Below is the text of a brief email interview conducted with Oliver Lo, VP of Marketing at App Annie, for an article about app analytics that will be published soon to the XDA Portal. If you have any experiences with specific analytics providers, post them in this forum.
What are the most valuable pieces of data that come out of your product? Why? Give examples of how I might get actionable data, make a change, and improve results.
Our philosophy at App Annie has always been to simplify data, so that time-pressed execs in product, marketing or strategy can easily extract a trend, insight, KPI and recommendation from any App Annie product. We've had a massive outpouring of approval from many of our 100K App Annie fans who use the product regularly. A few examples of how real life people make better business decisions through real-life App Annie data:
• Monitoring all your apps across platforms, countries and categories seamlessly. App publishers and developers are the lifeblood of App Annie. There are well over 200,000 apps worldwide using App Annie Analytics to simply track their apps sales. By being able to track all of their apps across multiple platforms, countries and categories and analyze their downloads, revenues, in-app purchases, rankings, and reviews, they can both monitor their app store performance and figure out in real-time where the key opportunities are for them to better market their apps globally. Many app developers tell us that the App Annie Analytics Daily Email Report (which tells them how their apps fared in the last 24 hours) is the first thing they read when they wake up and grab their smartphone.
• Many app developers also use our free Store Stats tool for app store market research. This tool is the largest app store rankings database of its kind, and it's used by more than 80% of the Top 100 publishers worldwide. Developers from Brooklyn to Beijing use this to check rankings history charts of other apps, spot rankings trends across different countries and categories, and figure out the promotional strategies behind some of the most commercially successful apps out there. From international expansion strategy to marketing strategy and product portfolio strategy, this tool has become the go-to in the industry for app store market research.
What most differentiates you from your competitors (features, pricing, etc)?
With App Annie Analytics, the key thing that differentiates us is the combination of having the best quality product with a completely free price tag. Since we as a company monetize off enterprise level market data, it means that we can afford to offer best-in-class analytics tools to developers without ever asking for a dime. And our Analytics tool is by far the most well-designed and the most feature-packed, making it the most popular app store analytics tool worldwide. With everything from hourly rankings, data export, app sharing and an Analytics API, you really can't do much better anywhere else. At least that's what more than 30,000 app publishers worldwide believe.
Explain your range of pricing and, if you have a low tier or free option, what features are only available to premium users?
Just as app publishers have embraced a truly freemium model for their consumers, we do the same here at App Annie with data. Our products Analytics and Store Stats are completely free for all features and then we have a premium product called App Annie Intelligence, which is an enterprise market data product, providing deep macro insights for app store analysts. This premium product starts at US $15,000 for a one-year subscription.
Are there any technical aspects of implementation that would be helpful to explain?
We believe in hassle-free products with minimum implementation. App developers have enough to worry about with multiple SDKs and app upgrades, so we've made our Analytics product as easy as a two minute sign-up. We connect to an app publisher's data through their developer account credentials (e.g. iTunes Connect or Google Developer Console), meaning they can upload their data to our dashboard and access it easily, reliably and confidentially.
What advice would you give to help make new independent app developers more successful?
You're quite right - there's more to app store success than just using App Annie products! It's a good start, but it's not the whole pie. The best advice we can give is to combine a rigorous approach to data with a passion for creating unique and joyful user experiences. The most successful app developers we've seen have combined those two things into the core of their team philosophy. And they've got that balance right. The data tells you what's going on, but it's not your sole objective. App developers should never lose sight of the fact that they exist to create moments of joy for people downloading these apps, whether they are games, social apps or photo apps. And it's those moments of joy that generate downloads, revenues, in-app purchases, Top 10 ranking positions and through-the-roof virality. The data just helps you get there, but it should never become your be all and end all goal.
Related to the above, in your mind what makes an app successful? Why do some "great" apps not get noticed?
Product idealists would have you believe that you can just make a great app, and the rest is history. To be honest, there's a fair bit of truth in that. However, one cannot underestimate the importance of app store research and app store marketing.
Why app store research? No successful content creator makes content in isolation. In the same way that a fashion designer has their pulse on whether pink is the new black, an app developer should have their mind on what apps are exploding in the US compared to Japan. That's exactly why we created Store Stats - to provide a free tool for anyone to do that research and find their niche.
Why app store marketing? One needs to be very mindful of the structure of the app store as a content distribution mechanism compared to say the web or TV. Some would describe it as a meritocratic rankings system that puts great content in the hands of hungry app downloaders. The reality is that it means you're going to need to adapt your marketing strategy from the one that you were used to in the web days. There are a number of channels driving app discovery - rankings, app search, web search, user virality, social distribution etc. If you're finding your great app is just not getting noticed, then you need to analyze how well you've invested in these channels and figure out whether your defined target audience actually has multiple opportunities to download your app.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Interesting info!
Thanks for sharing. Good insights.
implies dinner
Thanks for sharing :laugh:
Very useful information. Are the any other inverviews like that?
Mgssky said:
Very useful information. Are the any other inverviews like that?
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Appboy Interview
Apsalar Interview
Flurry Interview
anuloid said:
Appboy Interview
Apsalar Interview
Flurry Interview
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Wow thats a lot of valuable information. thanks!
DerAndroiDaniel said:
Wow thats a lot of valuable information. thanks!
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just hit that :good: THANKS button
We have developed an app in Chinese. But faced with the fact that, firstly, China has no Google Play, and, secondly, the promotion of the apps is rather complicated. Maybe someone has experience of entering Chinese market:
1) On which Android app stores do we need to publish our app?
2) Are there any app review sites in China?
3) How to promote apps through Chinese social networks?
4) Are there any companies that offer app promotion on Chinese app market as a service?
5) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
nikitnikoks said:
5) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
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if you plan distribute mobile games, it is OK for you to find a local partner for localization and distribution.
if utilities, pls abandon
I would like to know more about this topic to, after all, China covers 50% of the world revenue now
I second that!
Found a new analytics site that Appannie has implemented into their system, seems to be asia based, worth adding, just did with mine
https://dev.mobvista.com/user/showreg/?u=TVRVMU9RPT0=
appfactory said:
I second that!
Found a new analytics site that Appannie has implemented into their system, seems to be asia based, worth adding, just did with mine
https://dev.mobvista.com/user/showreg/?u=TVRVMU9RPT0=
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You said "analytics site" but Mobvista seems to be an advertising network, right? Is this the link you intended to post? I don't get it.
iapps said:
You said "analytics site" but Mobvista seems to be an advertising network, right? Is this the link you intended to post? I don't get it.
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When adding my app on Appannie, you have The add account option, it appear there as New, i figured it was worth a try, thats all i know...
appfactory said:
When adding my app on Appannie, you have The add account option, it appear there as New, i figured it was worth a try, thats all i know...
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I see! Thanks for clarifying this.
Has anyone had successful experience with Chinese market?
appfactory said:
I would like to know more about this topic to, after all, China covers 50% of the world revenue now
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Where this stats is taken from? According to appannie the revenue picture seems to be quite different ...
---------- Post added at 05:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
nikitnikoks said:
We have developed an app in Chinese. But faced with the fact that, firstly, China has no Google Play, and, secondly, the promotion of the apps is rather complicated. Maybe someone has experience of entering Chinese market:
1) On which Android app stores do we need to publish our app?
2) Are there any app review sites in China?
3) How to promote apps through Chinese social networks?
4) Are there any companies that offer app promotion on Chinese app market as a service?
5) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
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1. it'd be better to ask Chinese partners experienced in promoting apps in China market. For the first stage 1mobile.com might be considered
2. most probably, just language barrier persists for most of us
3. no idea yet
4. yes, we have started negotiations with a company, but it is in development stage
5. IMHO, Yes
kingloki1991 said:
i dont understand chinese then how do i register and publish on chinese app stores someone please advice me how do i proceed ?? thanx
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i guess you should contact china companies or learn chinese if it is not too late
hi
If you want to promote your apps in India than i help in it bcs we already working with some companies for promotion his apps and if any body want the same contact us
Fionaguan said:
I am from China and I am also an app developer， so I would like to introduce you the market of China and make friends with you!
Any questions, you can ask me here or send me private message. My English may be not so well but it is ok to basically communicate with you!
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I would like to know more, could you please tell me more about your skills and experience on this market? Any good references?
---------- Post added at 10:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 AM ----------
appsdistributerindia said:
If you want to promote your apps in India than i help in it bcs we already working with some companies for promotion his apps and if any body want the same contact us
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I would like to know more, could you please tell me more about your skills and experience on this market? Any good references?
I am from China and I am also an app developer， so I would like to introduce you the market of China and make friends with you!
Any questions, you can ask me here or send me private message. My English may be not so well but it is ok to basically communicate with you!
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I would like to know more, is there app store where I can publish my app? I found some, but in all you need to have a phone number from China to complete the registration. Or add license of your company, but I have only spanish one.
Bring your app to China
nikitnikoks said:
We have developed an app in Chinese. But faced with the fact that, firstly, China has no Google Play, and, secondly, the promotion of the apps is rather complicated. Maybe someone has experience of entering Chinese market:
1) On which Android app stores do we need to publish our app?
2) Are there any app review sites in China?
3) How to promote apps through Chinese social networks?
4) Are there any companies that offer app promotion on Chinese app market as a service?
5) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
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Click to collapse
Hi nikitnikoks
My name is Alex, I'm the CEO of app2china.net. We are a startup company base in Florida, USA, we provide services to bring international Android apps into Chinese app stores. Since we are building our client base and testing our website, we would like to offer you our premium plan (price at $299) only $1 for 90 days. Please go to our website app2china.net and register for free, and we will add the service package to your account.
We will help you with translation, modification if needed, distribute and promote your app in Chinese app stores. We will also provide you with analyst report every month
For the your question
1) On which Android app stores do we need to publish our app?
Our premium plan including the biggest 10 Android stores, If you want to do yourself, we suggest you choosing 360 stores
2) Are there any app review sites in China?
Our premium plan including translate the review, if you want to do by yourself, you can check each app stores, people will directly comment on each store (sometimes, the competitor will write bad comments for you)
3) How to promote apps through Chinese social networks?
Our service including promote through social networks. The biggest social networks are Weibo and Wechat, you need build your local team operate the account, find tech blogger promote your app
4) Are there any companies that offer app promotion on Chinese app market as a service?
Our company do the promotion, we will help our customers acquire users at the lowest price in the market, In China there are lot's of smartphone band, some smartphone company corporate with company like us and do the pre-install, that's the best way to get users, also we will help our customer buy the web advertising in each Android store
Also, the cheapest way, to do the promotion, is ad exchange, you using your app traffic in US change their traffic in China, this company wants to launch their app in another country
) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
Yes, there are millions of users, that means millions of possible
appsdistributerindia said:
If you want to promote your apps in India than i help in it bcs we already working with some companies for promotion his apps and if any body want the same contact us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
app2china said:
Hi nikitnikoks
My name is Alex, I'm the CEO of app2china.net. We are a startup company base in Florida, USA, we provide services to bring international Android apps into Chinese app stores. Since we are building our client base and testing our website, we would like to offer you our premium plan (price at $299) only $1 for 90 days. Please go to our website app2china.net and register for free, and we will add the service package to your account.
We will help you with translation, modification if needed, distribute and promote your app in Chinese app stores. We will also provide you with analyst report every month
For the your question
1) On which Android app stores do we need to publish our app?
Our premium plan including the biggest 10 Android stores, If you want to do yourself, we suggest you choosing 360 stores
2) Are there any app review sites in China?
Our premium plan including translate the review, if you want to do by yourself, you can check each app stores, people will directly comment on each store (sometimes, the competitor will write bad comments for you)
3) How to promote apps through Chinese social networks?
Our service including promote through social networks. The biggest social networks are Weibo and Wechat, you need build your local team operate the account, find tech blogger promote your app
4) Are there any companies that offer app promotion on Chinese app market as a service?
Our company do the promotion, we will help our customers acquire users at the lowest price in the market, In China there are lot's of smartphone band, some smartphone company corporate with company like us and do the pre-install, that's the best way to get users, also we will help our customer buy the web advertising in each Android store
Also, the cheapest way, to do the promotion, is ad exchange, you using your app traffic in US change their traffic in China, this company wants to launch their app in another country
) Does it make sense to enter Chinese market at all?
Yes, there are millions of users, that means millions of possible
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Hi, got your PM, and was really exciting to take advantage of your services, but then i discovered you dont do paid apps
appfactory said:
Hi, got your PM, and was really exciting to take advantage of your services, but then I discovered you dont do paid apps
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Hi
Right now, in-app purchase is ok for our platform, But paid app still have trouble, the biggest problem is Android users in China really not used to paid first, Only iPhone users in China bought paid app, people using Android in China usually have lower income, one of reason they bought Android is using free app, even great game like Monument in China is free, But people got other way making money in China
app2china said:
Hi
Right now, in-app purchase is ok for our platform, But paid app still have trouble, the biggest problem is Android users in China really not used to paid first, Only iPhone users in China bought paid app, people using Android in China usually have lower income, one of reason they bought Android is using free app, even great game like Monument in China is free, But people got other way making money in China
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I see, then the millions of people in China wont be a benefit after all then
appfactory said:
I see, then the millions of people in China wont be a benefit after all then
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It depends, Evernote and candy crush all very successful in China, Some google play thousands download app in China can get millions download, some Google play millions download app in China only get thousands, you never know the result without a try
P.S our service only $1 for 3 month and no addtional charge, it's really not cost you too much to have a try
app2china said:
P.S our service only $1 for 3 month and no addtional charge, it's really not cost you too much to have a try
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Well, no point in trying if u dont do paid apps
appfactory said:
Well, no point in trying if u dont do paid apps
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I want to say advertising revenue still a lot
But seems I can't convince you, but really nice talking to you
Hi Guys,
I saw a lot of threads on the forum by which users could publish their apps for free on Play Store. But unfortunately, the members that were doing this are not active since a lot of time.
I am new to Android Development, and developed an Evolve Calculator for Pokemon GO, and wanted to publish it to Google Play Store, but unfortunately I don't have a credit card, and can't buy a Play Store Developer account.
So I wanted to ask, does Google give away free Developer Accounts to students, etc. Or would someone be kind enough to help me in getting a Play Store Account, or share one with me?
I am currently hosting a signed APK of my app on Google Drive, but i am not sure whether I should share it here or not.
Thanks in Advance
haiderali176 said:
Hi Guys,
I saw a lot of threads on the forum by which users could publish their apps for free on Play Store. But unfortunately, the members that were doing this are not active since a lot of time.
I am new to Android Development, and developed an Evolve Calculator for Pokemon GO, and wanted to publish it to Google Play Store, but unfortunately I don't have a credit card, and can't buy a Play Store Developer account.
So I wanted to ask, does Google give away free Developer Accounts to students, etc. Or would someone be kind enough to help me in getting a Play Store Account, or share one with me?
I am currently hosting a signed APK of my app on Google Drive, but i am not sure whether I should share it here or not.
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
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Can't really help you with the publishing (sorry!) but I'll say... don't worry too much about the APK.
The second you put anything on the Play Store, whether free or paid, it becomes available on a couple dozen mirrors and piracy websites. Where are you from? I'm sure there are prepaid credits cards that you can use without a bank account in your country, and getting your own developer account (with the ability to update your apps whenever you want) is REALLY recommended.
Whiskee said:
Can't really help you with the publishing (sorry!) but I'll say... don't worry too much about the APK.
The second you put anything on the Play Store, whether free or paid, it becomes available on a couple dozen mirrors and piracy websites. Where are you from? I'm sure there are prepaid credits cards that you can use without a bank account in your country, and getting your own developer account (with the ability to update your apps whenever you want) is REALLY recommended.
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I bought the developer account, and hosted my app. Will make a Post on XDA as well, when I reach 10 posts. As far as pirated copies are concerned, I found none on the internet, I don't know whether thats insulting or what
haiderali176 said:
I bought the developer account, and hosted my app. Will make a Post on XDA as well, when I reach 10 posts. As far as pirated copies are concerned, I found none on the internet, I don't know whether thats insulting or what
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Well then congratulations on your first published app
They usually start popping out when you emerge in any category, like Top New X or very deep in the Trending rankings. It's all done by bots anyway, rarely the APK ends up on websites that bring some traffic (which can be useful if you integrate ads, and some of them might want to download the "real" updated version).
Whiskee said:
Well then congratulations on your first published app
They usually start popping out when you emerge in any category, like Top New X or very deep in the Trending rankings. It's all done by bots anyway, rarely the APK ends up on websites that bring some traffic (which can be useful if you integrate ads, and some of them might want to download the "real" updated version).
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Well, I had high hopes for the app, and hopefully it will do good. As far as Ads are concerned, I will integrate them next year, I am not eligible for AdSense or Merchant Account yet
haiderali176 said:
Well, I had high hopes for the app, and hopefully it will do good. As far as Ads are concerned, I will integrate them next year, I am not eligible for AdSense or Merchant Account yet
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Well considering that your app is about Pokemon Go, your users like games which means that you can integrate pretty much any interstitial ad network and not just AdMob
Whiskee said:
Well considering that your app is about Pokemon Go, your users like games which means that you can integrate pretty much any interstitial ad network and not just AdMob
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I will see whether I will integrate them or not. Most probably not, I myself don't like ads, and I think others also hate them. As far as making money is concerned, I am not interested that much into it. I just the app to perform well
You could try free stores like: Opera, Amazon, Aptoide.
Just search for mobile marketing forums. There must be people who want!