Friday 24 February 2012

App Maker Marketing Tip: Where to Promote iPhone Apps

You should know by now that there are hundreds of thousands of iPhone apps all crowding the app Store. Sure, your spanking new app may be featured in the "What's New" category, but that's for a very limited time only. Besides, you shouldn't just rely on the exposure that you'd get from the app Store. You need to use other marketing channels and promote your iPhone app elsewhere. Plus, an app maker must also be a good marketer to really succeed in the mobile application industry. To help you get started, here are a few places where you can spread the word about your app:

Website or blog - This shouldn't even come as a major surprise to any app maker or developer. Having a dedicated iTunes page for your app is not enough if you want your application to sell well. In fact, you need a website or blog even way before your launching date to act as a teaser and build anticipation. Of course, it goes without saying that this space should be useful and informative. It should include screenshots, demo video/s, tips/how-to section, and a user feedback system.

Review sites - Reviews are crucial because like most consumers, app users read iPhone app reviews/feedbacks first before downloading. That's why it's crucial to get your app reviewed by influencers like review sites and tech bloggers. Contact and pitch your application to them. Give promo codes so they can quickly try out your app. Positive reviews can help encourage more potential users. On the contrary, not so positive ones can help you further improve your mobile app.

Social media - Social media visibility takes time, so it's best to start on it early. Social networking is a low-cost yet very effective means to reach a huge market. While it's a great platform for viral marketing, remember to keep a human presence. Constant, shameless plugging turns off customers and prospects. You're there not just to promote your app, but to also attend to their needs like inquiries, suggestions, complaints, etc. An app maker should try his/her best to be very sociable and cooperative on social media sites.

YouTube - The #1 video streaming website, YouTube is no doubt the best place where you can publish a demo video to show people how your application actually works/looks, in total action and running on an iPhone. You can also upload promo video or teaser of your app. Don't forget to properly tag your videos to make them easily searchable. YouTube also lets people share/embed your videos on their own blogs or social media spaces, which can quickly become viral. To avoid bored viewers, try to keep your vids concise yet informative.

Acquaintances - Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing! That's right; tell your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, even exes and your entire network about your new and exciting application! Lovingly oblige them to give it a good rating and promote it to their friends, too.

Being an app maker creating a cool app is not enough to succeed in this highly competitive environment. You must actively promote it, and the above examples are just some of the marketing avenues you should consider.

Friday 3 February 2012

How to Best Use a Spy Camera

At one time, the only place a spy camera would be noticed is in a movie or on a television show. It is not that world any longer. Small spy cameras are available for all citizens to buy and put to use in their homes, their business, loved ones, or on their properties. By implementing digital recording devices, we can be assured that the family and belongings are safe.

A spy camera is not used exclusively by law enforcement. It can be used in children's rooms, entry areas or common areas when the homeowner is not at home. Some of the digital technology will allow the owner to watch from their computer while on vacation or at work.

The new digital technology provides owners with the ability to have clear images. Some are equipped to respond to remote commands such as zoom, pan and tilting. This allows the owner to choose the view desired. Spy cameras with recording devices are useful in the baby nursery, swimming pools and in your office. These capabilities are especially useful if the camera has audio features. Live broadcasting can keep the baby safe and the swimming pool safe.

In a place of business, the audio capabilities of the spy camera can be helpful if there is the need to fire an employee after there have been reported problems with the employee. This becomes evidence and can help to prove a case if taken to court or the labor board. With a spy camera, in your business the ability to observe activities in the stock area, cash register and other places that are prone to unwanted misbehavior.

Caution should be used with these hidden cameras used in the home as a nanny cam. If the camera records sound as well as picture, the nanny needs to be informed. There are some states that consider the voice recording as an invasion of privacy but allows video without informing the nanny. Parents often tell the nanny that they are recording activity in an attempt to prevent abuse of the child.

A spy camera is often used to prove infidelity. Portable, battery operated cameras can be taken to any place that the owner chooses to prove their case. Small cameras can be incorporated into an alarm clock in the bedroom, computer speakers or as a book on the shelf.

Whatever the need for small spy cameras may be, there is one that will fill your needs without breaking your budget. Prices depend on the size and the capabilities of the camera. There are cameras that are weather resistant for outdoor use. Some have extremely sophisticated features that will allow email alerts if there is any unwarranted activity. In larger homes and businesses, the use of a multi-camera setup may be called for. All of these are available.

The use of a spy camera helps to keep family and property safe. Law enforcement and government spy agencies are not the only organizations that can utilize this camera technology.