Disclaimer: this article is more personal in nature that is more relevant to me. And not a review that you can rely on to buy, though I strongly recommend getting this book if you want to address some key points while developing your mobile app – yes the book is particular in saying that ‘mobile’ app is the way to go compared to other platforms.
Also, the above link to the book is an affiliate link, just so you know.
Notes: There are many sentences and phrases that I would love quoting from this book written by George Berkowski. It is not possible to give them all in here.
It addresses a lot of key issues with sufficient examples on how other entrepreneurs did it.
Overall, it motivates, assures, and provides some guidance on how to build a billion dollar app ourselves.
That being said, although I don’t have any deep interest in publishing an app immediately, this book is definitely a reference that I am shelving today to come back later.
Highlights: As I said above, I am not giving complete highlights here, just a few, for example, these are all basic and common words but they are solid advice:
Creating a robust name and brand from the very beginning is critical. But it’s damn hard. And it can take quite a bit of time to find something that feels just right. From the onset I would recommend a couple of strategies. First, don’t let the name hold you up from designing your app or even beginning the software development – you can refine the name in parallel. Second, don’t settle for an OK name. A great name is 10 times better than a good name. So invest the time now, because down the line there will be a million reasons why it’s close to impossible to change it.
There are five types of metrics to remember (they are quite pirate-like – AARRR):
ACQUISITION: users downloading your app from a variety of channels; • ACTIVATION: users enjoying their first ‘happy’ experience on your app; • RETENTION: users coming back and using your app multiple times; • REFERRAL: users loving your app so much they refer others to download it; • REVENUE: users completing actions on your app that you’re able to monetise.
Even if you’re an app, you need a website. If people Google you, they should be able to find you easily. Ideally, you want your site to focus on helping people download your app – i.e. a crisp, snappy description – and then a clear download button that links directly to the app stores you’re on.
George Berkowski. How to Build a Billion Dollar App: Discover the Secrets of the Most Successful Entrepreneurs of Our Time (Kindle Locations 2058-2060). Little, Brown Book Group. Kindle Edition.
important factors that you need to consider when coming up with a name: • Is your name short, catchy and memorable? Hailo is about hailing a taxi. Snapchat is about chatting, rapidly. Waze is about finding the best ways through traffic. • Is your name distinctive? Uber meant little until it became your on-demand chauffeur. If you can’t cut through the noise with a clear name, make one up. Etsy was a nonsense word, but is now synonymous with ‘marketplace for handmade goods’. • Is your name clever? Does it make people smile? The Square app allows you to ‘square up’ your bill. Pinterest allows me to ‘pin’ all the things I find interesting. • Can your name become a verb? Hailo me a taxi, Google that word. This is one of the most powerful characteristics – and one you can’t force. But you can ensure that your name is conducive to this usage.
George Berkowski. How to Build a Billion Dollar App: Discover the Secrets of the Most Successful Entrepreneurs of Our Time (Kindle Locations 1532-1539). Little, Brown Book Group. Kindle Edition.
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