Is there any way to market Windows desktop application?
I have created Desk & Archive, a file manager for Windows, see it at www.deskandarchive.com.
One year and a half after launch, I am stuck in belief that there is no way to market Windows desktop application. I have sold something like 100 licenses, and those users are very active and loyal. However, Windows desktop is just out of fashion. Nearly no one wants to write about it. And you can't get some serious adoption without press coverage.
Am I right on this?
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Mar 25, 2014
How are you marketing it. Is it for individual users, businesses, and are you offering trials? Getting it on key PPD websites worked for me when I started out with my PC applications.
A little more information may get you some better feedback from other experts.
PS. Don't give up. Continue to evolve your product and find your target audience.
Mar 27, 2014
Thanks, but I don't think it is viable anymore. For example, this software is somewhat similar and it had great coverage: http://download.cnet.com/Directory-Opus-32-bit/3000-2248_4-10061069.html and it still gest 14 download a week. They can't sell more than 5 from that. It is not enough.
Mar 27, 2014
Have you tried the add-on services? Featured category listings. They even have a service which bundles your products free trial with others (I believe it's called co-wrapping). I used all of these services for a few months and did extremely well. I also reached out to other topsites. I wish I could give you some additional advice but I'm not sure if I can help much more. All I can do is look back at what worked for me and my software products. If you have any additional questions send me a direct message.
Mar 15, 2014
Ivan, Keeping the noise to minimum about Windows 8 and all the bruhaha some folks do... All I know that Windows 8 is a great OS with some stupid UI mistakes Microsoft has made yet best Desktop Windows OS... So, coming back to your question, you can explore the following:
1. Provide shrink-wrapped packaged product via retail channels. Contact PC Worlds type off retailers. They sell such software.
2. Do some marketing on FB/Linked-In. Explore Google PPC option.
3. Tie up with software downloaders - I do not know how to engage with them - they may have a mechanism to list your software....
4. There is Windows Store for you to sell
5. Amazon Market Place
Summary - Retail, eDownloaders, Windows Store, Advertising
Rgds, S
Mar 15, 2014
You don't need to ask anyone else, you write blog about your product yourself and also write on other forums.
Mar 14, 2014
Windows 8 was developed for tablets and not desktops. The next version of Windows will be targeted for desktop computers.
That being said I don;t quite understand why people would need your software. I think a lot of your processes take more time and effort than what Windows already has. What do you offer that is unique to your software and can make a better user experience.
Secondly, the visual design of a website tells a lot to people about how well the program will work. Adobe is doing well because all of their graphics are modern and high quality. Your website lacks modern and visual design elements. I think working with a online graphic artist will go a long way in getting users for your software. Along with online marketing and SEO.
Your videos could use a bit of updating and audio to help explain what your doing and what makes it so beneficial to the user.
Mar 14, 2014
Why do people need tabs? Why do people need reminders? Why there is archive button in gmail?
Of course, maybe all of that means nothing to you, but again maybe you are not my buyer.
I respect your answer, but I had met with a guy who sold several companies for millions of dollars and he was a fan of my presentation (taking into account low budget). As far as I can see, you are just young guy with no big references, which is not bad, just your words are too bold for your experience.
At the end of the day you haven't answered my question. Even if I had best site ever, would anyone visit it? Is there any way to build buzz around desktop application?
Mar 14, 2014
if you have a program that people want then yes, people will go to your site. This is the natural progression of the internet, search engines, and economics. Supply and demand. My Windows comes with tabs, reminders, and archive. Many of the functions that your software have, my Windows computer already does. You need to ask yourself why your customers would want to pay extra for something they already have. You aren't focusing on the uniqueness of your software.
Anyone can be a fan of your product for whatever reason. Did he buy it and invest in your business? Actions speak louder than words in the world of business.
I have years of experience, awards, and training. Age does not mean I am not experienced in any regard.
In summary if you can make a point of why your software is better than what people already have than you will get buzz. You need a good website is many different ways to compete and stay ahead of the competition.
Mar 15, 2014
Age doesn't matter but experience does and it is often correlated. You can't teach someone to swim without ever swimming yourself.
Mar 15, 2014
I can understand if you completely ignore my advice on the assumption that I have little experience in the field. I hope you can still answer yourself the questions I brought up and build a good business plan. Good luck.
Mar 14, 2014
yes, just like google play, MSDN has an online store for Windows 8 Metro Apps (which are desktop apps that share a common core between all apps).
Look into Windows 8 (.NET 4.5 (visual studios 2012) for development and google Metro apps.
Mar 14, 2014
I am aware of that, but do you have any info on how effective it is? While investments are not big, it does require both monetary and time investment, so I haven't tried thus far.
Talking of Google Play, I don't think that any app now has any chance of making any success just by listing in Google Play, even if it is a top quality product. So I am talking about that I don't see any chances of creating buzz around products for Windows desktop.
It is for business users, small and home businesses, mid size eventually. There is 30 days free trial.