Save Your Android App From Drowning in the Google Play Store Ocean

Android Development

If your company is planning to use the Android marketplace to increase its visibility, pay close attention to this article.  In 2008, there were approximately 500 apps available for download.  Today, there are over 850,000 Android apps in the Google Play Store.  As a result, Android app promotion could be harder than development.  So, how is your app going to amount to more than just a drop of water in the app ocean?

These days, sheer grit and determination won’t cut it.  App promotion is a battlefield with two fronts.  The first is offline, such as word of mouth, magazines and television.  The second is online, for example app store promotions, email campaigns, in-app ads and 3rd party sites.

Once your app is successfully developed follow these four steps:

  1. Hold yourself with authority and speak about your new app with confidence.
  2. Identify and target gatekeepers within your space in order to get your app a seat at the table amongst influential people.
  3. Create positive memories for the users interacting with you and your app.
  4. Believe in the app you’ve developed and project your confidence outward.

When confronted with online promotion it used to be all about SEO, SEO and more SEO.  Now, online promotion calls for SEO and ASO, App Store Optimization.  Follow the steps outlined below and your app is sure to get noticed:

  1. Optimize your Android app for the Google Play Store.  ASO components include keywords in the app title and description, link-building, icon design, and promotional graphics.
  2. Optimize your app for search engines.  You will need to build a website promoting your app if you don’t already have one.
  3. Don’t be a wallflower.  Share information about your app on all of the major social networking platforms.
  4. Guest post on other websites and introduce yourself as a thought leader.
  5. Utilize app recommendations and app discovery programs to increase visibility. 

In sifting through the app ocean, following these steps will surely help your app outpace its competition.

 

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.

 

Google Android Fragmentation No Longer Concerns Salt Lake City App Developers

Android Development

Building Android apps used to be very complicated for developers in Utah, and across the United States.  Fragmentation within the Android world used to be so great, apps consistently needed software patches and other updates.  Depending upon the particular Android OS, Jelly Bean, Ice Cream Sandwich or Gingerbread, and the size and resolution of the display, many apps would fail soon after they were installed.

However, times have changed.  Salt Lake City, did you know Google introduced a new concept changing the way software developers design Android apps?  Google took control of the platform behind the platform, and pulled specific features out of its core OS. By decoupling its system from its non-system apps, Google has nearly eradicated all fragmentation issues.  Now, Google Play Services (the platform) can be updated on its own without having to wait for reluctant OEMs to roll out an entirely new OS.  For Utah app developers, developing apps for Android devices has become an easier task.

Since Google Play Services can update itself when it needs to, Android 2.2 and newer, can virtually run any app without a single problem.  So, if you’ve ever hesitated at the idea of developing an app for Android-based devices, don’t.  Android app development no longer faces the plethora of issues once caused by fragmentation, and Google’s new platform is artificially intelligent.

The only benefit to Google’s fragmentation issue was it forced software developers to hone their Android development skills.  Constantly making repairs to mal-functions in apps due to Android fragmentation has produced highly skilled developers in Salt Lake City.  Now, they are more capable than ever to take advantage of Google’s new platform design.

Mystic Media has the software development capability to build fully functional Android apps for your company.  Located in Salt Lake City, Mystic Media is Utah’s premier web and app development company.  Call Mystic Media today for a free consultation to learn more about our  Android app development services.

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.

 

App Developers In Utah Have High Hopes For The iPad 5

Android Development, iOS Development

On October 22nd, Apple unveiled the iPad Air to an expectant crowd and it was warmly received.  The ‘Air’ is Apple’s 5th generation iPad and was in part based on design features from the iPad mini.  So, along with sporting greatly improved processing capabilities, the new iPad Air has a lighter and thinner body as well.  With all of these upgrades, many companies not only in Utah but throughout the 50 states are wanting to know how to find an expert app developer that can create an iOS application that maximizes the power of this device.

Before we begin, here are some of the new features of Apple’s iPad Air:

  1. 7.5 mm thick and weighs in at approximately 1 pound.
  2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is 72x faster.
  3. 64-bit A7 processor optimized to run iOS 7.
  4. M7 motion-sensing chip.
  5. Faster MIMO Wi-Fi.
  6. Capacity ranges from 16GB to 128 GB.
  7. 5 MP iSight camera and 1080p HD video.

In searching for an app developer in Utah, it is helpful to know a little bit about Apple, the history of the iPad and its place in the market.  The following information will help you understand a developer’s iOS programming capabilities.  Since its inception Apple has been the lead innovator in developing forward thinking computing technology.  When Apple unveiled the first iPad in 2010 it continued its stellar trend of trailblazing.  Soon thereafter, Apple unveiled the iPad 2 and so on.  Other companies have developed tablets but Apple still leads with approximately 81% of tablet market share.  Within its full complement of mobile devices (iPad, iPod, iPhone), Apple has avoided the fragmentation issues that plagued Android.  Without fragmentation issues, iOS developers have had an easier time developing apps.  Easier app development has led to superior functionality, better graphics and eye-catching advertisements.

So, with regards to how to find an app developer, the answer is pretty easy.  Top iPad app development companies have years of experience with iOS and app development and a portfolio to back it up.  In Salt Lake City, Mystic Media staffs the most experienced, professional and knowledgeable iOS programmers.  Mystic prides itself is offering the best iPad app development services around.  Call Mystic Media today for a free consultation and learn how mobile app development can help your Utah company.

How Much Should You Charge For Your iPhone App?

iOS Development

When trying to figure out how much to charge for your company’s iPhone app, there are a variety of factors to consider.  Typically, pricing schemes were based solely upon the cost of developing the app and the projected sales forecast to ensure a substantial return on the investment.  However, a new trend for pricing apps has emerged.  Utilizing new research, outlined below, companies in Salt Lake City as well as other states, are encouraged to charge absolutely nothing for their iPhone apps.

It is understood iOS app development is not free and company’s need to produce revenue to remain in business.  So why should iPhone apps be free?  The following list provides 5 compelling reasons why:

  1. Free iPhone apps provide opportunities for companies to generate ad revenue.
  2. Unlike television, app usage occurs consistently throughout the day.
  3. The percentage of free apps being downloaded has increased every year since 2011.
  4. Apps strengthen a users connection to a brand or company.
  5. Research predicts 56% of purchases will be made via apps in the next year.

So, if you want to develop an app for your company, don’t be surprised when an iOS development team suggests offering your app for free.  iOS app developers know even charging $.99 can significantly reduce demand.  In order to manage expenditures companies are tempted to select the cheapest iOS developer which is not a good idea.  iPhone users still demand great app content even though they will tolerate ads.  Ads in apps also need to be crafted in such a way to make them interesting and relevant for consumers and worthwhile for advertisers.  Selecting the best iOS app development service is key to making a free iPhone app generate revenue.

In Salt Lake City, Mystic Media provides the best iOS development services around.  Our developers know how to create iPhone apps to help your company exceed its goals.  Call Mystic Media today for a free consultation to learn why we are Utah’s premier iOS app development company.

Get Fit And Stay Fit With Mobile Health Apps

Android Development, Healthcare Tech, iOS Development

These days, many businesses are clamoring for ways to cut costs and still provide healthcare benefits.  One of the most effective ways to accomplish both is with Health and Wellness Programs.  Businesses who implement Health and Wellness Programs experience a decrease in yearly spending on health plans, by as much as 7%.  Along with saving money businesses also witness significant productivity gains.  By incorporating healthier lifestyles into the strategy and culture of their business, fewer employees miss work and morale is higher.

The most effective health and wellness programs address proper nutrition, exercise, and behavioral health.  Treating the whole person, and including everyone in the company, has been recognized as the most effective means for success.  Getting there can be a challenge:  gathering baseline info, setting schedules, understanding what to eat and tracking other metrics is time consuming.  However, it doesn’t have to be.  With mobile health (mHealth), information is easily gathered and the right incentives can be easy to provide.    

Everyday more and more consumers utilize apps on their iOS and Android mobile devices to track their health and fitness.  An effective healthcare app can make participating in Health and Wellness Programs fun and exciting.  A good healthcare app should combine proper nutrition and weight loss tips, with suggested activities, motivational texts and contests.  The power of social media can also be utilized to increase the fun.  Employees can post funny pictures of workout attire, unusual workout venues or exercises, and even show successes in weight loss.   

By promoting healthy lifestyle habits, businesses experience a decrease in healthcare costs and an increase in productivity.  Help your company incorporate healthier lifestyles into its strategy and culture with the best healthcare apps.  Mystic Media specializes in iOS and Android app development and can craft the perfect app for any company’s wellness program.  Contact us today for a free consultation, or click here to learn more about our capabilities.   

Paying Attention To Entry Page Bounce Rates Will Increase Relevancy And Conversions

Web Design

Generally speaking, bounce rates higher than 60% are a cause for concern, and bounce rates as high as 80% represent a major problem.  High bounce rates are a reflection of poor website design and can result in low online sales conversion rates.  However, not all websites are designed with the same goals in mind.  Therefore, interpretation of bounce rates should be taken into perspective with regards to the objectives of the particular website.

Some websites, such as those designed for e-commerce, are built around multiple page views to reach the end goal of selling a product or service.  Other websites are optimized to fulfill objectives quickly (i.e. answer a question, solve a problem, etc…).  Websites or landing pages designed to provide information or solve a problem make bounce rate metrics less relevant.  The number of page visits, page views and unique visitors are more relevant and help identify whether or not objectives are being met. 

For websites or landing pages designed for e-commerce, bounce rates are a very relevant metric.  The overall goal is to get visitors to stick around, click on multiple pages leading to an online sale or conversion and then exit the website.  By effectively designing website content to engage a user, bounce rates are reduced, website relevancy increases and search engine rankings improve. 

The following are the top 5 ways to reduce bounce rates and increase conversion rates:

  1. Intuitive Navigation – Make content easy to read.  Prominently display a website search box.  Utilize heat maps and other analytic tools to understand how visitors are using/finding information.
  2. Attractive Content – Use colors and contrast wisely.  Also, chose attractive sizes and shapes for icons and buttons.
  3. Mobile-Friendly Website – Design content to be easily digestible for people on the go.
  4. Design Information Around Objectives – Make headlines easy to read, utilize the same copy from the ad on the landing page and be obvious about the intent.
  5. Reduce Distractions – Don’t use pop-up ads or auto-play audio or video.  Be mindful of ad placement and always make external links open in a new window.

Mystic Media can help! We provide industry leading  Website Development, Search Engine Optimization and Mobile & Tablet Application Development services guaranteed to reduce bounce rates.  Contact us today for a free consultation, and to learn more about bounce rates and why we are the best web development and digital media agency around.