Putting an app as "coming soon" - prior to app store submission?

[Noise]

Is this generally a good idea, or risky? I'd hate to put an app as "Coming Soon," then have someone see it, and think, "Hey, that's a good idea! I'm going to start making that kind of app right now, and release mine first!"

Is this an actual risk, or am I being paranoid? I'd like to at least get some minimal interest going for my app (which isn't really "groundbreaking," but drastically improves a type of app that's already in the store) prior to release, but not at the risk of some jackass coming along and taking the idea, and somehow getting a sooner release than my app.

Is it generally best to wait until the app is submitted? Or even approved?

[Centurion Games]

Most likely there are already people with the same idea as you, or working on the same thing. In the end execution is what matters not the idea.

[MiniRobinho]

I agree with the above, but if you give too much away there is a chance someone who is already working on a similar idea might include some of your 'premier' functionalities that would have set your app aside from others. But if its very brief then it's probably worth it

[Centurion Games]

Originally Posted by MiniRobinho

I agree with the above, but if you give too much away there is a chance someone who is already working on a similar idea might include some of your 'premier' functionalities that would have set your app aside from others. But if its very brief then it's probably worth it

Sure you rarely want to give everything away anyways. The whole point of a coming soon, should be to entice and make people want to learn more, and build up a following.

If you hand out every detail, people at that moment know if they care or not, plus you open yourself up to changing requirement issues, and competition concerns as mentioned above.

[Appency]

If an app is good quality, someone shouldn't be able to make a duplicate and "Steal" your idea in enough time for you to get yours out. Just don't announce it six months ahead of time

[presstartgames.com]

If you're worried that someone will see your "Coming Soon" webpage and get the idea on the App Store quicker, it may be too soon to start promoting the app on the webpage, as you want to have a high expectation that the features and functionality you promote will actually make it into the app.

I would suggest the "Coming Soon" webpage about 1 month before submission. The app would be done (or just about done) and you have enough time to build interest.

[theappspod]

I would agree that a month before release is a good time to put a coming soon page up. This will give search engines time to rank your page and start generating some interest. We do this all the time.