How can developers market their App outside the App Store

Jul 11, 2024

The luster of distributing an app quickly wears off once developers learn that the retailers like Google Play and Apple Store are the main source of revenue.

The cost isn't an insignificant chunk--it's 30 percent. It's an amount that has developers looking for alternatives. Good news for app those that are similar to you is that there's a way to make the app available for distribution with no requirement to share profits to the media of mass circulation.

In this piece we'll discuss a method that developers can avoid the 30% cost associated with Google Play and Apple Store.

Let's get started.

The pros and cons of using the mainstream distribution channels for apps

Before we look at alternative methods to distribute apps Let's look at how traditional app channels function.

As we've mentioned before, Google Play and Apple Store take a significant portion of the profits of each app sold on their store. It's not the only issue when it comes to distribution via these channels.

A majority of the apps come with distributors who sell their apps. There's a wide variety of applications available on two distinct marketplaces. A different issue is how can the app developers make their apps stick out?

Aha! With advertising, of course.

Alongside the 30 percent fee, distributors are also making money from advertisements in order to get their apps noticed. One study revealed that the real price of app advertisements. The firm took a 10k budget and distributed it over four different ad networks:

  • Google AdWords
  • Facebook Ads
  • Twitter Ads
  • IAds

The findings showed that the cost for each app was varying from $1.43 all the way to $5.36.

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When we consider adding this cost in addition to the normal distribution cost and distribution fee, it is easy to discern why developers are looking for alternative options. Many of the top downloaded applications, such as Spotify and Netflix can be downloaded through Play along with on the App Store. But, instead of having the distributor manage the payment, these companies have devised their own billing systems to manage their subscriptions.

And companies like Epic Games have taken matters to their own and made uber-popular game Fortnite available for download on their site and the Samsung Store. They've also gotten around the huge 30% charge that the major distributors have to charge.

Other advantages that selling outside the Google Play and Apple Store include:

  • Alternative distributors do not typically require a fee for app listing. App stores that are third-party may promote your products more effectively since they have a higher chance of getting featured as an app of the week or in other promotions products
  • Alternatives can be more lucrative relative to Google or Apple stores, if developers are offering applications that are localized and targeted to specific countries

There are advantages to distributing applications through Google Play and Apple Store. Apart from being regarded by consumers as a reliable location to download and install software however, they also make it easy to distribute apps via the channels.

Spotlight: The Way One App Developer earns a Profit Through Sales Outside of the Big App Stores

As Christian Tietze started selling his products on the internet He had two main things he wanted: More money and greater control.

Tietze wrote about his experiences on the form of a blog entry on his site. Tietze discovered a variety of issues when selling on Mac App Store, including: Mac App Store, including:

  • Revenue cost 30% (excluding VAT)
  • You can't provide a demo
  • You can't provide upgrade pricing
  • It is unlikely that you will get to know the people who are your customers

Then, he began looking at ways to market outside the Mac App Store.

"Distributing via an App Store is convenient because anyone can download your application and upgrade and download it all at one time," Tietze says.

"On the flip side there is a loss in money for every transaction. It is mandatory to adhere to the App Store Sandboxing Policy You are not able to create any special discounts - and should Apple stops your account then your company has been shut down.

"This doesn't happen all that often, but it can be an option. "

Tietze says that he (and numerous other developers who are indie) distribute applications through the platforms they have created. Tietze makes use of the platform to promote his application as well as give Tietze the ability to provide bundled sales, discounts, along with the store API, which is customized.

" offers a free online storefront as well as within the app when you make in-app purchases. This is a convenient option to verify that your payment process works, and if the app changes from "locked" to "paid," he states.

Wrapping around

Regarding the methods used to distribute apps for developers, there is no doubt that the times have changed.

Two major players in the world of app stores, Google Play and Apple Store have all the chips. If developers were looking to give their apps the chances of success they'd have the choice to distribute their app on both platforms, and paying the 30 percent cost.

However, developers of apps are taking back control over their applications as well as the revenue streams.

If you opt to work with an all-inclusive service provider to provide your app directly through your site or make them available through alternative stores for apps or outlets, there's a lot of options available to sell your products. No matter if you're trying to reach people in difficult-to-reach areas, distribute your app privately or offer it in a simple download. There are endless possibilities.

Keep in mind that Google Play and Apple Store are popular because a large number of people around the world are affixed to these platforms. But, considering the number of apps downloaded using different distribution channels every day, it's clear that users are able to be flexible when it comes to finding their preferred applications.

It's possible to understand how easy it is to transform your website into a retail store by using some examples. Through these instances, you'll be able to create several simulated stores and learn about what you can do with Store Builder API. Store Builder API. These examples may also contain or contain links to documents and CodePpen-like examples of source code.

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