A few moments ago, I wrote about the prospect of apps development on Windows Phone, and concluded that there is still room for developers to grow on the platform. Momento was one of those that are successful there, having been downloaded 1,5 million times only during its first year.
M. Hadi Alathas of Madina Technologies that developed Momento tried to share his secrets of success. He argued that there are four important points that developers must be aware of, not only for those who work on Windows Phone, but also on other platforms.
1. Make sure that your app has excellent quality to go global
This point doesn’t need further explanation. Consumers would go for apps with best quality. We also need to make sure that our app doesn’t only possess the capability of competing at national level, but also at global level as well.
2. Periodically update your app, once in every 1-2 weeks would be ideal
Consumers are glad to have their apps updated periodically. This shows that developers do have the commitment to develop their app to be the best. Make sure that the app always works, even though it or the platform gets updated.
3. Translate the app’s content into many languages, especially those practiced in countries with most Windows Phone users, like Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, etc.
Besides being available in English, it would be better to have the app being delivered in many other languages, since not all people on the planet use English as their mother tongue. Other than being delivered in English and Bahasa Indonesia, Momento is also available in Turkish, Russian, Mandarin, Portugese, Brazilian Portugese, French, Deutsch, and Italian.
4. Actively engage yourself with users, Windows Phone communities, and Windows Phone media, whether at social media, forum, or other media in many countries. Always provide the update of our app and listen to their feedback.
This is a great suggestion by Alathas. This point is often missed by developers due to their lack of resources. To build a good relationship with users is crucial, since by doing this, we would have them having more sense of belonging to our app. They would also feel appreciated when we implement their feedback and suggestion to our app. There should be a special unit which specifically manages about this in your team.
Alathas ensured, “Although you don’t get the support from Microsoft, as people get in spotlight at the (Windows Phone) store, you can grab a lot of downloads once you practice above tips.”
