What is New on Developer Resource

Writing Software Documentation

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Thorough and well-written software documentation can significantly minimize the volume of support queries that a MicroISV receives. Take the time to write clear documentation that will guide users through the software.

Writing Software Documentation

The Downside to Retail

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Seeing your software on the shelves of a BestBuy or a Walmart store can be a tremendous ego boost, but the reality of retail and doing business in the brick-n-mortar world is far less charming. Making an online product fit into the retail marketing concept takes significant amounts of time and money. There are a number of downsides to retail that many ISVs or small software houses often do not realize...

The Downside to Retail

Updated Presentations from Software Industry Conference

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: New presentations from the Software Industry Conference in Boston, MA.

Most Common MicroISV Mistakes

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Here are some of the more common mistakes that many MicroISVs make. Hopefully this list can help you avoid making some or all of them yourself...

Most Common MicroISV Mistakes

Ask Developer Resource Updated

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Updated: A number of questions and answers have been added to Ask Developer Resource.

How MicroISVs Can Market to Companies

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: The thought of selling to large entities such as corporations, schools, and government agencies can sometimes be overwhelming to a small software house. But it is a misnomer to think that only large companies can sell to other large companies. Many MicroISVs sell quite successfully in the B2B - Business-To-Business marketplace. There is no secret formula to selling to big businesses, but a few basics can make selling into this market much easier...

How MicroISVs Can Market to Big Business

Tools for Building a Software Community

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: A number of tools exist that can assist MicroISVs in building a community around their software products. The software should be the common theme that unites community participants.

Tools for Building a Software Community

Effective Split Testing

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Split testing allows you to effectively test two different variables, and then measure the effect that the differences have on a customers behavior. Minor changes in website content can often have a significant impact on the number of completed sales.

Effective Split Testing

Tips for Software Uninstall Surveys

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: It is often helpful to conduct a customer survey in an effort to get a better idea of what customers like, want, and expect. For example, many MicroISVs conduct uninstall surveys to gain information about why customers choose to uninstall their software. Follow these steps to increase the value of your surveys and the number of respondents...

Tips for Software Uninstall Surveys

Before You Build a Software Community

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Before you begin developing a community around your software, there are a number of things that you should consider doing...

Before You Build a Software Community

Tips to Improve Software Support

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Regardless of a software companys size, they must provide support for the products they sell. But providing support is often viewed as time-consuming, and it does not always add to profits. How can MicroISVs make the most of the software support they provide? Here are a few ways...

Tips to Improve Software Support

Title Tag Tips

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Every page on a website should contain a different and unique title tag. Selecting the right title can significantly impact click-through rates.

Writing Effective Title Tags

Why Build a Software Community?

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Building a community around your software can be a very effective way to establish your brand and to become a trusted source in a niche. Here are some of the benefits of building a community...

Why Build a Software Community?

Updated Presentations from Chinese Software Global Summit

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: New presentations from the Chinese Software Global Summit in Beijing China.

Preventing Software Piracy

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Software piracy is an ever-present problem for software developers, and unfortunately there is no way to entirely prevent it. Software developers can employ tactics such as hardware dongles, registration codes, passwords, online activation, separate downloads for licensed versions, etc, but the fact remains that none of the protection schemes are absolutely foolproof or failsafe.

Preventing Software Piracy

Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Software companies exert significant amounts of effort promoting their software and driving traffic to their website, yet they often fail to examine the purchase process that customers encounter after arriving at the site. If someone enters the purchase process, chances are very good that they have already determined that your software is compatible, and that they have money and an interest in purchasing your software... all of which are critical when converting a potential customer into a purchasing customer.

Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment

Reduce Forum Spam

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Automated bots will often automate forum registration and postings in an effort to increase links back to their own websites. These posts are often completely unrelated to the forum topics, are usually cluttered with unrelated links, and may even contain offensive or inappropriate material. Software developers who have support forums, or who are interested in implementing a forum, need to be proactive in order to reduce the amount of spam in their forum.

Reduce Forum Spam

5 Affiliate Myths

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Many software developers fail to take advantage of affiliate programs, and often because of various untrue myths that exist in regard to selling through affiliate programs. Some of the common misconceptions related to affiliate marketing include...

Affiliate Myths

Running an Offline vs Online Business

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: An online software business can be a lucrative extension of an offline software business. Having an online presence is no longer simply a nice addition to an offline company -- it really is a necessity in this day and age. Consider this: if your company does not have an online presence, chances are good that your competition does, and they are taking business that could be yours!

Running an Offline vs Online Business

Software Employment Reviews

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Regularly-scheduled personnel reviews are commonplace in big businesses, but staff reviews are also important for smaller MicroISVs as well. First, there are no rules. The reviews do not have to occur annually -- they can be quarterly, semi-annually, or at the end of an established probationary period.

Employment Reviews

Make the Most of a Trade Show

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: It can sometimes be expensive to participate in a trade show, and while many companies seem to spare no expense on their booth design and conference sponsorship, they often fail to maximize their trade show potential. Your trade show staff should be well-informed regarding your expectations of their trade show presence and behavior. The following is a basic trade show primer...

Making the Most of a Trade Show

Software Business Automation

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Office and technical automation can be a critical component to business success, and can drastically impact and improve productivity, especially in a small software house.

Software Business Automation

Deal of Day Benefits

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Everybody loves a bargain, and especially in times of economic crunch. Consumers are always looking for ways to save money, but without compromising the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to. Deal-Of-The-Day websites can provide consumers with significant savings on products.

Deal of the Day Benefits

Wiki Links

Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Most webmasters acknowledge that search engines weigh the number of back-links in a website as part of their algorithms for organic search results. The sense is that links from reputable websites weigh more than non-authority websites.

More on Wiki Links

What is a Knol?

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: A Knol is defined as a unit of knowledge. Google Knol is a service owned and operated by Google, and is Googles answer to Wikipedia. Google Knol contains a collection of articles and information written by various individuals. The big difference between Google Knol and Wikipedia is that in Google Knol, the author can determine the edit-ability of the article. The original content creator sets the level of editing they will allow for each work.

What is a Knol?

Essential Checks for Launching Website - Part III

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Your website is designed and it is time to take the website live. Or is it? When launching a website, you can often forget or overlook a number of details in your eagerness to get it live. It is useful to have a checklist to review as you make your final touches and before you officially release your website - to avoid unnecessary costs and provide the best user experience possible.

Essential Checks Before Launching a Website - Part III

Essential Checks for Launching Website - Part II

Wed, 13 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Essential Checks for Launching Website - Part I

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Tips for Building a Software Community

Thu, 7 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: There are a number of ways to build a community around your products. Follow these tips to create an active and successful community....

Tips for Building a Community

Inspirational MicroISV Stories

Mon, 4 May 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Updated: Inspirational MicroISV stories.

Search Engine Optimization for Images

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: When optimizing your website to perform better in search engine results, do not overlook or neglect the images on your website. Graphics play an important role in web design, and they can also influence organic search rankings. Take care to make your website graphics search-friendly. Here are some tips for better image optimization...

Search Engine Optimization for Images

How to Keep the Attention of Affiliates

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: In order for affiliates to effectively promote your software applications, you will need to provide them with promotional collateral for those products. Do not skimp on quality when setting up affiliate collateral. It is not something you should cut corners on, because a motivated affiliate can generate significant revenue. But in order to do so, they will need quality promotional materials. A professional affiliate that is spending money to promote your application is not going to want sub-standard graphics and promotional materials.

How to Keep the Attention of Affiliates

What Is Bounce Rate?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: The bounce rate for a website is yet another reason that Internet marketers should focus on targeted traffic, because targeted traffic results in a much lower bounce rate. For example, if you are selling software for picking baby names, and you generate non-targeted traffic from people looking for baby cribs instead, your bounce rate will increase as a result of that non-targeted traffic.

What Is Bounce Rate

Contract Programming

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Developers can often supplement their income by doing contract programming. This can be a great source of additional revenue when properly structured. Make sure you take the time to detail the plan before your begin.

Contract Programming

E-commerce Reporting Information

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Clients can use the reporting from e-commerce service providers to improve their business and effectively boost their sales.

Ecommerce Reporting

Web Copy Is All About Benefits

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: The web copy should convey what the product can do. Rather than listing a collection of features, be sure to communicate the benefits of the product or service.

Web Copy Is All About Benefits

How to Analyze Brand

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Building a brand is a challenge. A brand is all about perception, and as frustrating as it might be, the manufacturer or seller does not control how customers, potential customers, or the general public perceives a brand. That said, the manufacturer or seller can certainly help influence how their brand is perceived.

How to Analyze a Brand

Affiliate Sales Presentation

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: New PowerPoint presentation on Affiliate Sales presented in Hong Kong 2009.

How to Make the Most of Membership in an Association

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Small software developers who work alone can often experience feelings of isolation. Becoming involved with a software organization or association can help alleviate the isolation, while also assisting in the growth of their businesses.

How to Make the Most of Membership in a Software Organization

Ask Developer Resource Updated

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Updated: A number of questions and answers have been added to Ask Developer Resource.

How to Sell More Software

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Posted: Sales can often be increased several percentage points simply by tweaking your system and making minor changes to your web page and ordering system.

Keep in mind that a single percent sales increase adds directly to your bottom line. Additionally, many of the shopping cart changes can help reduce shopping cart abandonment rates. Effort is spent attracting customers, so why risk losing them in the final stages of the purchase process if it can be avoided with some minor tweaking?

How to Sell More Software

Streamline the Order Process

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:00:00 -0400

Posted: Streamlining the order process can help increase the number of customers that actually finish the order process. Improving the order process can impact the amount of money a product or service generates -- the more individuals that complete orders, the more sales a product or service will have. Take a look at your current order process and see what items can be improved upon...

Streamline the Order Process

Optimizing Software Press Releases

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: A large percentage of journalists use search engines to locate fodder for their articles and editorials. As such, it is important that press releases be optimized for search engines, so they will be indexed and presented when related search terms are entered. Here are a few ways to better optimize your press release...

Optimizing Press Releases

Email Marketing Tips

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Statistics show that email marketing can be one of the most effective forms of online marketing, with significantly higher ROI rates than other marketing channels. Understand the value of email marketing, and determine how you can make it work effectively for you.

Email Marketing Tips

Publicity

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Companies can manage their public relations by spinning their publicity. Remember: publicity is essentially a public relations effort focused on generating editorial media coverage for an organization and/or its products.

Publicity

Digital River Conference Schedule Updated

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Updated: The Digital River Conference Schedule has been updated.

Press Releases are Still Viable Marketing Methods

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: In addition to gaining attention for products or services, a press release can also be helpful in establishing corporate branding. A quality press release can result in a large volume of backlinks from trusted sources. Invest the time and effort necessary to produce a quality release for new products or services that you are offering. Here are some tips to help get the most from your press releases...

Press Releases are Still Viable

Outsourcing Software E-commerce

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Why should you outsource the e-commerce needs for your software products? Most software developers are quite capable of creating their own shopping carts, obtaining their own bank merchant accounts, and handling their own online e-commerce, yet many choose to outsource their software e-commerce needs.... and for good reason!

Outsourcing Software Ecommerce

Keyword Variations

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Optimizing a website is a process. The first step in the process should be to develop a list of keywords or phrases that relate to the product or service being promoted on the website.

Keyword Variations

Smith Micro Success

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: A push to perfect a paid search campaign during the past year has delivered Smith Micro a 70% boost in sales for three quarters, and a 14% increase in sales from Apple Mac users.

Smith Micro Sales Boost

Components of an Email

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Have you picked up any bad email habits you can avoid repeating? Find a recent email, open it up, and lets take a look. We will start at the top and work our way down....

Components of an Email

Pay Per Click Mistakes

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: Pay Per Click advertising can be a very effective advertising tool, but it can also be a very expensive lesson when handled incorrectly. Pay Per Click campaigns should be properly implemented and tracked in order to generate the best results. Avoid these common pitfalls and mistakes...

Pay Per Click Mistakes

Build Your Email Subscriber List

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: So you want to build an email marketing program, but you do not yet have a strong database of subscribers. What should you do?

Build Your Email Subscriber List

How to Determine What Software to Develop

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: It can be difficult to find an idea that is both inspiring and profitable. Balance your enthusiasm with hard facts and research, so you can make an informed determination of how successful an application can be before you become too invested in the development.

How to Determine What Software to Develop

Search Friendly Content

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: A search-friendly website will help generate targeted organic traffic from search engines. Keep the design and navigation basic so the website can easily be spidered and indexed by the search engines.

Search Friendly Content

Digital River Conference Schedule

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:15:35 -0500

Updated: The Digital River conference schedule for 2009 has been updated. If you are attending any of the conferences on the list, say hello.

How to Compete Against Free Software

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:13:59 -0500

Posted: Competing against freeware is not an easy task. Consider a variety of alternatives in an effort make your software more competitive and more attractive than your freeware competitors.

How to Compete Against Free Software

Dealing with Credit and Collection Issues

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: As financial conditions become more and more difficult, it is increasingly important for small businesses to manage their credit wisely. Do not be afraid to make collection calls when necessary. In times of economic hardship, it is fiscally responsible to be pro-active when it comes to collecting past-due receivables.

Dealing with Credit and Collection Issues

Software Design Tips

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Posted: A good idea alone is often not enough when it comes to designing a successful software application. Developers must consider a wide variety of factors when developing a new application and bringing their vision to reality. The design of the User Interface (UI) can make or break an application.

Software Design Tips