App Success
Why Is Vesper Shutting Down?
As David Sparks writes in another post, "If the dream team couldn’t make it work, who can?"
In his post about why they are shutting down their popular notes app, Vesper, John lays out what might have been. It should be required reading for any app developer or app startup company. Even with three accomplished developers, success is hard and every decision can make a difference. John also has some great insight into what they might have done differently. For instance, he feels they should have built a Mac app first. We typically think iOS first, but that may not always be the best route.
Design
An Extensive Collection Of Vector Mockups
Here is an extensive collection of vector device mockups for Apple devices. The site uses the "pay what you want" model, so save yourself the trouble of hunting down these devices individually and pick them all up for a few bucks.
Ready to Use Vector Device Mockups from Device Mockups
Marketing
The Marketing Tools Your Apps Need
Nice collection of some of the most important tools/services you will need to market your app. Seems there are new services to discover every week, so it's good to keep up on what's out there.
10 Absolute Must-Have Mobile App Marketing Tools by Vanhishikha Bhargava
Sponsored
BrandBucket - Branding Made Easy
If you’re starting a company or if you’re starting a new project for your current company and you want someone to package all of the branding for you, go to BrandBucket. You’ll end up with a name that fits your company and a brand that fits the name—for less than the price you’d pay for a really hot domain. You don’t have to be a designer. You don’t have to hire a creative agency—BrandBucket vets the brands for you. If you need a full brand to get your business started, click the link.
The Swift Algorithms Book (Ready for Swift 3.0)
Written for students and professionals, the 2nd edition of Swift Algorithms & Data Structures blends modern code, illustrations and computer science to help you pass the interview or build your next app. Revised and updated for Swift 3.0, the new book takes a fresh approach to explain concepts that power search engines, databases and social networks. Use coupon code “IOSWEEKLY” at checkout to receive a 30% discount!
Tips
Are Your Apps Ready For iOS 10?
There are a few good ones in here including an Auto Layout change that could cause real problems in your app without an update. Have you tested your current apps for crashes on iOS 10 yet?
10 Gotchas Apple Developers Should Know About in iOS 10 by Richard Harris
Podcasts
A Candid Look At Success With Mobile Apps
Steve has a discussion with ASO expert Gabriel Machuret about his app business and being a solopreneur. From choosing what type of projects you should work on to deciding if you want to build a business to sell or a lifestyle business, they get real about the tough choices you have to make. It's a very personal conversation and shows just how difficult it is to be successful in the app world.
Appmasters 469: Fireside Chat with Gabriel Machuret with Gabriel Machuret & Steve Young
Career
Why And How Garrett Dimon Sold His Profitable Software Business
Garrett has documented his health struggles for a few years. After several ankle surgeries, he is in the process of deciding to amputate or not. He touches on that in this post as he explains why he sold his popular bug tracking software, Sifter. Sifter provided him with continued sustainable income through subscriptions for years and helped stabilize his family during the tough times. It's a bit of a long read, but worth it for any appreneur that is looking to build an actual business with their apps or services. He also goes into detail on the process of finding a buyer and closing the sale. Very valuable lessons here if you have apps or businesses you are considering selling.
Tools
Better App Store Screenshots For Free
Looking to step up from standard screenshots but not ready to spend a ton on a designer or screenshot service? App Launchpad is a new choice to liven up your screenshots without spending a dime. Check it out!
The Best free tool to create beautiful screenshots for App Store or Google Play by Kamal Kant
Welcome everyone. With Vesper announcing its pending shutdown this week, I thought I would lead off with that. It seems every week it is getting harder to make a living on the App Store. I think this is the natural progression of mobile development. As industries mature, they become saturated and more difficult to be successful in. It's not going to get any easier either. Do as much reading and research as you can! Now on to the links... - @cdbeshore
PS: Don't forget you can always reply directly to this email if you would like to reach out to me with links, thoughts, or anything else. Thanks for reading!