How can developers sell their App Outside the App Store -
The excitement of selling apps quickly fades when developers realize that retailers like Google Play and Apple Store make up a significant portion of revenue.
It's also not a tiny chunk--it's 30%. It's a significant price that has developers looking for other methods. Good news for app those who are like you is that there are ways to distribute the app with no need to share the revenue to the main channels.
In this piece in this piece, we'll cover one way that developers can avoid paying the 30 percent fee charged by Google Play and Apple Store.
Let's take a dive.
The Pros and Cons of Using the main App Distribution Channels
Before we look at alternative ways to distribute apps Let's review of how mainstream apps work.
As we've already pointed out previously, Google Play and Apple Store take nearly a third of the revenue of every app that is sold via their stores. But that isn't the only problem with distributing via these channels.
Most apps on the market are using these distributors to offer their services. There are millions of apps being sold via just two stores. The issue is How can distributors help their apps stand out?
Aha! With advertising of course.
In addition to the 30percent fee the distributors pay for advertisements to make their app's visibility. A study of one case showed that the actual price of app advertisements. The business took a $10,000 budget and divided it among four ad networks
- Google AdWords
- Facebook Ads
- Twitter Ads
- Ads from iAds
The results found the cost for each app was varying from $1.43 up to $5.36.
When we consider adding this expense to the mainstream distribution fee It's clear why developers are looking for alternative options. Some of the most downloaded apps, including Spotify and Netflix, are distributed through Play as well as the App Store. But rather than having the distributor handle the billing, the companies have created their own system for subscriptions.
Some companies, like Epic Games have taken matters in their own hands and made uber-popular game Fortnite accessible to download via their website and in the Samsung Store. By doing so they've avoided the massive 30% cost that the main distributors charge.
The other advantages of selling outside of the Google Play and Apple Store include:
- Alternative distributors do not charge an app listing fee. App stores that are third party can help promote your product better since you stand a greater likelihood of appearing as one of their apps for the day or on other promotional offerings
- Alternatives make more money over Google and Apple stores, if app creators 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 considered by users to be an appropriate place to download and install apps, but they are also simple to distribute apps via these channels.
Spotlight: How One Developer earns money selling outside the Main App Stores
When Christian Tietze started selling his products online, he wanted the two main things he wanted: More money and greater control.
Tietze posted about his experiences in a blog post on his website. Tietze found a number of issues when 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 the people who are your customers
Then, he began looking for ways to sell outside Mac App Store. Mac App Store.
"Distributing through an App Store is convenient; everybody can view your products and download, update and download all from one location," Tietze says.
"On the negative side there is a loss of money with each transaction, and you're bound by the strict App Store Sandboxing policy and you aren't able to make special offers - and if Apple disables your account, your business is effectively shut down.
"This does not happen very frequently, but it does occur."
Tietze states that his (and several other developers indie) have chosen to distribute applications via their own platforms. The platform he uses for distribution of his app, and the platform gives him the tools to provide bundled sales, discounts and an API for a customized store.
" offers a test storefront online and inside the app, for in-app transactions. It's a great way to test if your checkout works and also if the app changes from "locked" into "paid," he declares.
Wrapping up
In terms of apps and distribution options to developers, it's obvious that things are evolving.
At one time, the two major gamers in the app game, Google Play and Apple Store were the only two players. If developers wanted to give their apps the chance of succeeding, they had no choice but to distribute their applications across these platforms and pay the 30% fee.
Developers are however taking back control of their apps--and the revenue streams.
Whether or not you choose a full-service partner like to sell your apps directly from your website, or distribute them using alternative storefronts or other stores, there are plenty of options available to market your product. If you're looking to connect with those who are difficult to reach or distribute the app in-house, or offer it for download in one click There are many options to choose from.
Remember that Google Play and Apple Store are a hit because millions of consumers around the world are awestruck by their services. But with the number of apps being downloaded through other distribution options every daily, it's evident that users are open-minded regarding choosing the right apps.
It is possible to see how simple it is to transform your site into a store with the help of examples. Using the examples, you will be able to set up different dummy stores to test the waters about the capabilities of store builders. Store Builder API. These examples provide links or documents and CodePpen-like demonstrations of source code.