Creating Your Own Apps
Interested in creating your own apps? Unlike other parts of Facebook, there isn’t an app-builder per se that enables you to easily create an app from scratch. Instead, creating your own app requires programming knowledge. You need to be fluent in a number of programming languages, including Java, HTML, and Facebook API.
Making your apps in-house may save some money, but it’s important to consider the time and energy commitment required to learn programming.
The pros and cons are relatively simple. If you decide to do an app in-house, you have:
• More creative control
• Potentially cheaper development cost
• Added skills for future apps
The dangers are equally strong:
• Less time working on your main business
• Potential time wasted
• Needing to hire someone to finish developing the app anyway
As we discussed in Chapter 13 on Facebook Games, we highly suggest considering an outside firm or a highly skilled programmer for help. A bit of money now could save you headaches (and potentially more money) later.
Regardless of how your app is created, it will require patience to see it thrive. You need to have realistic expectations for your apps and also be willing to tweak, revamp, or even scrap the original project.
 | WATCH OUT |
At a recent conference, a marketing expert was asked what was the biggest mistake promoters do on the internet. “Change things too early,” she said without hesitation.
The problem is that promotion takes time. If you have a new Facebook app, game, or page, it can take months for it to get any type of consistent audience, or any audience at all. Dramatically changing your approach too early means that you could be annoying your current fans and losing traction with new potential fans.
Timing really is everything when it comes to apps. An advisor can help you decide when to adjust and when to give your app more time.