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Comment by chc | Hacker News Reader

What they don't mention: They got in during the "gold rush" period on both platforms. That is a huge competitive advantage that can't be replicated. I'd be surprised to see someone who released an iPhone app a year ago who could show similar numbers.

Though I do think it's very cool that they're posting these stats. This kind of openness is uncommon.

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But someone who made it in during the gold rush period should only have an advantage if they made it into the top 100 category or store-wide chart.

What kind of advantage would they have otherwise?

There are some App Store sales advantages which stem from simply having sold a large number of copies. For example:

1. More ratings (shown as numbers next to 1-5 star ratings) - Help convince potential buyers that your app is significant

2. More reviews - advantage as with #1, but also higher chance of having at least 1 review in a larger number of countries.

3. Recommendations in iTunes - On the iTunes interface to the App Store, users are shown 'People who bought X also bought Y'-type recommendations. High sales increase the chance of your app featuring in these.

So by getting in early, you sell copies through being the main/only product choice in your area. Then, when competitor apps arrive there are some residual advantages like these which place you ahead of the pack.

They credit their success to word-of-mouth. Getting in during the gold rush means they have users to spread that word of mouth. Getting in after the gold rush means your app is more likely to languish in obscurity.

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