How to Sell Software

The reward for creating a software program comes when customers see the value in the hard work you've put in and are willing to pay to use your software. There are many things to consider and many avenues you can take when selling software.

Instructions

Sell Your Software

1. Consider making different versions of your software that will work on various operating systems. This will widen your potential customer base.

2. Make your software available for direct purchase on your website. After reading any information you provide about the software, customers will pay for the program before they can download it to their computers.

3. Offer a free trial version of your software and make it available for download. You can make it free to use for a specific amount of time or give the user a specific number of uses. When the trial time or number of uses has expired, users can decide to purchase the software if they like it.

4. Protect your program by limiting the number of features available to users during the trial period. You can then release the locked features when they buy the software. Another option is to make all the features available so that the users can get a real feel for the product.

5. Distribute trial versions of your software on CDs by mail. The CD should contain the same program that can be downloaded from the Internet. When the CD users decide to purchase the software, they should have the same option as users of the downloaded version.

6. Sell your software through retailers. Search for both physical and online stores that will be willing to sell your program to their customers.

7. Promote your software. There are several ways to do this, including online marketing. Consider promoting your software online by using an affiliate network or requesting a review from a website that reviews new technology. Look into partnering with a company that offers a complementary product with which you can bundle your software. For instance, if the software you want to sell is a game, you can talk with manufacturers of game consoles.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your software program tested before you release it for sale. The testers can help you find any bugs that might exist.

• When selling your software program on the Internet, be sure to provide users with an accurate description of what the program does, its various features and any computer requirements necessary for installation.