Hello,
I'm a french android dev.
I've got an app that comes in 2 ways:
- a free one with ads IN the app (only banners) that could be removed by purchasing the ad-free in-app option directly IN the app.
- a paid one that is the same than the free one without the ads (for people that have no access to in-app purchase).
Lot of users ask me to do a widget to display directly the infos on the home instead of having to launch the app. I'm ok with that but then if they do not start the app anymore, the ads won't display anymore and no more revenue !
So, I was thinking to add a widget to my app and then when the user choose to install the widget and so can view the app infos directly through the widget, he'll receive notifications ads (only for users that didn't purchase ad-free option).
If he removes the widget, he won't get anymore notifications ads and stil can use the app normally.
What do you think about that? Which better solutions could you propose?
Thanks.
First of all, nice approach asking here first.
I see your conundrum, as this is the first justifiable reason I have seen. I am not a developer so I am not sure what options you have with regard to notifying the user. Here are my thoughts as a user.
Make sure that you are able to only activate AirPush in the widget (this is where my lack of dev skills leaves me short). Even if your intent is noble, if it isn't technically possible to prevent AirPush when the user isn't using the widget, you may alienate your users that you have already.
Make sure the user knows that you are using AirPush. Put that early on in your app description and basically tell the story you did in this post. I think users are more upset when they have to hunt around for the offending app. I also don't know what you can do for notification that activating the widget activates this feature, probably something on the widget configuration screen, but if you could do a popup when the widget loads informing the user, it may be helpful.
I think most users want to support developers and many would understand. I just think you need to disclose, disclose, disclose. I use free apps with well placed ads and where my desire for the app is sufficient enough to justify the price, I'll buy it. If I have downloaded a free app and before I even get to try it out I have AirPush ads that I don't know about, its gone and I am not getting anything from that dev again.
BTW, I feel this same level of disclosure should be used for apps that support in app purchases (especially games) as my 4yr old has zapped me before and I didn't know it was even an option. I would have disabled it had I known, but nowhere in the app description or in the app itself could I find any disclosure.
Anyway, just my two cents