The developer dilemma: idea is easy, building is easy, selling is impossible

http://blog.dievolution.net/meinung/the-developer-dilemma-idea-is-easy-building-is-easy-selling-is-impossible/

by tomdeal • 15 years ago

10 6 15 years ago

blog.dievolution.net

gage• 15 years ago

I think you're doing the right thing by writing this story up and posting it on HN. You certainly got me to check the game out. Keep it up!

tomdeal3• 15 years ago

I would lie if I said I didnt write the story to generate some buzz for the game, but I really think if I have those problems, many others have them, too. There must be ways for developers to market their ideas, people who can't be 24/7 online for social connections like a garyvee.

dreamdu5t• 15 years ago

Selling doesn't matter. Just get users and people will give you money to be a startup. It's the thing to do you know.

tomdeal3• 15 years ago

Yes, getting users is the first obstacle, where I really got problems with. If you are developing apps and doing websites 24/7, its really hard to be a marketing expert, too, thats what my blogpost is about.

Lukebream• 15 years ago

Your article is an interesesting read and despite it's length I stuck with it to the end.

I didn't try the game but I did click thru and have a look at your homepage / landing page and to be honest it's not very inspiring.

It really didn't motivate me to register. There is too much text and to be brutal it's not pretty enough.

You game us being compared to an iPhone app... If you take a look at a typical iPhone apps landing page ( if they have a web presence) they are visually stunning. They are also very simple and you immediately (in 5 seconds) get what the app is all about.

Fir example you need a big button for a user to get started. It's too confusing at the moment.

There are loads of web tutorials on 'landing page optimisation' you should start with this.

Then once that is sorted then you can work on driving some targeted traffic and see what happens.

tomdeal3• 15 years ago

thanks, you are right about the landing page. This is one of the things you just forget about when you develop the whole app, but its the first thing the future users see, so it should be really nice. will start working on it immediately

The developer dilemma: idea is easy, building is easy, selling is impossible

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