App Options/Help/Advice Needed

rlhurst · 24th May 2012, 07:35 PM

Here's the deal...

I got contacted by the owner of a Taxi company who wants to hire me. He wants an app designed for both iPhone and Andriod. He will place a qr code in his cabs that customers can scan to download the app. Now, the app is fairly simple.... tap to call, contact form, rate calculator, based on miles between current location and desired drop off (this may be a bit challenging), facebook link.

Now, I design mobile sites, but as of now have exclusively created sites based on the current "regular" site, hosted by the client with a redirect from the "regular" site to mobile. I have not created any apps, however.

This is where I need info.... can I design like I have been and create an app out of those files? Where will the files be hosted? I've seen on Fiverr folks who convert a website to app.... but then do I need to have an account with iPhone and Android?

I'd like to avoid any third party monthly charge services. Like I said, I can design, just need to know how to implement as an app.

Thanks.

Ron

Tsnyder · 24th May 2012, 08:40 PM

Ron... you're going to love this link... I promise!

Create Android App | Make Your Own Android Apps | Android App Maker | AppsGeyser

rlhurst · 24th May 2012, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Tsnyder

Ron... you're going to love this link... I promise!

Create Android App | Make Your Own Android Apps | Android App Maker | AppsGeyser

Thanks for the link. I will probably look further into this for other apps, but I'm not sure my client would be wanting other biz ads showing up on the site.

Tsnyder · 24th May 2012, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

Thanks for the link. I will probably look further into this for other apps, but I'm not sure my client would be wanting other biz ads showing up on the site.

I imagine not... lol. I just ran through the site quickly the other
day and tried it out. Somewhere I got the impression that you could
pay a small fee to eliminate the ads. Maybe not?

WillR · 24th May 2012, 09:11 PM

Yes, I tested that same service a while ago and it is free but after a certain number of downloads you then pay a small fee. But it's drop dead simple. You create your mobile site and then turn it into an app using that site in about 5 minutes. Then if you ever update your mobile site the app gets updated at the same time.

To the business owner it will look like a full blown app when in reality it's just a web-app being used as an app.

rlhurst · 24th May 2012, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by WillR

Yes, I tested that same service a while ago and it is free but after a certain number of downloads you then pay a small fee. But it's drop dead simple. You create your mobile site and then turn it into an app using that site in about 5 minutes. Then if you ever update your mobile site the app gets updated at the same time.

To the business owner it will look like a full blown app when in reality it's just a web-app being used as an app.

So, an icon is generated when the app is downloaded? Is it designed by them or me?

Would I charge a monthly fee?, if so, what's reasonable?

Tsnyder · 24th May 2012, 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

So, an icon is generated when the app is downloaded? Is it designed by them or me?

Would I charge a monthly fee?, if so, what's reasonable?

You can use an icon generated on the site or upload
your own custom icon during the creation process.

As for pricing I have no clue... this is the first one I've done.

rlhurst · 24th May 2012, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Tsnyder

You can use an icon generated on the site or upload
your own custom icon during the creation process.

As for pricing I have no clue... this is the first one I've done.

Just ordered one on fiverr!

rlhurst · 24th May 2012, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by Tsnyder

You can use an icon generated on the site or upload
your own custom icon during the creation process.

As for pricing I have no clue... this is the first one I've done.

Also, what's the url of the app on the viewer's phone? Is it the same where the original files are hosted, or something connected to that generator site?

crosshairs · 24th May 2012, 10:57 PM

Cool site!

In the past Apple was rejecting some apps that were loading entirely from the Internet. I haven't heard about it happening that much lately though. If it will let you put some info into the app that is locally loaded you might consider doing that as well. Like the Tap to Call page or the splash screen.

It usually takes about 7 days for Apple to review it. If it gets rejected it normally takes another 7 days to get reviewed again.

You could always outsource it on oDesk, Freelancer, etc

crosshairs · 25th May 2012, 04:16 AM

Ronnie,

You might checkout Appmakr.com as well.

When you make the QR Code that directs to the iOS app, this is what you should do.

- Sign up for iTunes affiliate program on LinkShare.
- Make an affiliate link that goes to the Taxi company's app
- Use that affiliate link as the QR Code link

Even if the app is free, it will cookie them for 72 hours for anything they purchase (apps, books, movie, music). Pays a 5% commission

Use the same link on their website too.

rlhurst · 25th May 2012, 07:50 AM

Is there a way to just have an icon on the user's phone, link to the client's mobile site? So a rider in the cab scans a qr code which leads to a page that allows them to link to the site, downloading the link icon? The site would just be hosted as an "m" subdomain on the hosting account

WillR · 25th May 2012, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

Is there a way to just have an icon on the user's phone, link to the client's mobile site? So a rider in the cab scans a qr code which leads to a page that allows them to link to the site, downloading the link icon? The site would just be hosted as an "m" subdomain on the hosting account

Rob,

You want to add this piece of code into the head section of your mobile site:

<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

You then want to create the icon image and upload it into your images folder. The recommended dimensions for the icon image is 57 x 57 pixels. Also don't worry about making your image with the shiny button effect on it, the phones will do that themselves. Just create a flat icon image the way you want it.

Now when someone goes to add your mobile website to their Homescreen it will use that icon image you have specified. This will work both on Android and Apple devices.

So once you have set that up you could simply have people scan a QR code that takes them to a page telling them to add your mobile website to the homescreen of their phone. You might want to have a short instruction on how they do that on an Apple or Android device.

You can also add a pop-up bubble on your mobile site that encourages people to add your site to their homescreen. Instructions on how to implement that can be found here:

Add to home screen

rlhurst · 25th May 2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

Rob,

You want to add this piece of code into the head section of your mobile site:

<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

You then want to create the icon image and upload it into your images folder. The recommended dimensions for the icon image is 57 x 57 pixels. Also don't worry about making your image with the shiny button effect on it, the phones will do that themselves. Just create a flat icon image the way you want it.

Now when someone goes to add your mobile website to their Homescreen it will use that icon image you have specified. This will work both on Android and Apple devices.

So once you have set that up you could simply have people scan a QR code that takes them to a page telling them to add your mobile website to the homescreen of their phone. You might want to have a short instruction on how they do that on an Apple or Android device.

You can also add a pop-up bubble on your mobile site that encourages people to add your site to their homescreen. Instructions on how to implement that can be found here:

Add to home screen

AWESOME! Thanks Will
And, not that it matters much, but my name is Ron, not Rob

WillR · 25th May 2012, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

AWESOME! Thanks Will
And, not that it matters much, but my name is Ron, not Rob

I must have known that when I posted. I was going to scroll up and double check but I didn't. My bad Ron. You can call me Phil.

rlhurst · 25th May 2012, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

I must have known that when I posted. I was going to scroll up and double check but I didn't. My bad Ron. You can call me Phil.

No problem, Pete!
Hey, you say this will work for Android too...... is the setup the same, or can you provide a link for that process, thanks....... WILL

WillR · 25th May 2012, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

No problem, Pete!
Hey, you say this will work for Android too...... is the setup the same, or can you provide a link for that process, thanks....... WILL

I believe Android devices look for that same code and will use that icon also. So as long as you have this code you should be fine:

<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="http://www.warriorforum.com/images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

If you are referring to the popup bubble though, I'm not sure how you do that on an Android device I've only done it on Apple devices so far.

rlhurst · 25th May 2012, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

I believe Android devices look for that same code and will use that icon also. So as long as you have this code you should be fine:

<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="http://www.warriorforum.com/images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

If you are referring to the popup bubble though, I'm not sure how you do that on an Android device I've only done it on Apple devices so far.

Warriorforum?.... is that a misprint in the code?
shoudl be this, right?.... <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

WillR · 25th May 2012, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by rlhurst

Warriorforum?.... is that a misprint in the code?
shoudl be this, right?.... <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="images/apple-touch-icon.png" />

That's just the link to your image file wherever it is hosted. WarriorForum is just an example I used. It should just be the link to your image.

rlhurst · 25th May 2012, 12:00 PM

Well, I've figured out the custom designed icon onto the home screen part.
But, I'm having a heck of a time getting the pop up bubble to work! That is the important part to me..... make it simple with one click for the viewer.

crosshairs · 25th May 2012, 07:23 PM

Here's a video for the iPhone bubble

Create An Add To Home Screen Popup For HTML5 Or jQuery Mobile

24th May 2012, 07:35 PM	#1
rlhurst I Do Voice Over Work War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 581 Thanks: 34 Thanked 129 Times in 96 Posts	App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Here's the deal... I got contacted by the owner of a Taxi company who wants to hire me. He wants an app designed for both iPhone and Andriod. He will place a qr code in his cabs that customers can scan to download the app. Now, the app is fairly simple.... tap to call, contact form, rate calculator, based on miles between current location and desired drop off (this may be a bit challenging), facebook link. Now, I design mobile sites, but as of now have exclusively created sites based on the current "regular" site, hosted by the client with a redirect from the "regular" site to mobile. I have not created any apps, however. This is where I need info.... can I design like I have been and create an app out of those files? Where will the files be hosted? I've seen on Fiverr folks who convert a website to app.... but then do I need to have an account with iPhone and Android? I'd like to avoid any third party monthly charge services. Like I said, I can design, just need to know how to implement as an app. Thanks. Ron
	I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE

24th May 2012, 08:40 PM	#2
Tsnyder Wordsmith War Room Member Join Date: 2003 Location: , , USA. Posts: 2,642 Thanks: 814 Thanked 1,731 Times in 833 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Ron... you're going to love this link... I promise! Create Android App \| Make Your Own Android Apps \| Android App Maker \| AppsGeyser
	If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...

24th May 2012, 09:11 PM	#5
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,472 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Yes, I tested that same service a while ago and it is free but after a certain number of downloads you then pay a small fee. But it's drop dead simple. You create your mobile site and then turn it into an app using that site in about 5 minutes. Then if you ever update your mobile site the app gets updated at the same time. To the business owner it will look like a full blown app when in reality it's just a web-app being used as an app.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

24th May 2012, 10:57 PM	#10
crosshairs Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 99 Thanks: 25 Thanked 28 Times in 16 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Cool site! In the past Apple was rejecting some apps that were loading entirely from the Internet. I haven't heard about it happening that much lately though. If it will let you put some info into the app that is locally loaded you might consider doing that as well. Like the Tap to Call page or the splash screen. It usually takes about 7 days for Apple to review it. If it gets rejected it normally takes another 7 days to get reviewed again. You could always outsource it on oDesk, Freelancer, etc
	. Local BizPro - Weight Watches Secret Builder - Host Unlimited Sites on Amazon AWS . FREE WSO - Mobile Apps are Killing It - 20+ Ways to Monetize Inside .

25th May 2012, 04:16 AM	#11
crosshairs Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 99 Thanks: 25 Thanked 28 Times in 16 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Ronnie, You might checkout Appmakr.com as well. When you make the QR Code that directs to the iOS app, this is what you should do. - Sign up for iTunes affiliate program on LinkShare. - Make an affiliate link that goes to the Taxi company's app - Use that affiliate link as the QR Code link Even if the app is free, it will cookie them for 72 hours for anything they purchase (apps, books, movie, music). Pays a 5% commission Use the same link on their website too.
	. Local BizPro - Weight Watches Secret Builder - Host Unlimited Sites on Amazon AWS . FREE WSO - Mobile Apps are Killing It - 20+ Ways to Monetize Inside .

25th May 2012, 07:50 AM	#12
rlhurst I Do Voice Over Work War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 581 Thanks: 34 Thanked 129 Times in 96 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Is there a way to just have an icon on the user's phone, link to the client's mobile site? So a rider in the cab scans a qr code which leads to a page that allows them to link to the site, downloading the link icon? The site would just be hosted as an "m" subdomain on the hosting account
	I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE

25th May 2012, 12:00 PM	#20
rlhurst I Do Voice Over Work War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 581 Thanks: 34 Thanked 129 Times in 96 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Well, I've figured out the custom designed icon onto the home screen part. But, I'm having a heck of a time getting the pop up bubble to work! That is the important part to me..... make it simple with one click for the viewer.
	I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE

25th May 2012, 07:23 PM	#21
crosshairs Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 99 Thanks: 25 Thanked 28 Times in 16 Posts	Re: App Options/Help/Advice Needed Share on: Here's a video for the iPhone bubble Create An Add To Home Screen Popup For HTML5 Or jQuery Mobile
	. Local BizPro - Weight Watches Secret Builder - Host Unlimited Sites on Amazon AWS . FREE WSO - Mobile Apps are Killing It - 20+ Ways to Monetize Inside .