I'm wondering what is "Standard Practice" for getting paid apps reviewed on a review site/podcast/etc. I can think of a few options but they each have their cons.
- Issue a standard press-release style email to the reviewer. This could easily get lost or ignored. You're also demanding the reviewers to buy your app before they can review it.
- iTunes gift cards can be sent in increments of $10. This doesn't guarantee a review, or even that the money will be spent on your app. For $0.99 apps this seems like overkill.
- Free trial period. I don't know how quickly and often you can change the price level of an app, but it seems plausible to set it to free for a few days while reviews get out. This might also get you a jump-start on the in-iTunes "reviews" as well as word of mouth advertisement. However, you may face backlash when you put the pricetag back on. You also have to choose the right length of time: enough to get it in the hands of reviewers, but not too long that you can't take advantage of the publicity.
- "Lite" Version for free. This is really a side topic, since you want the full version to get reviewed.
Have any of you tried these methods? I would be grateful for any insights
