Is Your App Ready to Capture the Global Christmas Boom?

It’s Going to be an “iPad Christmas”

Back in October, Apple launched the brand new iPad Air, just in time for the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. At the company’s earning announcement a few days later, CEO Tim Cook predicted that it’s going to be an “iPad Christmas”. Apple expects that the holiday quarter sales will be $55 to $58 billion, with a gross margin in the range of 36.5 percent to 37.5 percent.

Jonny Evans of Computerworld provides some evidence to back up Cook’s prediction. For example, he notes that the app marketing service Fiksu has found that “the iPad Air’s share of overall iPad activity is already five times that of the iPad 4 and three times that of the iPad mini following their launches last year.”

Meanwhile, reviewers are raving about the iPad Air. Much lighter and thinner than previous iPads, and equipped with Retina display, the iPad Air may be the best tablet yet. Walter S. Mossberg from WSJ said “if you can afford it, the new iPad Air is the tablet I recommend, hands down.”

Considering the great reviews and brisk app sales, it seems that Cook’s prediction of an “iPad Christmas” may very well become a reality. Add in the recent launch of the iPhone 5s as well as Google Nexus 5, smartphones and tablets would be definitely one of the best Christmas gift options. As new devices creates a new demand for apps, Christmas 2013 should be a huge day for app downloads!

Christmas is a Miracle Day for App Developers: A 112% Increase in App Downloads, All Day Long

Even without a slew of highly regarded new Apple products on the market, Christmas day can feel like a miracle for mobile app developers. In 2012, according to Flurry, iOS & Android app downloads increased by 112% on Christmas over the December 1 – 20 baseline. That’s the most downloads of any day in history.

The magic of Christmas starts early in the morning and lasts well into the night, as people activate their brand new devices, and then start shopping for apps. The chart below shows the distribution of downloads per hour across Christmas Day in 2012. You’ll notice that downloads jump early in the day, peaking at around 20 million per hour, and that they remain at this level for most of the day.

In order to capture the holiday boom, app developers need to have a market strategy ready. And, with Christmas day fast approaching, we’ve got just the strategy to help you make the most of the holiday.

Localize Your App to Reach More Users During the Christmas Boom

The Christmas boom isn’t just a phenomenon in English-speaking countries. Christmas is celebrated in countries around the world, and it can be a great time of year to tap into global markets. All around the world, people will be unwrapping new smartphones and tablets, and then shopping for new apps. Localize your app, and reach even more customers during the Christmas boom!

We know that mobile app localization can increase downloads by an average of 128% for iPhone apps. And, according to the consulting firm Common Sense Advisory, 72.4% of consumers say they would be likelier to buy a product with information in their own language. Translate your apps now, and you’ll be ready to capture the Christmas season’s boom in app downloads.

Do you have any holiday marketing strategy to share? Please feel free to comment here!

Feel like Christmas is approaching too quickly? Daunted by the idea of stretching into new markets? Don’t worry! Translating your app can be quick and easy. Learn more here.

(Note: Apple’s iTunes Connect will shut down from Saturday December 21st to Friday December 27th. So seize the chance to get your localization ready on time!)

(Source: pichost)