COD: Tapzilla - quick app distribution with a Groupon style free lunch model

Win win all around. A service called Tapzilla provides a way for developers to get their new apps into lots of hands quickly, and delivers free apps for app fanatics at the same time.

It’s all pretty simple really, and once again I feel the total idiot for not thinking of it myself.

The consumer model bears a striking resemblance to Groupon, except that this works out to be free in the end. You sign up and get a daily email or visit the site for free access to the app of the day. You go to iTunes to buy it. Then once its downloaded, you shake the app, type in the Tapzilla offer code, and you get a refund of the purchase price in the form of an itunes gift card or a Paypal credit.

I know of a number of people who have developed or are in the process of developing new apps; because of the glut and clutter, distribution and marketing are a particular challenge even when there is enough revenue to offer a strong bounty per customer. Tapzilla meets this need and helps app freaks get their fix of something new and valuable daily.

Getting high app sales on those first days of distribution can mean the difference between success and failure. It has been widely reported that making the top apps list on iTunes multiplies your sales rate but good, and gives you the critical momentum to keep going and growing.

Since these members are app superconsumers, I would expect that their propensity to viral is quite high.

Lots of installs for you, free stuff for them. Win win all around.

PCH on Twitter, Ed McMahon, Not So Much...

I learned from the NYT that Publisher's Clearing House -- The House where dreams come true -- has entered the Twitterverse ad the iPhone app realm in an effort to lure young 'uns to sweeps. The company, which makes its dough selling magazine subs, is cleverly exploring new ways.

As for Ed McMahon? To my knowledge he is NOT on Twitter. He was on American Family's sweepstakes programs, not PCH's. Though he's quite alive and living large.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to write.

Digital Marketing Factoid Of The Day: iPhone Apps By Category

From 148Apps.com

AdMob Gets Specific With iPhone Ad Opps

You all know I like the iPhone ad space, and I found an interesting set of demos for AdMob’s many offerings on their refreshed web site. I think lots of people are intrigued by this space, but find it difficult to understand all of the options available merely through text descriptions. That’s why I like their long list of iPhone ad example demos – in fact I like them so much I decided to republish them all here! Without further ado, here are some examples of what you can do with iPhones:

Connecting App Ads to the iPhone Store:

Promote your app and drive users to download it by directing users to Apple's App Store when they engage with your ad.



Map Ads

Users input their location to launch Google Maps. This functionality works particularly well to drive traffic to a retail location while users are on-the-go. Store locator functionality helps users find the closest retail location and get directions from their present location.



Video Referrals
By directing users to a YouTube video, you can maximize the video assets you've already created. This functionality allows you to build your brand and also has a viral component, as users can share videos they've watched with friends.



Refer to iTunes

Now users can purchase your music, games, or video files from iTunes. This functionality allows you to send users straight from your ad to the iTunes Store where they can preview and then buy your files. From promotion directly to purchase.



Click to Call

A mobile staple! With Action: Call, iPhone users can initiate a voice call immediately when they engage with your ad.



iPhone Optimized Sites

Many advertisers create mobile sites or branded landing pages where they can engage their users in multiple ways by offering downloads, galleries, videos, and more. Action: Web allows you to direct your users to your site for a rich brand interaction.



Audio File Ads

Drive users directly to audio files. Action: Audio opens a media player, allowing users to listen to your music, podcast, news, or other audio immediately.



Canvas

Create your own canvas that takes advantage of the new rich media possibilities of the new iPhone. Expanding to a screen-sized canvas with a signature animation, Action: Canvas allows you to engage users with any Action or combination of Actions you choose.



Pretty cool, hunh?

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to write.