2. Launching your own application (on desktop, mobile or
in the new Mac App Store) is exciting & challenging.
Using our own app Alfred as a case study, this
presentation is filled our observations as well as useful
tips on promoting apps & building up a community.
Get in touch to find out more!
-Vero Pepperrell, Pepsmedia
Twitter: @vero // Email: vero@alfredapp.com
15. The Powerpack
• Launched the Powerpack in end August
• £12 add-on to the core version
• Adds a whole load of features
• Supports ongoing development
20. • Today we’ve had hundreds of 1000’s of
downloads
• Over 35,000 active users
• The Powerpack is becoming very popular!
• We gather our users’ glowing reviews here:
www.twitter.com/alfredapp/favorites
23. Work in your spare time
• To start off, use evenings & weekends
• Fund yourself w client work or a day job
• Get revenue first, then jump ship
• Gives you time to make mistakes & learn
24. Users love regular updates
• Tell them what you’re working on
• Share sneak peek screenshots
• Ask them for their preferences
25. Users love regular updates
When we asked users whether they
preferred the light or dark theme for
Alfred, we received hundreds of tweets.
1. It helped us set the default
2. Users were excited to be involved
3. It kept Alfred front of mind b/w releases
26. Downside of regular updates
Because the UI is complete enough for a
screenshot, users assume the functionality
is done too.
LikeVeruca Salt,
they want it NOW!
31. We’ve added stats, which people love to share,
and will add more fun usage info.
32. Marketing doesn’t have
to cost a fortune
• Twitter has been our primary means of
promotion
• Make friends with the bloggers in your
field (for real, not just for convenience)
• Collaborative promos w apps we’ve
integrated (eg. Postbox) have been very
successful
33. Good will & happy attitude
goes a long way
• People love to help if you’re nice to them
• Be kind & helpful, users will be grateful
and be generous in return
36. Downside of getting involved
• Time consuming: Being involved can take a
lot of time and energy.
• It can distract from core focus: Don’t let
it take away from development. Set blocks
of time with all social channels closed.
37. Get a business model
• Even with a free version or cheaper
competitor, users are willing to pay for
quality software
• We’re not all Twitter, get a business model
early on to fund yourself
• Weigh your options between angels/VC’s or
working part-time & self-funding
38. Get a business model
• Many also think it’s their right to get the
software you work so hard to create
without paying
• Within 2 days of launch, there was a hack
for the Alfred Powerpack
39. In summary:
• Don’t quit your day job too early
• It takes time, energy and stamina
• Your users can help you market it
• Find a business model early on
40. We offer our services to clients who are
launching their own apps, on desktop, iOS
store or Mac App Store.
We advise on:
• Creating the perfect user experience and UI design
• Building a buzzing community that can support you
• Planning your marketing promotion activities
• Setting up your customer care channels
41. Where to find us
alfredapp.com @alfredapp
info@pepsmedia.com
Editor's Notes
“Here’s what we’re working on”
Screenshots
Questions: Light or dark theme?
“Here’s what we’re working on”
Screenshots
Questions: Light or dark theme?
They think because the UI is done, the functionality is done too
Not everyone has a sense of humour
We nearly got killed over Comic Sans in this first pref file
We’ve added stats
ppl love to share
We’re likely to add trophies
Activities through Twitter, w bloggers & co-competitions w apps we’ve integrated
Ppl love to help if you’re nice to them
Even when the free version is great, people will support/buy for advanced features
We’re not all Twitter, we need to fund development!
