Mark Brooks: The iPhone is a game changer. Use rs of iPhones monetize FAR better, and access information on the internet and (dating) apps more than on any other phone. Overall the idating market is doing well despite the down economy, but the highest growth numbers, in terms of uniques, are being found at the fr ee end of the idating spectrum. Case in point see the Compete graphs for, Plentyoffish, OKCupid, DateHookup. Interestingly, a number of the free sites that I reported on, in this TechCrunch article, are flagging. Namely MatchDoctor, Mingle2, and Webdate. IAC's free dating site DownToEarth peaked in March and is headed decidedely South, according to Compete.com. (Full Disclosure: Plentyoffish and Webdate are long term clients of Courtland Brooks)
Very infomative post. I appreciate your comment, which states “Users of iPhones monetize FAR better, and access information on the internet and (dating) apps more than on any other phone.” This has definitely been my experience.
Very infomative post. I appreciate your comment, which states “Users of iPhones monetize FAR better, and access information on the internet and (dating) apps more than on any other phone.” This has definitely been my experience.
Free sites get traffic sure – but we all know that doesn’t mean revenue. With advertising revenues down, free sites are having to get more traffic just to maintain revenues.
We’re seeing revenues increase by 5-10% per month – so not much comparison there.
Re. iPhone – Mr. Diller is an incredible guy and has done extraordinarily well out of his enterprises – however, he is know for liking new and shiny things (like the iPhone). New technologies are great and of course I share his excitement.
New technologies are a great way to get a very small share of the market (in terms of geeky new adopters like us).
But most of his customers on Match will not have an iPhone – and let’s not forget, although iPhone users monetise, the recipient of the revenue receives far less money than they would through credit card payment, due to the share taken by Apple.
Ross
Free sites get traffic sure – but we all know that doesn’t mean revenue. With advertising revenues down, free sites are having to get more traffic just to maintain revenues.
We’re seeing revenues increase by 5-10% per month – so not much comparison there.
Re. iPhone – Mr. Diller is an incredible guy and has done extraordinarily well out of his enterprises – however, he is know for liking new and shiny things (like the iPhone). New technologies are great and of course I share his excitement.
New technologies are a great way to get a very small share of the market (in terms of geeky new adopters like us).
But most of his customers on Match will not have an iPhone – and let’s not forget, although iPhone users monetise, the recipient of the revenue receives far less money than they would through credit card payment, due to the share taken by Apple.
Ross
I’ll be going through some interesting analysis of iPhone app monetization at the next iDate, and will upload my presentation to slideshare shortly afterwards. iPhone users monetize far better than regular smartphone users. The Blackberry is still the most prevalent smart phone in use in the USA, but its worth considering creating an iPhone app. You’re essentially extending the reach of your service by extending out on to the iPhone and Blackberry. Over half of all smart phone users in the USA are on one of those two phones. And smartphone users, I’d argue, are a pretty good target user for iDating sites.
I’ll be going through some interesting analysis of iPhone app monetization at the next iDate, and will upload my presentation to slideshare shortly afterwards. iPhone users monetize far better than regular smartphone users. The Blackberry is still the most prevalent smart phone in use in the USA, but its worth considering creating an iPhone app. You’re essentially extending the reach of your service by extending out on to the iPhone and Blackberry. Over half of all smart phone users in the USA are on one of those two phones. And smartphone users, I’d argue, are a pretty good target user for iDating sites.
The iPhone is an internet-connected multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. Since its minimal hardware interface lacks a physical keyboard, the multi-touch screen renders a virtual keyboard when necessary. The iPhone functions as a camera phone (also including text messaging and visual voicemail), a portable media player (equivalent to an iPod), and an Internet client (with email, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity).
Ryan Decosta
attorney
The iPhone is an internet-connected multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. Since its minimal hardware interface lacks a physical keyboard, the multi-touch screen renders a virtual keyboard when necessary. The iPhone functions as a camera phone (also including text messaging and visual voicemail), a portable media player (equivalent to an iPod), and an Internet client (with email, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity).
Ryan Decosta
attorney