Make Sure That Inn-App Purchases Don't Make Your Users Angry

Have you noticed in recent times just how many apps for your smart phone or tablet now have 'in-app purchases' incorporated into them? And you know what? That's completely fair enough. Mobile app development doesn't come cheap, and those apps marketed as 'free' still need to be lucrative so app developers can make more. In-app purchases give developers a way to make money from their product while still essentially keeping it 'free'. However, they can be divisive among consumers, so it's important to consider how you integrate in-app purchases to avoid angering people who use it.

But first, the basics

For those unaware, in-app purchases are the additional content, functionality, services or subscriptions that iPhone and Android app developers sell and customers can buy through the app- but they must pay for it to access it.

Content could come in the form of a downloadable eBook (no hard copies - only digital content can be sold as an in-app purchase) or additional levels or characters in a game. Additional functionality might be something like giving added strength to a character in a game, or being able to save a higher number of favourite profiles in a dating app than the standard version allows. Services offered as an in-app purchase must always exist in the digital realm, so no plumbing repairs or anything that is strictly 'real world'. Businesses might take up a something like voice transcription or 12 months of VoIP phone service. Subscriptions can also be offered, but again must be digital in nature and might include access to your favourite daily newspaper or streaming content like Netflix or Spotify.

All in-app purchases must come under one of the following purchase types; they must be either consumables (i.e. the user must purchase each time they want to use the purchase, e.g. extra ammunition for a game); non consumables (i.e. the user has lifelong access to their purchase, such as additional filters on a photo editing app, extra levels in a game); auto-renewable subscriptions (e.g. to a digital newspaper or a dating app like Tinder, where you have access to additional functions and the subscription continues until the user opts out); free subscriptions; or non-renewing subscriptions (e.g. a 12 month subscription to access to premium features on an app that expires at the end of the period).

The do's and don'ts of incorporating in-app purchases

While not every one of your customers will use in-app purchases, those who do will expect them to be engaging, user friendly and valuable to their user experience. Therefore it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure their purchase is a positive one.

• Your customer should be able to access their in-app purchase on any device registered under their name. If they pay for the premium service of Tinder or buy extra donuts for the Simpsons Tapped Out game on their smart phone, they should be able to access these things on their tablet as well. Failing to make them usable across all devices will anger your end user.
• Any credits or virtual currency you make available for purchase within your app must not be restricted by an imposed time limit. Users should be able to use their purchase at a time of their choosing, not simply have to blow them because they're under time constraints.
• Any content that users buy as an in-app purchase must be permanent and able to be kept by the customer. They should be able to delete the app at any time, reinstall it and still be able to access their additional content. The only exception of course is consumable content that expires after it has been used and must be bought again when the customer wants it.
• In-app purchases can only be used within the app in which they were bought - users cannot, for example, transfer virtual currency bought in one game to another.

When implemented well, in-app purchases can enhance the user experience, which keeps them coming back for more and helps bring in additional profits for you at the same time. When done badly though, whether the purchases are priced too highly; the purchasing process is too complicated or the product doesn't meet your customer's expectations, it can turn the user off your app completely. Speak to the experienced mobile app developers at Appz about how to make your product intuitive, attractive and easy to use. Call us on 1300 233 444 or get a quote online.

Source:- http://prwire.com.au/pr/53994/in-app-purchases-and-how-to-avoid-angering-your-end-user-with-them

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Mobile App Development 101: Turning an Idea into an App

So, you've just had a great idea for an app and you're ready to turn it into a reality - fantastic! However, creating a successful app requires more than just an idea. From mapping it out through to consulting with mobile app developers, here are several useful hints to help you develop your idea and grow it into a fully functional application.

Assess the competition

Before developing an idea further, it's vital to check if anyone else has previously had the same idea. After all, it's devastating to put all the time and hard work into creating an app only to find out it already exists in some shape or form. Conducting research within app stores is the best way to determine if your idea already exists. Try searching for terms and keywords relating to your idea, and if nothing comes up, congratulations - you may have stumbled upon something original. However, not all apps need to be original, so don't be discouraged if you find an app that shares your idea - as long as the competition isn't too high, you may still be able to capture a market share.

Map it out and create a mock-up

The next step of developing your idea involves fleshing it out and creating a plan. This is the stage where mind maps, storyboards and lists will come in handy. Think about the features and design you your app to have, and write them down - along with anything else you think might be important. Any piece of information you can get down will be beneficial.

Your mapping and other notes can then be used by Android or iPhone app developers to create a mock-up using wireframes. A mock-up is where everything comes together for the first time, including features, design and user experience elements. You'll be able to view a skeleton of your app, giving you the opportunity to approve it before development begins.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you feel lost at any stage throughout the idea development process, there's no need to stress - there are many talented mobile app developers who can help guide you through the app development process, such as the team at Appz. Hiring a professional developer will also give you access to their experience and expertise, helping you to successfully turn your idea into an app.

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Create An App That Functions Extremely Well

If you've already gone through the process of mobile app development and are now looking to launch your creation onto the app store, it's important to consider how you're going to make it visible amongst the many others available for download. If you don't know where to begin, here are several tips to help ensure your app stands out against the rest.

Pick your keywords carefully

Keyword optimisation involves analysing and selecting the words that define your application, allowing it to appear in search results when a certain keyword or phrase is searched. Unfortunately, many keywords are quite competitive, making it hard for your app to appear high in search results. If your app uses highly competitive keywords, it's recommended to find a balance by considering using less popular synonyms of these keywords, allowing your app to rank higher for these terms rather than ranking lower for something more popular.

Design an attractive, eye-catching icon

The icon of an app is often the first thing a person will notice when browsing through app search results, so it's essential to make it stand out. Your icon should be original, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. Where possible, it should also reflect the purpose of your app. For instance, a loud, bright and colourful icon may appeal for games, while those searching for productivity apps may look for something with a clean and simple design.

Write a great app description

If your keyword selection and eye-catching icon have done their job, you should be getting many clicks on your app, leading searchers to a page with your app description and a download button. However, a person must first be persuaded by the content on the page before they decide to download. That's why it's vital to write descriptive, appealing and engaging content about your app.

Your description page also contains a space where you can upload screenshots from your app to give people an idea of what it contains. You should choose screenshots that highlight your app and make it look as appealing as possible, further swaying people to download it.

Need help getting your app up to scratch? Let Appz provide assistance

Need an app that's worthy of standing out? Appz can help. Our expert team of app developers have experience with multiple mobile platforms, including Android and iPhone. We can provide assistance and advice through all stages of mobile app development, from designing and building right through to releasing your new app into app stores. Call us today on 1300 738 438 to learn more!

Source:- http://prwire.com.au/pr/53782/how-to-make-your-app-stand-out-from-the-rest

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User Friendly And Excellent 6 Holiday & Travel Apps

Going on a holiday is a great way to relax but planning and arranging a vacation can be stressful. From booking flights, finding accommodation, choosing sightseeing destinations to deciding where to eat, travellers have plenty of organizing to do. Luckily, some insightful app developers have created the perfect apps for travellers, eliminating heaps of the stress and leaving behind the relaxation. Here's our pick of some essential apps for your next holiday.

 

Hipmunk (iOS & Android)

Hipmunk is comprehensive and versatile holiday app, helping users to search for flights and hotels all over the world and even make bookings. The app developers behind Hipmunk have created an easy to use platform that brings together information on everything from flight durations and prices to the latest updates on special hotel offers.

TripIt (iOS & Android)

Tripit is the essential app for those who wish to eliminate common travel concerns such as time management and handling bookings. With this application, you can organize itineraries, log check in times and create a detailed activity schedule. A very useful feature of TripIt is its ability to source information from your email which is then logged onto a personalized schedule.

Trip Advisor (iOS & Android)

Many will know Trip Advisor as a website which offers a comprehensive guide to hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing attractions from all around the world. Well now it's also available as an app; the mobile app developers responsible have managed to transfer all the great features of the original website seamlessly onto the app, making for a convenient user experience.

Expensify (iOS & Android)

This app is ideal for business travellers but is also useful for anyone with a penchant for tracking their every expense. It allows you to track expenses, create an accounts log, and also features a useful currency conversion calculator. Its handiest feature is Smart Scan, in which users photograph receipts which are then automatically copied and logged onto the expense diary of the app.

Wi-Fi Finder (iOS & Android)

Wi-Fi Finder is an incredibly useful app that works in over a 100 countries. Thanks to overpriced data roaming charges, one of a traveller's primary concerns is finding a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi Finder lists all of your nearest free hotspots and also lets you know how far away they are. The app even provides contact details for cafes and restaurants with free Wi-Fi so travellers can call them if they get lost on the way!

Food spotting (iOS & Android)

Indulging in the local cuisine is an essential part of any overseas trip. If you have a list of dishes you want to try, a search on Food spotting will generate a list of restaurants that serve up exactly what you're after. The app developers behind Food spotting haven't missed a detail; they've even included a database of reviews for each establishment. That means you can find the most authentic dishes at local restaurants while discovering people's recommendations through the app.

Meet our App Development Team at Appz

Do you have a great idea for an app, but just need help putting it together? Our team of iPhone and Android developers can help. If you'd like to work with an expert mobile app development team who will help bring your idea to life, come see our experts at Appz.

Source:- http://prwire.com.au/pr/53608/6-essential-holiday-amp-travel-apps

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