Even something as simple as $2/mo for 500 pushes. It creates perceived value and with that you can then use to create more buzz by then giving something of value away.
Talk to #android blogs and give them coupon codes for accounts that they can then give away and they will be more than willing to help you promote.
Whereas before if you pitch them to write about something free it just gets lost in the fray of blog posts pointing out other free things that come and go.
Agreed, but he might consider following Dropbox's tiered pricing approach and marketing strategy.
Incentive free users to market the app for you, and only charge heavy users. Down the road a few months, when he has proven the app's value to a large number of free users who have in turn told their friends, he can start charging everybody. This approach would still show perceived value by charging heavy users, while not limiting the app's growth potential by giving access to everybody.
This approach worked for me. I worked on a free Windows program for about 8 months or so and it because fairly popular. At one point I decided to charge for it. I released a new version that provided basic free features and additional features for an upgrade. My first month was only $400 in sales but the second was $1800. The large use base I had was great at word of mouth and I made those sales with no advertising costs at all.
I have the app installed. I would be glad to pay $2/mo or a bit more. I think subscribers usually come & stay for regular app updates. If the developer is already doing that, he should charge indeed!
Even something as simple as $2/mo for 500 pushes. It creates perceived value and with that you can then use to create more buzz by then giving something of value away.
Talk to #android blogs and give them coupon codes for accounts that they can then give away and they will be more than willing to help you promote.
Whereas before if you pitch them to write about something free it just gets lost in the fray of blog posts pointing out other free things that come and go.
Good luck.