Thursday 1 July 2010

Admob report on Iphone Apps June 2010

Should you build an iPhone App or Android App first?

In the May 2010 Admob report for the UK, a survey of 962 respondents showed that companies considering a mobile app should still start with building an iPhone app before moving on to building an Android app or building a Blackberry app.

Visit http://www.mvapphub.co.uk/ to build an iphone app online

iPhone v’s Android Market Share June 2010

The current market share of operating systems is as follows; iPhone 73%, Android 16% and Blackberry 7%.

What is important to note is that Android is increasing rapidly due to the number of phones that are available on this platform and also the availability of phones that are a) less expensive compare to the iPhone and b) are on a less expensive tariff compared to the iPhone.

Users of iPhone apps & Android Apps

Apps, be it iphone apps or Android apps are fundamental to the iPhone and Android phones. Both users of iPhone apps and Android apps regularly spend at least 79 minutes a day using apps according to Adbob. The most recent statistics also showed that people download on average 9 apps per month.

How much do you love your iPhone and iPhone apps?

The report also looked at how much people like either their iPhone or Android phone and found that of the people surveyed 91% would recommend the iPhone compared to Android users where 88% would recommend their phone. Remember that to date there are around 12 phones available on the android platform.
The statistics in this news article are taken from a survey based on 963 respondents in February 2010 recruited from the AdMob network. No incentives were offered for completion. Visit http://metrics.admob.com/ for more details.

Wednesday 30 June 2010

How to build an iPhone app

How to build an iPhone app http://www.mvapphub.co.uk/

For any business interested in building an iPhone app, knowing where to start can be a bit of a mind field. So here are a few pointers for those non technical managers looking to build an iPhone app.

Do you really want to build an iPhone app?

This might sound like a daft question at first. But I want to make sure that you have fully explored your target audience and considered whether it would be more suitable to launch an app on the Blackberry or Android platform.

If you have your mind set on an iPhone app, then I urge you to also consider what happens when it is a success? Yes, I am assuming that your iPhone app will be a success because they are growing so rapidly. Will the agency you use be able to launch a similar app on the other platforms so as not to alienate consumers? Will you choose to combine your iPhone app with perhaps a mobile website that would allow all other smartphone users to access your content?

Search out the iPhone apps you like?

I have managed many website and iPhone app projects and one of the mistakes I regularly come across is managers that are too reliant on the designers. I suggest that as part of your initial brief you really look into all the different types of iPhone apps that are within your market. If there are no iPhone apps then simply look at what you like. Consider why one flows better than another, what elements frustrate you and what ideas could you use to build your iPhone app.

Understanding Apple Connect for your iPhone App

Apple Connect is a website used by your iPhone app developer. It is basically a website that holds the details of your app and is used to send your iPhone app binary code to Apple for them to approve...if you are lucky (I’ll get to that in a moment)

It is also the place where everything you see on iTunes is managed. So those screenshots you see for each app, you guessed it, they are uploaded through connect. You may want to go through connect with your iPhone app developer just to get used to what you can and cannot do.

Pricing your iPhone App

Apple operates a tiered pricing structure so all you have to do is select a pricing tier from 1-10 to set your price around the world i.e if it is 59p in the UK then it will automatically be 99 cents in the US. Again, you can access this with your iPhone developer by visiting Apple Connect.

Planning your iPhone app layout

Bespoke apps will be much less expensive if you do the ground work. By this I mean work out exactly what you want and create a ‘work flow’ diagram. Basically start with a blank picture of an iPhone and sketch in your iPhone app splash screen and homepage. Work out what buttons will go along the bottom of your iPhone app to create the menu - you can have five buttons. Next, using lots of blank iPhone images, create a hierarchical structure of your iPhone app. By doing this, you can literally show your designer how you want it all to work i.e. click here and it shows this screen or searches this item. Don’t worry too much about whether it is technically possible as your iPhone app designer will undoubtedly suggest some options for improvement. Once the iPhone app workflow is complete then you and your designer know exactly how the app should work.

Bespoke iPhone Apps V’s Online App Builders

¬Ok, I’ll be honest, our company does both so without sounding too sales like, here goes.

Only about 12 months ago, if you wanted to build an iPhone app then you had to look for a bespoke answer and this is where we started with http://www.mventure.co.uk/ Today things are rapidly changing and there are a number of US based companies offering a build your app online service.

The fundamental difference between bespoke iPhone app development and online app builders is cost and flexibility. So it all comes down to ‘what do you want your iPhone app to do?’ and how much do you want to pay?

With bespoke iPhone apps you really can create just about anything and there are companies or individuals very skilled in this area. So ask yourself what you are trying to achieve. Is it brand building through clever entertainment or are you trying to get content to your customers in order to a) interact with them and build your brand or b) help them through to the final purchase of your product or service?

Think back a few years to the use of flash in website design. I was lucky enough to be part of a website pitch to Disney and guess what; we went over the top with flash. Incidentally we won the contract, however soon there were full flash websites everywhere. Today it is very much a different story, for most websites the number one objective is to get content across quickly and efficiently and in a manner that customers are used to, so for example, having the menu on the top or the left hand side of your webpage. Flash is now used predominantly in other areas to add to the overall user experience.

So for what might be classed as ‘utility iPhone apps’ stick to the rules and always think about the content you are trying to deliver.

Online iPhone App Builder

As mentioned there are a number of companies in the US that enable you to build your iPhone app online. Apart from our company http://www.mvapphub.co.uk/ that enables you to build your iPhone app online, I have yet to find a UK competitor, however I am sure that many will start to emerge.

mV App Hub concentrates on enabling businesses to build their iPhone apps online without the need to employee highly specialist iPhone developers.

The main thing that you need to consider when using an online app builder is will it deliver what your customer needs? Can an online iPhone app builder offer your customer everything that they require without you having to spend anywhere between £3000 and £20000 plus, building a bespoke iPhone application!

iPhone App Download Restraints

Your iPhone app needs to be less than 10mb’s if you want users to be able to download it from their phone via a standard connection i.e. not wi-fi.

If you are developing an iPhone game app of sorts then you are likely to go over this limit, however for an iPhone business app, then ideally try to keep it under 10mb’s

iPhone App Content

If you read only one piece of text in this whole document, make sure you read this next part which looks at iPhone app content and the importance it has in getting your iPhone app signed off by Apple.

When you set about building your iPhone application the first thing you need to realise is that content is vital. Let’s take entertainment and games out of the equation for a moment because by their very nature they are highly likely to get signed off. So let’s concentrate on building a utility or business iPhone app.

Whatever you do, don’t build an iPhone app just because everyone else is. Build it with your customer in mind. Do your customer already view your products online, are they interested in your news, do they visit your website to access content that is not available elsewhere, can you help your customers with a problem, do you want to find out what your customers think? These are just some of the questions you should consider when building your iPhone application.

Like any marketing or communication tool...building an iPhone app only works as an entertainment gimmick on rare occasions. For 99% of us, it has to serve a real purpose.

What we do know however is that your customers want information, news, products or promotions in the palm of their hand and with an iPhone app you have the perfect marketing tool from them to access your content and interact with your company.

The Cost to build an iPhone App

A bespoke app can cost anywhere from £3000 to £20000 upwards. The price of bespoke iPhone app development is decreasing as more and more as iPhone app developers enter the market.

Building an iPhone app online with http://www.mvapphub.co.uk/ costs £45 per month and includes a vast array of iPhone specific features.

Submitting your iPhone App

When your iPhone app is submitted to Apple for approval you can expect to hear whether it has been approved or rejected after 1 or 2 weeks. If it has been rejected than Apple will give you some indication as to what needs to be improved before you can submit your iPhone app again

Finally

My name is James Scott from Norwich, Norfolk, UK. My company is www.mvapphub.co.uk and this report covers just a few of the things that I have encountered when working on or project managing building iPhone applications.

I hope that you find some of the information useful and good luck building your iPhone app.

Friday 16 April 2010

VOTE for your party in the 2010 UK general election using an iPhone App

mVenture, the UK iphone app developers based in Norwich, Norfolk have launched a fun app for the 2010 UK General Election.

Mobi-Vote is a FREE to download iPhone application developed to see how iPhone users are planning on voting.

According to James Scott, Marketing Director at mVenture, “we spend a lot of time researching what iPhone users think of our apps, their phones and in this case their voting preferences.”

Users of the Mobi-Vote iPhone app can place their vote next to their preferred party and then view in real time how other iPhone users are voting. Voters can also change their vote at anytime, but only their last vote will count.

“It is interesting to see how votes changed during the live debate between David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown” said James Scott.

The final statistics will be published online at www.mobi.co.uk two days before the UK General Election held on the 6th May 2010.

Since 2009 mVenture has been developing bespoke mobile phone applications for companies in the UK, visit www.mventure.co.uk for further details.

According to James Scott, “Other polls will be published using mobi-vote so that people can have their say on important issues and we will publish their views online.”

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Paterson Self Storage has launched in Paisley, Glasgow

Paterson Data Ltd, the Paisley based document storage company has launched Paterson Mobile Storage and Paterson Self Storage to expand their service portfolio.


Paterson Data has been in the storage industry since 1848 and over the past 10 years has become specialists in hard copy document storage and records management for private, public and charitable organisations in Scotland. With a specific focus on security measures, Paterson Self Storage is the only facility in Paisley, Glasgow with the latest Duo Monitored Security, Category P1 fire detection, controlled access and security vetted staff.

The recent growth and increased consumer awareness of the self storage market has propelled managing director, Robert Paterson to expand his portfolio to include self storage units and the lesser known mobile storage units.

Self storage is a service that most peoples are aware of. People take their storage items such as furniture or office equipment to a warehouse where they are packed away in storage units and stored in a secure facility. In the case of Paterson self storage, they provide 8ft high, 7ft deep by 5ft wide wooden crates which can fit approximately four sofas if placed vertically within the unit.

“The storage units are available for both business and public use. We have a secure warehouse which is completely separate from our current document storage area.”

In contrast, mobile storage, an idea originating in America, is relatively new to Scotland but one that brings with it tremendous benefits to customers. A trailer containing a wooden storage unit is delivered directly to a home or businesses and packed by the customer.

“Our research showed that often people do not have the means to easily transport their belongings to our warehouse. Whilst they could hirer a van, it could be the first time they have driven anything larger than a car. The only other option is employing a removal company which would of course dramatically increase the cost. ”
With mobile storage there is no need for van hire or removal companies. The customer can simply pack the storage unit contained within the trailer and wait for Paterson to pick up the trailer and unload the unit into the warehouse for secure safekeeping.

Because the trailer is tall rather than long, it means that it will fit easily into a driveway or can be parked on the side of the road. The unit is also very spacious, with enough room to store the equivalent of approximately four sofas when placed vertically.

More information can be found at www.patersonmobilestorage.co.uk or by calling 0141 8401536.

Paisley based Paterson Data Ltd launches Paterson Self Storage covering Glasgow Area

Paterson Data Ltd, the Paisley based document storage company has launched Paterson Mobile Storage and Paterson Self Storage to expand their service portfolio.

Paterson Data has been in the storage industry since 1848 and over the past 10 years has become specialists in hard copy document storage and records management for private, public and charitable organisations in Scotland. With a specific focus on security measures, Paterson Self Storage is the only facility in Paisley, Glasgow with the latest Duo Monitored Security, Category P1 fire detection, controlled access and security vetted staff.

The recent growth and increased consumer awareness of the self storage market has propelled managing director, Robert Paterson to expand his portfolio to include self storage units and the lesser known mobile storage units.

Self storage is a service that most peoples are aware of. People take their storage items such as furniture or office equipment to a warehouse where they are packed away in storage units and stored in a secure facility. In the case of Paterson self storage, they provide 8ft high, 7ft deep by 5ft wide wooden crates which can fit approximately four sofas if placed vertically within the unit.

“The storage units are available for both business and public use. We have a secure warehouse which is completely separate from our current document storage area.”

In contrast, mobile storage, an idea originating in America, is relatively new to Scotland but one that brings with it tremendous benefits to customers. A trailer containing a wooden storage unit is delivered directly to a home or businesses and packed by the customer.

“Our research showed that often people do not have the means to easily transport their belongings to our warehouse. Whilst they could hirer a van, it could be the first time they have driven anything larger than a car. The only other option is employing a removal company which would of course dramatically increase the cost. ”

With mobile storage there is no need for van hire or removal companies. The customer can simply pack the storage unit contained within the trailer and wait for Paterson to pick up the trailer and unload the unit into the warehouse for secure safekeeping.

Because the trailer is tall rather than long, it means that it will fit easily into a driveway or can be parked on the side of the road. The unit is also very spacious, with enough room to store the equivalent of approximately four sofas when placed vertically.

More information can be found at http://www.patersonmobilestorage.co.uk/ or by calling 0141 8401536.


Tuesday 8 December 2009

Should you set up a Facebook Group or a Facebook Page for your business?

Deciding on whether to set up a facebook group or a facebook page for your company or organisation is currently very simple...

Do you want your newsletter to be on your facebook profile?

Do you want your blog to be on your facebook profile?

If the answer to either of these questions is YES, then set up a facebook PAGE for your business and not a GROUP.

I went from a facebook business page to a facebook group because it looks a little more professional, but unfortunately you have little flexibility.

Good luck

Blacksheep Solutions Ltd is a marketing consultancy based in Norfolk, UK

http://www.blacksheepthinking.co.uk/

Monday 7 December 2009

Adding your blog to Facebook

Clearly, this could NOT be really easy or why else would companies charge!

In my last blog I discussed setting up a business facebook page. Now I would like to also add that you could set up a group and not a page...if that suits. I will discuss how to do that later.

I think most people will not even notice the difference.

The main advantage of a page is that you can add a blog...which as of the posted date of this blog; you cannot do on a group.

I suggest that for a group you create a blog page and have that running at the same time, whilst manually (I know, sounds rubbish), updating your discussion board on your group with your blog.

Group or Page company profile...either way, you need a page if you want facebook to show your blog automatically.

Assuming you have created a blog (i use eblogger), then follow these steps:

1) Create a page using the text icon in the bottom left corner. If this is not visible (it does seem to disappear) go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php

If this link fails then type 'facebook business page' into google.

You will be asked to complete a series of forms to get your business page up and running.

2) Next click on the tab to view/add notes

Now this may be a bit of a hash way of doing it...but it works.

In the top right hand corner there is a button called 'my page edit' click this.

Scroll down to 'NOTES'

Click 'EDIT'

On the right hand side you will see import blog.

Click and paste your blog URL here.

That's it - all done

For more on low cost marketing visit http://www.blacksheepthinking.co.uk/