[Android Themes] Paramedic911:
Hello fellow themers!

I've learned a few things so far about marketing and selling themes on Google's Play Store so far and figured I would share what I found. I hope others also share what they have learned about the process. So I just finished my first ever completed themes for android with the online Go Theme Factory packaging tool/site. I realized that my history in programming with Pascal and C++ really didn't match up to the ever growing JavaScript phenomenon and the learning curve would just be too much for me with my 80+ hour a week job as a Paramedic.. if you didn't already catch that from my username. I decided to use the Go Theme Factory because it was easy and simply took the programming portion of developing a theme out of the equation so I could focus on design. Long story short... I finally finished my completed themes and was ready for the MASSES to see what a fabuloussss job I have done!... Easier said than done. Believe me I'm not the type to walk into a room and expect things to be handed to me, i'm a very hard worker and have gotten where I am in life because of it. What I have realized so far is that to expect instant mass exposure is simply unreal. I've noticed that there are a few key components to being that sought after designer who gets thousands of downloads on the Google Play Store. Many of these may seem like a "no brainer" but to new designers in the theming market these pointers may really help...

1. [U]MAKE A QUALITY PRODUCT:[/U] If you don't put any effort into making a quality theme users will let you know. Spend that extra time to make sure you are producing a theme that you yourself would LOVE to have and interact with multiple times a day. Don't get me wrong if you are making a theme say to appease cute kitten lovers but you actually hate cats.. you won't necessarily love having that theme on your phone. Put yourself in the potential downloaders shoes. Create something that you can be proud of calling your own. If you lack on details and quality you may still get numerous downloads, but I wouldn't expect to have great user reviews if any at all. How likely would it be for that person to scroll down and click the "See More" link showing your other works of art that you spent countless hours on?

2.

DEVELOP FOR MULTIPLE LAUNCHERS:

There are numerous launchers available right now. Even though Go Launcher EX is the most popular launcher with regards to downloads, you shouldn't limit your audience to one platform. Almost all of the highest downloaded and highest grossing themes on the market and made to work with multiple launchers such as Go Launcher Ex, ADW, Nova, Apex, Solo, Action and more. The more launchers that your theme is compatible with the more exposure you will get. Why would someone download an ADW theme if they are a dedicated Nova user? It's easier for them to just simply search for a similar theme on their launchers platform.

3.

KEEP CURRENT WITH TRENDS:

Right now the highest trending themes and icon packs are ones that either resemble iOS 7 or ones that have a "flat" appearance. The iOS 7 style is obvious. Whenever a new phone or operating system comes out users want something similar. The "flat" style I believe is the lingering result of when the Windows phone first came out and theme developers rushed into reproducing the same look. Regardless of their origin it tells you something.. android is one of the only operating systems out there that you can openly and easily modify the look of your phones user interface. If they want the look and feel of an iPhone one day then the Windows phone the next they can have it. If you keep current with popular trends and new user interfaces, design a quality theme identical to it, and be one of the first offering it to a community of android users you may just be up there in one of the "Top New..." lists.

4.

COMPATIBILITY FOR TABLETS:

Phones aren't the only devices people want to modify anymore. There is more and more popularity in themes for tablets now than there ever was before. Tablet prices are much more affordable now. This translates into more users looking for apps, launchers, and ultimately themes. Icon sizes are increasing and pixel density seems to grow exponentially for each new device released. Make sure that your designs meet these visual expectations.

5.

RESPOND TO EVERY REQUEST:

I personally believe that great customer service is often overlooked with theme developers. If you aren't willing to take requests or answer questions that downloaders have then you shouldn't complain about your "CURRENT / TOTAL INSTALLS" ratio. Be nice, use smiley faces, complete requests as quick as you can, and guide them in the right direction when they ask a question about how to do something. Every person you help will remember it I promise you. If it means the difference between a 5 star rating or a 1 star rating you will be glad that you took that extra minute or two to respond back. Remember, you won't please everyone because you can't fix stupid but you can at least try to be helpful.

6.

KEY WORDS AND KEY PHRASES:

This topic specifically was one of the biggest eye openers for me after reading an article titled "App Store Optimization". Link below I highly suggest you give it a read. After I made a few changes in the wording of my app description I noticed an increase in downloads overnight. The article was written in 2011 by an android developer and the co-founder of ANDLABS. It covers the importance of key words and key phrases used in the description of your apps. Now I know a lot has changed since 2011 and android app searches on the Google Play Store do not rely as heavily on key words and phrases but regardless it will help. I won't name the specific icon pack but recently I saw one within the top 10 of the "Top New Paid" list with keywords of "iOS7, iOS 7, iPhone 5..." wayyyyyy down the bottom of the description where no typical user would think of reading. The kicker.. it was FAR from the new iOS 7's style and was marketed as a MIUI icon pack.

Link: http://droid-blog.net/2011/06/23/app-store-optimization-aso-14-keywords-description/

I could sit and type for hours about other pieces of advice I've learned throughout the process but I've chatted enough.

What has helped you gain exposure and downloads? Whats the best advice you can give to new theme developers?

Reply back and share with everyone!

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My FREE theme on Google Play Store - Doggy Style (Green) currently only for GO Launcher because I'm still a NOOB!