FreeMyApps Offers Another Twist on Cross-Selling Within Mobile Apps

As long as mobile developers are struggling to be noticed, we will probably keep hearing about new business models that aim to tap the power of popular programs to help launch new ones.

The latest such effort is a program called FreeMyApps, which aims to offer consumers free downloads of paid apps if they are willing to first download other apps.

Micah Adler, CEO of Fiksu, which created FreeMyApps, says the program allows paid app developers to get paid, just in a different way.

“It’s a win for everyone — paid app developers can be profitable at scale without switching to a free or freemium model; free app developers can expand their reach and consumers can get paid apps for free,” Adler said in a statement.

Among the companies trying out the new program is mobile browser maker Skyfire.

“People who try Skyfire’s paid apps love them and tell their friends, but we are always seeking to grow even faster in cost-effective ways,” Skyfire CEO Jeffrey Glueck said in a statement. “We are excited to be a launch partner for FreeMyApps, to reach more users and grow revenue.”

It will be interesting to see how both consumers and Apple take to the new program. Tapjoy ran into difficulties after Apple soured on its method of cross-promotion.