6 tips on creating the best entertainment apps
The use of mobile applications in entertainment franchises has been a boon to the industry. They allow consumers to engage with a movie or television show in ways previously unimaginable. That said, the success of an entertainment-related app is dependent on several elements. Use these tips to ensure your app is the best it can be.
Know, understand, and “get” the brand
As obvious as this may sound, understanding what the brand is, what it stands for, and the relationship it has with its customers should drive all efforts.
What is the goal of the app — marketing or monetization?
Often clients want to try to accomplish two different goals with an app — marketing and monetization. Trying to kill two birds with one stone is rarely successful.
Create the right concept to achieve the defined goals
At AvatarLabs, we enjoy making 3-D mobile games, but would not pitch one for, say, “The King’s Speech.” For “The Fast and the Furious” or “Race to Witch Mountain,” a racing game is logical and appropriate for the property.
Deliver value
This is a simple point that is often lost. The mobile consumer has access to vast amounts of cool, free apps, so if you are going to charge for an app, make sure that there is a clear value proposition.
Choose your platform wisely
Marketers want maximum reach, so it’s important to have a multi-platform strategy for any app. For Hollywood there is no question that the iOS devices are king.
Market the app
Movies generally average a $30 million marketing budget, with large franchises closer to $100 million. Similarly, game companies spend tens of millions to promote a franchise-level property. In the context of the overall marketing budget, app marketing is usually an afterthought at best. But drifting in the brand awareness that $30 million buys is not a bad thing at all.