Image borrowed from Apple's campaign "AppStore turns 1"

DISCLAIMER: Before I begin, I’d like to point out that I haven’t had a bestselling app (on iTunes) yet and like many of the developers out there, I’m still working on my first hit (that’s the spirit!). I only have two iPhone/iPod games to date (please check ‘em out at Kuyi Mobile!) and I’m hoping to release my third before my first fiscal year on this new venture ends.

Given the number of apps on iTunes AppStore right now, the greatest hurdle for any developer is getting to the top 100 and even harder is sustaining a sweet spot for an app. Developers have probably tried everything to get their apps noticed–from “peggling” to giving it away for FREE for a day but only a handful have become successful. To be honest, its awfully hard to find the trend on the AppStore nowadays. As someone who have been closely observing the AppStore for the past year, I now believe that almost any kind of app can be a bestseller regardless if Apple features you or not (although it helps if they do). If you look at the top 100 bestselling apps, you’ll find a combination of short 3-5 minute apps and high profile titles which range from $0.99 to $9.99. What I’ve noticed however, is that apps can “possibly” be categorized into 2 major types: (1) those that amuse and entertain for a short period of time, hilarious and something that one can show off to friends and can easily be spread by word of mouth (whew! what a run-on sentence!); AND (2) apps that will stay on the user’s device for a long time like productivity enhancements, utilities, and games with high replayability. The first type can go up and down the charts rapidly and has less chance of sustaining a spot within the bestselling list while the latter slowly goes up the charts and eventually stabilizes at a given spot within the top 100. Question now is, how do you achieve this? I’ve narrowed down a couple of common denominators which I will definitely follow on my upcoming release and I hope will also aid you on your next app project.

1. Unique twist or idea. This one should always be at the top of your priority list. Instead of copying an app and creating another version, expand on it and find ways to make a better variant. Incorporate your own ideas and plan well.

2. Well polished app. No matter if its a parody, a quick game or a hilarious gimmick, always ensure quality. Quality on presentation, implementation and execution. This also gives you a huge chance of getting featured by Apple.

3. Lasting impression. Whether its an app or a game, include features that will stick and appeal to your end-users. Wow your customers the first time your app is run. Design your app in such a way that users will remember the “experience”.

4. Catchy app icons. Notice how you can easily identify how any of the bestselling apps work just by looking at its icon?

5. User-friendliness. Users hate complicated apps. Just like websites, the first few minutes (or even seconds) of running your app is critical and will determine if its worth the purchase or not.

6. Staying power. Staying power on the user’s device and staying power on the charts. Be prepared with a plan prior to release. Updating the app regularly seemed to work for most developers while others choose to work on their apps for months and focus on a feature-packed and solid release.

7. Talk to your end-users. Be appreciative of feedbacks whether positive or negative. Be on the look-out for great suggestions and continuously improve your product. Build a community around your app or your business.

8. Check out these apps and use them as reference. Doodle Jump, Zombieville, Fieldrunners, iBeer (yes!), Koi Pond, Solitaire, Skee-ball, The Moron Test, Paper Toss, Tweetie 2, Bejeweled 2 and Canabalt. I’m pretty sure there are more but these are the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Download a couple of these apps and see why each one is on the top of their game.

There you go! I’d be glad to hear any suggestions or ideas you can add! And if any of the points above aid you in a way, please don’t forget to give me a copy of your bestseller.

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