If you want an app to be successful, it needs to be marketed
I’ve been asked before about the costs associated with developing apps. I really don’t love giving the “it depends” answer, but that is really the best answer.
Some major agencies charge tens of thousands of dollars for custom apps that encourage a high-level of interaction, and carry all the proverbial bells and whistles. Some smaller agencies will create a basic static app for $1,000 and a more complex app for around $5,000.
The direction you decide to take with your app creation will depend on the functionality you desire, and the budget you have to work with. After realizing this, many digital publishers then ask, “is it worth creating an app?”
The answer to that question relies heavily on the time and effort you have to promote the app. Is it possible to build an app, put it in the App Store, and generate revenue off it? I’m sure it’s possible, but highly unlikely.
[text_ad]
To draw attention to your app, and allow it to stand above the cluttered App Store, you need to market for it. According to App Promo, top earning app producers spend an average of 14% of their time on marketing the app. However, the majority of app producers only spend about 5% or less of their time promoting their app. Mashable has a great infographic on the truth behind building apps.
Building an app is worth it if you have an audience interested in mobile, you have the time and resources to market your app, and you have a budget to support the project. According to the study, top earning app producers have almost $30,000 as an average marketing budget.
Some companies are generating tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of thousands of downloads off apps. This however isn’t the majority of producers, as the market is cluttered and a marketing strategy is needed for bringing the word of your app to the public.
