardware products.
  3. Blackberry’s business strategy may be better suited to software and web development.

In parts of the world where Blackberry no longer has a strong foothold, the Middle East and North Africa, Blackberry turned to Samsung to help with unveiling the BBM app.  The partnership with Samsung, was Blackberry’s attempt to gain back some of the instant messaging market share it has been steadily losing since 2011.  Sadly, many experts agree that Blackberry app developers may be acting too late.  Had Blackberry marketing strategists, software developers, and other leaders within the company had more foresight, BBM would have been launched in 2010 and the Blackberry Z10 and Q10 as early as 2011.

With the recent firing of its CEO Thorsten Hiens, Blackberry is showing clear signs of a company in a downward spiral.  As a result, the US and global market share once held by Blackberry is up for grabs as the development of apps for Android and iOS continues to grow.  Sporting increasingly better hardware and software, as we reported in our blogs‘Google Fragmentation No Longer…’ and ‘7th Heaven’, developers of Android and iOS mobile phone apps are sure to be in high demand.

Located in Salt Lake City, Mystic Media is your expert app and web development company.  Whether you want to utilize iOS or Android to market your company’s products or services, Mystic Media can help.  Contact us today for a free consultation to learn why we are Utah’s #1 app development company.

Should Your Company Develop Native Apps or HTML-5-Based Apps?

Android Development, iOS Development

When smartphones were introduced, the debate regarding app development quickly heated up.  Questions were raised regarding the advantages and disadvantages of developing native apps versus HTML apps.  While the debate continues, especially after the release of HTML-5, professional app developers agree, native apps are better than HTML-5 apps.

For those who are unfamiliar with the concepts of native and HTML-5 apps, here are definitions for quick reference:

  1. Native apps: apps specifically developed for and downloaded directly to mobile devices.
  2. HTML-5 apps: apps housed on the web and able to run across all mobile platforms and devices.

Of course, it is easy to find naysayers and detractors who believe whole-heartedly in HTML-5 apps.  However, there are many compelling reasons why companies should request native app development.  First, here are the reasons why HTML-5 app development is not the right choice for your company:

  1. Fragmentation issues exist due to the need for compatibility with multiple browsers.
  2. Not all mobile browsers fully support HTML-5.
  3. HTML-5 does not work offline and has an inferior UI.
  4. The development focus of HTML-5 is still on websites viewed from desktop computers not mobile devices.
  5. No central app store exists to purchase HTML-5 apps making it difficult for companies to tap into the $6 billion app economy.
  6. Facebook and Linkdin dropped HTML-5 due to reasons 1-5 and other development limitations.

If the list above is not enough to convince you that native apps are better, the distinct advantages of native app development listed below should help:

  1. Native apps offer better overall performance and superior UI.
  2. There are stronger security features for professional app developers to utilize and leverage.
  3. Native apps offer easier monetization through Google Play and Apple App stores.
  4. Mobile app developers find more value in developing native apps. (The experts have spoken!)
  5. It is easier to identify and implement necessary improvements for native apps.

Why native app development is better, is further supported based on the larger PC and mobile device marketplace.  Outlined below are interesting trends that developers of mobile apps are paying attention to:

  1. Since 2005 mobile device sales have surpassed PC sales and were found to be 2x higher and growing in 2012.
  2. In the 2nd quarter of 2012, overall shipments of PCs stagnated and have consistently fallen since then.
  3. Tablet sales are projected to overtake PC sales in 2-3 years.
  4. Mobile device home screens are dominated by apps not mobile browsers.
  5. 80% of the information accessed on mobile devices is app-based.

For Salt Lake City-based companies looking for a sophisticated mobile app that can deliver complex data and heavier graphics to the end-user, native app development is the answer.  No one needs an app with loading and other compatibility issues with mobile devices.  The larger goal is to engage users and develop loyal customers.  Companies in Utah will succeed with native apps.

In Salt Lake City, Mystic Media specializes in mobile app development.  Our expertise in developing native apps for iPhones and Android devices is unparalleled.  Contact Mystic Media today for a free consultation and to learn why we are Utah’s best mobile app development company.