Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -1 down vote favorite

I've been researching the various things that factor into app store rankings, and it seems like when all else is equal, paid apps rank higher than free apps for a given search term.

I currently have a free app that has an "in app" purchase option. The user can download the app, try out limited content for free, and then decide to purchase and "unlock" the rest of the app.

With this model, the app is listed as free on the store. Would it be better to make completely separate apps (free and paid) for ranking? If so, how complicated is it typically to do this? I'm not a developer, so I'd need to hire help to accomplish this.

share|improve this question
2  
This kind of information is not publicly available, so we'd be speculating on how the App Store works. Which is not the topic of this site. – Loïc Wolff Feb 29 '12 at 17:23
Hi Chris. It's impossible to get deep enough and collect all the possible data to form a specific accurate hypothesis. Pair that with the fact that Apple doesn't generally release specific enough data either, and this becomes an unanswerable question. – Jason Salaz♦ Feb 29 '12 at 17:55

closed as not constructive by Loïc Wolff, gentmatt, Jason Salaz♦ Feb 29 '12 at 17:51

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote

The model of free with the ability to purchase the rest of the app's functionality is the way to go in my honest opinion. You have only one application on the AppStore (instead of two competing ones) that is getting lots of traffic, lots of reviews, and will more likely rise to the top. There is also the possibility that people who have downloaded the free version of your app may never know that there is a upgraded, paid version (unless otherwise mentioned in the application). You'll also cut down the cost of making another application, and the time it takes to make it (as minimal as it may be). It's a win all around.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.