How can developers sell their App Outside the App Store --
The excitement of selling an app quickly wears off as developers discover that online the stores such as Google Play and Apple Store are able to take a portion of earnings.
The price isn't a modest chunk--it's 30%. This price is a huge burden and has forced developers searching for alternatives methods. But the good news for those who are like you is that there is a way to market your application without having to split the profits to the main channels.
In this post in this piece, we'll cover one way that developers can circumnavigate the hefty 30% cost that comes from Google Play and Apple Store.
Let's take a dive.
The pros and cons of Utilizing the main App Distribution Channels
Before we dive into other ways of distributing apps, let's take a glance at how traditional app channels work.
As we've mentioned before previously, Google Play and Apple Store consume nearly a third the revenue of every app sold through their stores. However, that's not the only problem with distributing via these channels.
The majority of apps available use these distributors to sell their products. So, there are a lot of apps sold via just two stores. Another issue: how do distributors make their apps be noticed?
Aha! Through advertising, naturally.
On top of the fee of 30, distributors are also paying for advertising to get their apps seen. A case study has revealed the real cost of app advertising. The business took a $10,000 budget and spread it across four different ad networks:
- Google AdWords
- Facebook Ads
- Twitter Ads
- Ads from iAds
The cost for each app was varying between $1.43 up to $5.36.
When we consider adding this expense to the mainstream distribution fee It's clear why developers are searching for alternative options. Some of the most downloaded apps, like Spotify and Netflix are available through Play and App Store. Instead of letting the distributor take care of billing, the companies have created their own system to manage their subscriptions.
Companies such as Epic Games have taken matters to their own and made uber-popular game Fortnite only available for download on their website and on the Samsung Store. In doing this they've gotten around the hefty 30% fee of the major distributors.
Other advantages for selling outside of Google Play and Apple Store are:
- Alternative distributors typically do not charge an app listing fee. App stores that are third party can help promote your product better because you will have a higher chances of being featured on your app of the day, or as part of other promotion offerings
- Alternatives can be more lucrative over Google or Apple stores if app owners are offering localized apps that target specific countries
There are advantages when you distribute apps through Google Play and Apple Store. Not only are the stores are regarded by consumers as secure download locations however, it's also very easy to make apps available through these channels.
Spotlight: How One App Developer Earns a Profit Selling Outside of the Main App Stores
The moment Christian Tietze started selling his products on the internet, he wanted to make revenue as well as more control.
Tietze shared his experience in a post on his blog. There were a variety of problems with selling on the Mac App Store, including:
- 30% revenue cost (excluding VAT)
- You can't provide a demo
- You can't provide upgrade pricing
- You don't get to know your clients.
Then, he began looking at ways to market outside his Mac App Store.
"Distributing through the App Store is handy; everybody can view your products and download, update and download through one place," Tietze says.
"On the negative side the other hand, you'll lose money with each transaction, you're subject to strictly enforced App Store Sandboxing policy, you cannot create promotions - and should Apple removes your account from its store then your company is shut down.
"This doesn't happen often, but it can occur."
Tietze says the developer (and several other developers indie) are distributing applications through their individual platforms. Tietze uses the platform to market his app, and the platform provides him with the ability to provide bundled sales, discounts as well as a store API that is custom.
" offers a test storefront online and inside the app, for in-app purchase. This is a convenient way to check whether your payment method works, and if your app transitions between "locked" and then "paid," he says.
Closing Up
In terms of app distribution options for developers, it's clear that times are changing.
The two major players in the app game, Google Play and Apple Store were the only two players. If app developers wanted to offer their apps the chance of succeeding, they had the option of distributing their applications across these platforms and pay the 30 percent fee.
However, developers are getting back in control of their apps--and the revenue streams.
If you decide to use a full-service partner like that to offer your apps direct on your site, or distribute them using alternative apps stores There are many other choices available to distribute your products. If you're looking to connect with people in difficult-to-reach areas or distribute the app in-house or make it available as a one-click download there are no limits to the possibilities.
Remember to remember that Google Play and Apple Store are a hit because millions of consumers around the world trust their services. With the sheer number of apps that are downloaded via alternative distribution methods every daily, it's evident that users are open-minded when it comes to discovering the best apps for them.
You can check how easy to turn your website into a shop using Examples. By using the examples, you will be able to create a variety of dummy stores in order to gain a feel at the tools capabilities using store builders. Store Builder API. These examples contain or include links to documentation pages and CodePen-like demonstrations of source code.