14 DAY TRIAL // After pulling a number of fraudulent applications from iTunes, Apple is reminding iOS developers that if they want to do business in the App Store, they’ll have to play by the rules.
Particularly, the Cupertino giant has issued a reminder to all those enrolled with the company’s developer program that they shouldn’t take advantage of free download rankings to make a worthless app suddenly become popular.
Instead, devs should adhere to the guidelines on third-party marketing services: “Once you build a great app, you want everyone to know about it. However, when you promote your app, you should avoid using services that advertise or guarantee top placement in App Store charts,” according to the iPhone makers.
“Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership,” Apple warns.
Developers who want to do business in accordance with the company’s guidelines can get helpful tips and resources on marketing their apps from the App Store Resource Center.
There developers can find details on everything they need to know about distributing titles on the iOS and Mac app stores — “from how to prepare for app submission to managing your app once it's been posted,” according to the company.
Key topics covered include: Prepare for App Submission; App Store Approval Process; App Review Resources and Guidelines; Managing Your Apps; Marketing Resources and Downloads; App Store Marketing and Identity Guidelines for Developers; and the iAd Network.
Recently updated documents span subjects like Sandboxing and the Mac App Store; iPhone 4S Product Images; Newsstand for Developers; Localized Badges; Volume Purchase and Custom B2B Apps, and more.
And, if you want to learn how to create additional revenue from your app by leveraging opportunities, Apple has that covered as well.