AppSumo alternative for indie app developers

What AppSumo asks of a seller

AppSumo's seller page says it is looking for a working product, a stable business and an audience of entrepreneurs, marketers, creators and agencies. It lists an acceptance rate of about 10 percent and describes a process of applying, preparing the deal, launching and scaling.

In return it promotes the deal to its own list and affiliates. That is a lot of reach, and it is built for business software, not a first release of a hobby app.

Where GetFree fits

GetFree is self-serve. You submit your app, add promo codes, and people claim them. There is no application call and no deal structure to negotiate.

The audience is people who like trying new apps for free, which is a different crowd from AppSumo's. Expect early adopters and reviews, not a large paying launch.

Side by side

• Selection: AppSumo says it is picky. GetFree is open to submissions.
• Best for: AppSumo suits established business software. GetFree suits indie mobile, web and Mac apps at an early stage.
• Deal type: AppSumo is built around paid deals, often lifetime. GetFree gives promo codes for free access.
• Reach: AppSumo quotes a community of 1.5 million. GetFree is much smaller today.

Using both

The two do not conflict. Many developers collect first reviews on a promo-code directory, then apply to a larger marketplace once the product has a track record.

Questions