It’s interesting, Apple claims to have served billion application’s to it’s iPod Touch/iPhone customers, in just 9 months. That’s huge! and surely a successful business concept. Considering that several Apps on the Store are for sales, ranging from $0.99 to $9.99. And of course there are the expensive ones selling around $14 – $20+. That’s definitely a lot of Revenue, both for Apple and the developers. So what is it that makes Apple so successful? Why is it, that this one company does so well doing, what they are doing, while others just keep fumbling – even after trying to imitate the same idea?
Apple definitely has the edge when it comes down to innovation (Disclaimer: I personally use the iPhone, and just can’t get over the possibilities of the product. I am sure even Apple, might have surprised itself, with the possibilities of it’s own product).
These are a few things , In my opinion. where Apple has got the equation correct. And what other business can do a little bit of learning from.
1. Innovation - Allow innovation within the organization, you will be shocked to discover the creative pool within your own company.
2. Encourage Creativity – following up on the above point, Creativity will give you the edge over competition.
3. Research and Development – While several businesses shy away from R&D, there is a great ROI hidden from Research and Development, you just have to know how to get it right.
4. Invest in Usability – Again several companies don’t invest in usability testing of their products, which render’s a probably ‘great’ idea to just another ‘good’ idea.
5. Invest in your EMPLOYEE - while this might seem absurd to some, but it’s as important as coming out with a successful product. When an employee is looked after well (I mean monetarily and Emotionally), they will stretch to the extremes of their talents to develop your business. And I think that is the most simplest but most powerful formula for any successful business.
6. Marketing – There are the marketing gurus (MBA’s and IIM) who think no end of themselves, but none of that helps when it comes down to the reality of the market, and surely there isn’t ‘One’ formula that will get it right for you all the time (which you probably used in the last organization and got you lot of compliments).
7. Know your product well – If Apple didn’t know what their iPhone/iPod well, they probably would have never been able to dig into this goldmine. And make sure each and every employee understands your products.
8. Know your Target audience And then target it well – If your a mobile company and think everybody using a mobile is your target audience, you probably should go burn your B-school degrees right now. Apple, understands this well, they know what group of the market will appreciate their product (and in turn be employed for them for free! talking about and showing-off the product everywhere they go) and won’t mind paying a premium for it. This in turn will inspire the other market groups to have a desire to ‘want’, which will ensure that they convert their ‘want’ to a ‘need’ and when they finally buy this product, while they don’t feel bad about the huge hole in the pocket they just created! (A very nice way of working through the psyche of a ‘save money’ customer), eventually the target audience doesn’t seem so niche as they initially had projected it. Either, it’s pure ‘Luck’ (which, I really doubt) or it’s a ‘master piece’ strategy. And it’s simple. (Also, not to forget they have a really great product there – but that’s isn’t all you need to have a successful business – you need a good plan).
9. Price your product correctly - Based on the above point, it’s important to price your product correctly. While, you might wonder, was it a smart thing for Apple to set the price of the iPhone at a premium. Had they set the set the price lower, they would have had a large customer base. Think again, if you had to choose between short term growth or long term dominance, what would you choose? Also, when you create a product that the owners will be proud of, you can be assured of a loyal customer base. And, if you see every other individual showing of the same phone, your sure to get turned off. So probably you will cut down a few million customers with the high price, but then these guys will spend on accessories – be it hardware or software – There you have another successful business venture – The Apple Store.
10. Lastly, Involve your (potential & current) Customers & Communities – Several companies are realizing, how important it is to involve the customer in further developing, improving and extending the product. They are the ones who will use your product and decide it’s fate, so why not let them have a say in the product life cycle and the direction it should go, the Internet is full of examples. Bottom-line, let your customers help your business to grow.
April 27th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Hi,
Great article!!! Though read only by relevant circle. Your approach should be (I believe) for the whole of global IT and common field. Even to the very core of the common man. Leave your calling card also to Blue chips. Anyway what is the response you are getting?
April 27th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Your feedback is much appreciated.
Surely, will look at the angle suggested. Response is okay. still need to popularize the site though, since I have just redeveloped it.. and had not been writing earlier..
April 27th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Good Article!!! gone through all the 10 points, this is the right way to go in Branding you organisation in the industry to taste Success.
Thanks & Regards,
Anand Kumar
Co-Founder & MD
Shilo Solutions (HR Business Solutions)
Bangalore India
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:22 am
Thanks for your feedback Anand.
Regards,
Jonah.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Thank you for your insightful post!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 am
Original post by mattusmaximus
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Nice list. I bought a Mac when they first came out (128K!) and always thought they were far better than any PC. Don’t even get me started on how cool the ipod touch is
June 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
da best. Keep it going! Thank you
June 5th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Hi,
Have you heard anything about Steve Job’s health? I knew he took a medical leave but haven’t been able to find out anything. I hope he will be OK.
Thanks!
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 am
I definitely agree that Apple is an innovative company. I’m considering buying a Mac myself, currently
July 6th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Apple is a very successful company. This is a great list, thanks
July 13th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Hi,
well written article, I think our views on
10 things that makes Apple successful differ a little however you put foward some good points
Thanks
October 21st, 2009 at 6:01 am
This are very convincing oints – good analysis. I would like to ask one question, who would you credit the success of iPhone to?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 am
I’m not a fan of Macs but I’m going to buy myself an iphone soon!
November 12th, 2009 at 11:52 am
In my opinion the credit goes to apples R&D department, it’s a result of efficient product design, emphasis on usability, efficient interface design and product scalability,no doubt that optimization of technology has been Apple’s core competency. Users do not hesitate to by good products, even if it mean paying a premium, I am a user of the iPhone myself, and honestly still floored by it’s capabilities and scalable architecture. Good design can seldom be narrowed down to one individual, it’s usually a case of a passionate team work. The result is out there.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:54 am
good product, worth the buy. I myself use the iPhone, I can vouch for this purchase
March 17th, 2010 at 5:46 am
Hello, like this website very much. I found it on bing will add it to bookmark and come back often again to read and follow. Please continue to do great job you do on it.
April 1st, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Super-Duper site! I’m loving it!! Will occur back again – taking you feeds also, Gives thanks.
April 2nd, 2010 at 1:46 am
thanks
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
Thanks for your feedback Anand.
Regards,
Jonah.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I’m currently a student 17 years old and am doing an EPQ, to help with my University application for 2011, on ‘How Apple has become so successful through marketing’
I have obviously realised that this is a key area to Apples success and was wondering if anyone would be able to give me some information, or point me in the right direction for getting information as I am finding it rather difficult to gain the information I require?
Thanks
Jack Kowalik