There are many talented software developers in the world, and many people with great business skills. And while there are some lucky enough to be both, they are a tiny minority. Hence the number of great software products that never become great businesses. Software developers fall into the extreme-high-risk category of contracting Developer Syndrome. Although at first the symptoms may be … Read More
Paessler’s PRTG 8 and a new licensing model
One of the less-than-ideal aspects of buying software today is the inevitable license tangles and restrictions. Like it or not, you’ll invariably pay for aspects of the software that you won’t ever use, just to get the features you need. Until now anyway. “With the upcoming release of PRTG 8, Paessler takes a revolutionary step and completely simplifies its licensing … Read More
Is the iPad killing the software industry?
The iPad is a remarkable device. My three year-old little girl learnt how to use it within minutes, I learnt how to use it within an hour or so, and it beautifully highlights almost all of the problems of working with PCs. Buying software couldn’t be simpler. There are no minimum system requirements, no drivers, no runtimes or codecs needed, … Read More
TipFrom.Me – turning customers into sellers
What would you consider to be the most relevant source of information when it comes to what you buy? Magazines? Online reviews? TV ads? What about your friends? TipFrom.Me is a unique service that lets you turn your web customers into an active sales force. Whenever your customers purchase your products they will be given the opportunity to share a “Tip” to … Read More
Roller coasters on thin ice – the need for marketing
The recession is over (for now), but for many businesses, the after-effects are proving to be more painful than the event itself. There’s never been a more important time for your business to be actively engaged in effective online marketing. Some companies are realising they survived the recession, breathing a sigh of relief, and sitting back comfortably. This is a … Read More
Software Customer Acquisition Methods
TrialPay have released an interesting (and puzzlingly dated) report covering the costs of customer acquisition, the most effective means of acquiring customers, acquisition trends and more. 184 software companies took part in the survey, and TrialPay even break-down the demographics of the participants. It’s unfortunate that the majority are selling to consumers, and 40% are selling games. Yet the data … Read More
Digital coupons opportunity?
A recent report issued by Coupons.com indicates impressive growth in the popularity of digital coupons: “Printed savings from Coupons.com and the Coupons.com digital network for the 12 months ending June 2010 exceeded $1 billion. This includes savings printed or loaded to a store loyalty card and represents a 100 percent increase compared to $529 million the year before.“ Easy to … Read More
The reality of AdWords SiteLinks
In case you haven’t noticed, Google have recently opened up a somewhat old feature to all AdWords account holders: Ad SiteLinks. In short, it can potentially make your ad stand out from those of your competition. To use it is rather easy. Go to your campaign settings, and under the ad extensions section you will find an item offering to … Read More
Online product reviews are more important than ever
MarketingProfs have an interesting article on Online Shoppers Value Reviews, Ratings, Search: “Online research is central to consumer shopping behavior: 50% of online shoppers say they conduct research online for at least one-half of their purchases, and 64% consistently read online reviews prior to making product purchase decisions, according to an e-tailing group and PowerReviews study slated for release in … Read More
There’s never been a better time to sell garbage online
According to a recent survey, 50% of online shoppers conduct research online for at least half of their purchases, and 64% usually read online reviews prior to making product purchase decisions. The specifics here are fascinating. I might understand only 50% of shoppers researching their purchases online, but 50% of online shoppers? In other words they’re already online, yet choose … Read More
