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The sharewarist’s central
Resources, tools, tips for the independent software developer
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The sharewarist’s central
Resources, tools, tips for the independent software developer
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SOFTWARE SUCCESS TIPS
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So you plan to market your software as shareware ? There are a lot of things to learn. Here are the ten top tips by me, aka Doctor Upload:
1) CREATE A GOOD PRODUCT - Make a good and useful product (if your budget allows for it, you can read “make sure anybody wants your product” :-) );
2) ASK FOR THE MONEY - Make sure there are registration incentives (30 days limit, and so on...), nobody buys what he can have for free;
3) TAKE CARE OF LITTLE THINGS - Debug the software before releasing it, and proof-read the documentation. If you're not careful with your spelling, maybe your product isn't so good either...;
4) SETUP A NICE SHOWCASE - Make a good Web site; Edit, edit and edit the description of the software and the Web pages: remember that the user doesn’t know what you’re selling!;
5) NETWORK WITH OTHERS - See what other shareware authors are doing ( associations, mailing lists): like any other job, it’s a matter of experience;
6) DISTRIBUTE THE CLASSIC WAY - Submit your software to as many distribution sites as you can; work hard to get a top rating if any;
7) LET THEM KNOW ABOUT YOU - Pay attention to search engine ranking; Do press releases; be very careful with magazine’s ads; hire a promotion service, if you can afford it. If no-one knows you exist, they probably won't come to buy your software either;
8) PEOPLE LOVE FREE STUFF - give out something for free; insert bundles or added value offers; give out free updates; build your own newsletter; follow up with email;
9) GOOD SUPPORT, GOOD SALES - Respond to all customer’s email, no matter how silly they may seem! Be polite and clear: word of mouth is very important for the small business!
10) WORK, WORK, WORK - Every successful business started with a lot of work. Don’t expect immediate success, be resolute, and results will come.
Dr. Upload
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