My First App – The Competition

OK, so if I’m going to make the BEST vacation time tracking app out there I need to make sure I have something unique to offer compared to my competitors.  So who are they you might ask?

RIVAL 1: iTook Off Paid Leave Tracker iTookOff - App Store - Developer Web Site

RIVAL 2: iTrack Vaca Time iTrack Vaca Time - App Store - Developer Web Site

Now, let’s be clear. I don’t have anything against these apps or their developers. In fact, I give them props for doing something that I can only dream about right now. However, since I will be introducing a competing app into the market I need to study these guys.

I will probably buy the apps and have a play with them soon enough, but for now there’s a lot to learn just from their screen shots, reviews, and developer websites.

I think I’ll have a chance to compete if I do a few simple things:

1. Come up with a name that doesn’t start with “i”.
2. Add a lot more design polish, while being careful not to “over-design” it.
3. Make the interface simple and easily navigable.
4. Do something more than just track time. (Like emailing vacation requests to your supervisor, emailing a report, or taking a photo on the iPhone and saving it to your vacation record).
5. Build a beautiful, compelling website that promotes the app.
6. Charge $1.99 instead of $0.99.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m trying to be proactive about differentiating myself. Let me know if YOU have any more suggestions for me! Thanks!