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AppMachine


Which Platforms?

AppMachine supports iOS (the Apple iPhone platform) and Android (the Google platform). So you get native apps for the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the iPad using iOS version 5.0 and higher as well as for every variety of Android smartphone. In this way, we cover the great majority of the app market.


Who owns the app?

You make the app, you create the content, and you’re responsible for it. It’s precisely for this reason that Apple requires you to apply for a developer’s account. That way, you can publish the app under your own name.


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Features


Can I get help building my app?

Of course! If we talk to your briefly on the phone, we can decide what kind of expertise you need — whether for programming or design. We’ll be glad to introduce you to one of our partners.


Can I see my app’s statistics?

AppMachine’s Analytics page shows you how often your app has been downloaded from the various app stores. You can see your app’s ranking and the ratings that users have given it. What’s more, we monitor the use within the app. You can find out more about all the Analytics possibilities by clicking here.


Can I add features to my app other than those provided by AppMachine’s Building Blocks?

If you have thought up other features that you’d like to have in your app, a good developer can probably bring your idea to life. If you don’t have a developer nearby, get in touch with us at info@appmachine.com. We’ll introduce you to one of our partners.


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Links


Can I make a link to information on my website or administration system?

That will be no problem for a good developer. If you don’t have a developer nearby, get in touch with us. We’ll introduce you to one of our partners. You can reach us at info@appmachine.com.



What’s involved in publishing apps?

To share your app with the rest of the world, you first have to get it into the app stores. Once you do that, you will have published your app. You have to request a developer’s account from Apple, first. AppMachine sees to it that your app gets published. We’ll take care of the whole technical to-do for you. And we’ll let you know just as soon as your app is available in the various stores.


How do I request an iOS developer account?

You must register as an Apple developer through this registration page. You can then register with the iOS Developer Program for US$99 per year. Be sure to register as a company so that you can add us to your account. If you don’t, we can’t submit your iPhone app (or apps). Then fill in your personal data and password during the Publishing process.


How do I publish an app in Apple’s App Store?

Apple assesses your app according to a set of technical, content, and design criteria to make sure it works as it should and does not contain any objectionable language or material. This can take about two weeks. AppMachine submits the app and sees the process through to its approval. As soon as the app is approved, AppMachine ensures that it is placed in the App Store. You can tell AppMachine what date you would like to see the app appear. To submit an app for approval, you must first create an iOS Developers Account. We’ll help you.


What does Apple pay attention to when assessing an app?

AppMachine will submit your app for approval at Apple. Apple assesses your app according to a set of technical, content, and design criteria to make sure it works as it should and does not contain any objectionable content. Apple’s rules and regulations are very strict and it’s important to follow them closely. You can read here what Apple has to say. An app can be rejected for any number of reasons, but pay good attention to the following.If the title contains the word ‘marketing’ the app will most likely be rejected. Apps that are created specifically for the marketing and advertising industry are an absolute ‘no-go’ for Apple. What is more, Appstra will not upload apps of this kind for you. They conflict with two of Apple’s golden rules:

    • Apps may not be purely marketing-based. In other words, an app may not consist solely of an overview of products and services, or a portfolio. Apps must have a clear function.
    • They must contain dynamic content. Apps cannot be interesting for just one use. They must have a clear purpose so that people will want to to use them more than once.
Remember: even if you think that your app isn’t breaking any of these rules, it’s Apple’s opinion that counts. If they think you’re breaking any of the golden rules, they’ll reject your app. We will keep you apprised and advise you about how to deal with these issues.


What happens if my app is rejected?

If your app is rejected, we will send you an email to let you know.


How do I publish apps in the Google store?

To submit your app to the Google Play app store (for the Android platform) you must submit accompanying texts and screenshots. Android apps do not have to be approved. Very often, apps are available at Google Play in just a few hours.


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Payment


When should I pay?

You only have to pay for an app when you’re ready to submit it to the app stores.


How do I pay for an app?

You can pay us by credit card: MasterCard, Visa, or Amex. (In the Netherlands you can pay with iDeal.)


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Promotion


Why should I promote my app?

Apple’s App Store has hundreds of thousands of apps. If you want people to find your app, you'll have to point it out to them in the real world.


How can I promote my app?

Place a QR code on your business cards, your receipts, your website, or in your printed matter. That way, your customers can download your app straight from their app store. Be sure to use AppMachine’s app site. It’s important that people know you have an interesting app.


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Updating


How do I make changes to my app after it has been approved?

Of course, you’ll want to keep your app up to date with the latest news, offers, photos, or agenda items. It’s easy to do using Appmachine’s CMS. After you check your app with Previewer, you can make your changes immediately visible in the app. You don’t have to issue an update in the app stores for:

  • new Building Blocks
  • adjusted texts
  • new products, photos or videos
  • other design issues
Every time a user starts your app or opens a screen, the app does a check with the CMS to see if any changes have been made and automatically picks them up. This way, your users always have the most up-to-date version of your app.


When must an existing app be re-approved by the app stores?

If there are changes in the store’s information, you must publish a new version of the app. These include:

  • new app icon
  • new springboard title
  • a different splash screen
  • activation of a Building Block that did not exist when your app was published in the app stores