Help some advice re software promotion

[Karma]

So, I have some software which I created (for a popular phone/tablet) and I'm kind of at a loss about the promotion side of things.

I'm a one man business with no funds to advertise and as you can imagine with the competition, I'm not sure how I can approach getting people to my site with such competitive keywords/competition.

Paid promotion via Adwords/Bing Ads is a no-go, as the keyword (for a popular phone/tablet) seems to trigger incredibly high costs and when I could afford a small amount to experiment with, I was spending much much more than I was selling.

Can anyone advise on my options?

[not2easy]

Let them promote it for you. For iOS it is the AppStore, and for Android devices there is Google Play. I can't give specifics on costs, but afaik there is an annual fee and a per download fee (pennies) based on its cost. User Reviews help sales.

[Karma]

Thanks for the reply.

Just to clarify, the software is Windows/Apple OSX based and is not on the app store.

[not2easy]

Windows has two versions - Windows Store and Windows App Store. I mention the various App Stores because they have become the primary shopping and purchase places. There are other options, software affiliate platforms move products from ebooks to games, you could look at places like DigitalRiver or eSellerate.

IF your app is useful to a specific group of users you could look for discussion forums they would use, either to buy ads there or become a known member. Most forums don't welcome new users pushing their own interests but as a community member, opportunities are likely.

Other than that it needs word of mouth from users who are happy.

[Karma]

Thanks not2easy :)

My software is on Windows Store, but my software isn't an 'app' so can't be placed on any 'app' store but I like your idea re affiliate sites.

I was hoping for more of a discussion on promoting my wares through the interweb rather than stores, should I just not bother with these considering the competition?

Also, I was under the impression discussion forum links were frowned upon via the search engines?

[not2easy]

In the OP, you mentioned "(for a popular phone/tablet)" which is why I suggested the app stores. Microsoft is scrutinizing what they offer a little closer these days, there was an article out recently regarding misleading descriptions: [webmasterworld.com...] that may reduce some overcrowding, but there are still a lot of choices to wade through.

Yes, forum links don't help your seo efforts, I was thinking more along the lines of suggesting a solution for users' needs. Most forums discourage self promotional links, but don't object to product discussions. Most forum links are nofollow, sig links have little or no value for SEO but they do get the word out where they are useful to the community. Participating in a community of potential customers gets you more trust and helps you mention key features that can be just the answer someone needs.