Photics — Cool Tip #2 — Make More Money!

PhoticsPhotics Member Posts: 4,172
edited November -1 in Working with GS (Mac)
Do you hate that Apple takes 30% from the sale of your apps? Would you like to get some of that money back? You might want to check out the iTunes Affiliate program...

http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/

By creating affiliate links to your apps on your website and in your apps, you can get back 4-5% through the affiliate program when a customer buys your app through a tagged link.

Here are some lucrative examples...

Free-to-Paid App
1) You create a free version of your app for promotion.
2) The player clicks a link in your free app to buy the full app
3) Your link was tagged with the affiliate code
4) Instead of Apple getting 30%, they're getting less money, as some money is coming back to you through the affiliate program.

So, if you had $1000 in sales from the free app to the paid app, $700 for you... the affiliate program could get up to $50 back for you.

Here's another scenario... The friendly community!

I've noticed a lot of hate and envy on the forums lately. That's because we're developers and we're basically competing against each other. Yet, the affiliate program can create incentives for developers to work together.

1) Create a GameSalad fansite!

You could review GameSalad games, link to the iTunes App store with Affiliate links, and get extra money!

2) Link to The Unofficial GameSalad Textbook!

The textbook app is more expensive than an average app. That means more money per sale - approximately $1.25 per sale.

3) Create an alliance!

Maybe you don't want to be friends with everyone, but maybe you can make a team with a few developers. Maybe you're great at "programming" with GameSalad, but not so great with artwork. Team up with an artist and the two of you can cross-link to each others games.

Comments

  • DreamLabDreamLab Member Posts: 2,127
    I like the team idea. haha and I need to understand the affiliate thing a bit more. Teams are always fun to do because you arent as stressed to do both code and art and you have fun working with others!
    DL

    good tips BTW. I think of you as the logic guy on the forums. haha
  • scitunesscitunes Member, Sous Chef Posts: 4,047
    Can you give a quick explanation of what the affiliate program is and how you get involved? I have looked at apple's site but I remember not totally understanding it (or being to tired to focus on it!)
  • ScootsScoots Member Posts: 507
    scitunes said:
    Can you give a quick explanation of what the affiliate program is and how you get involved? I have looked at apple's site but I remember not totally understanding it (or being to tired to focus on it!)

    I haven't looked through Apples but affiliates usually work like this. If someone buys the product from clicking on your link,banner, ad you get a percentage of the sale. So if in your games you had a "tagged" link to Photics book and someone clicks on it and buys it you will get a percentage.

    At least that's how I understand the affiliates programs, please correct if I'm mistaken.
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    I am part of the affiliate program but haven't done any links I was actually wondering if app had any rules against linking your own apps that way.

    Oh and for anyone that doesn't know. you know how when you click almost any link from anywhere to an app it goes to a redirect URL before getting to the app store. those are affiliate program links
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  • sebmacflysebmacfly Member Posts: 1,018
    I joined the TradeDoubler, but now i don't know how to do...
    How can i make a link with a tagged affiliate code?
    How do i configure the affiliate in the itunes?

    What that means? :
    --------------------------------------------------
    2.Apply for the Affiliate Program: After you have been accepted into an affiliate network, you still need to apply to the iTunes program. To apply, simply complete the forms, read and agree to the program terms and conditions, and submit your application. You will be notified of your approval to join the program in one to two weeks.
    --------------------------------------------------
  • PhoticsPhotics Member Posts: 4,172
    I decided to take my own advice and join the affiliate program. I started by changing the "Applications by Photics" links.

    http://photics.com/

    Even though I think Apple earns their 30% — with great products and services like Xcode, Game Center and the iTunes App Store — Photics.com sends a lot of traffic to the iTunes App Store, I think it makes sense to join the affiliate program. It's like getting a 5% raise.

    I'm looking forward to seeing how this performs. I think it's a more user friendly alternative to Banner ads.
    sebmacfly said:
    How can i make a link with a tagged affiliate code?
    How do i configure the affiliate in the itunes?

    First you join up with the affiliate program company. It depends on location. For me, it was LinkShare. Then, you join the iTunes Program from within the company website.

    I created the links with the Deep Linking option.
  • PhoticsPhotics Member Posts: 4,172
    Here's an update...

    When I saw zero sales, I thought I was wasting my time. So, I went searching online to find out what's wrong. I read online that it takes a while for Apple to send the reports to LinkShare. Apparently, they switched something in February.

    So today, I saw some success! Money appeared in my account. That's nice. I think I'll keep using LinkShare.
  • Metronome49Metronome49 Member Posts: 297
    Definitely. If you have a website with links pointing to the App Store you would be silly not to be in the affiliate program.
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