Exclusive Runtastic iOS App Interview With App Developer, Runtastic

1    Please explain how your app was originally thought of and what were your thoughts behind the marketplace, specifically?

The goal of our app is to help people to track, plan, manage and share their fitness activities (indoor and outdoor) around the globe in real time. The app helps people to get in contact through the runtastic fitness portal and spread out through social networks like Facebook or Twitter. First we saw our app as a distribution channel and then also as a mayor revenue channel. Those were mainly our thoughts.

2    Explain the design, how you came up with the colors and themes.

At the beginning it was really difficult to find the right style and UI elements for the app because we already knew that we’ve a lot of parameters to cover like distance, time, calories, heart rate, …, but after making some mockups, we found a really good way. Today we’re working more on little improvements for the GUI and also in the improvement of the app colors and themes.

3    Who do you see as the main target market for this app in terms of age, genre and expenditure?

Our main target market are fitness enthusiastic people between the ages of 25 – 60. These people invest in their health and well-being. Therefore runtastic offers premium quality apps in the context of health and fitness.

4    How long did it take from the original planning to the production process of this app?

The planning was about 2 months, and it took about 4 months to get the first prototype in the store (5/2009 – 11/2009).

5    How do you predict sales to be, is there a good solid market for this style of app?

We predict our sales by planning free lite sales (downloads) and a conversion rate to our runtastic PRO App for 5,99 $. First we planned sales for our home country, Austria, then for Austria & Germany and then for several other countries.

6    What has been the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome regarding this app development?

Not to over-engineer the App and maintain high quality of UI, stability and an easy, logical use of the App for new customers.

7    Would you consider developing apps for third parties?

Yeah, we develop Apps for other companies in Austria, e.g. for a big telecommunication provider, for a leading food & beverages company and for a well known energy drink seller. Also for other internet companies, runtastic has developed apps.

8    What have you learnt from the App Store?

Visibility and reaching a Top 25 position is crucial. Also screenshots, app description and key words are essential. What is really great in iTunes is the fully integrated, easy to use payment process, this is the key success factor for both – Apple & Developers.

9    Have Apple supported you well with your App development?

Yes, Apple supported us well and also features us sometimes in Austria and Germany, unfortunately not in other big markets such as US and UK.

10     What next, are you developing another app, would you go for the same genre again, if not which?    

Yes, because it’s our goal to build a sustainable social health & fitness company. Apps (esp. on iTunes) are essential to reach our goal. Therefore we are already developing further fitness & health apps, which will be launched in May and June 2011.

11     What do you think about TheAppWhisperer.com? Have we helped you? Would you recommend us? Have we been supportive?

We like the site and app introductions. Therefore we tried a small ad campaign with your site. Yes, you have been very supportive and we would recommend you.

Runtastic Pro is currently $5.99 in the App Store and you can download it here