Apps for LinkedIn – Words of Wisdom for Developers

With today’s announcement that LinkedIn has opened up their API to software developers and TweetDeck stating in their blog that LinkedIn will be integrated into their next release, it is only a matter of time before we all have more business apps than the iPhone.

Here are a few suggestions to all those developers that want to make millions and really do have some great ideas that I just gleaned from the book Getting Real: The smarter, faster, easier way to build a successful web application by Jason Fried:

• Design smart by drawing out a few screen shots and then making them HTML before you start to program
• Create a buzz before release with a few snippets and ask for email addresses to get early adapters enabled
• Be passionate and create a blog for your adopters and keep your readers updated
• Don’t wait til everything is perfect to launch…get a beta out for people to try
• Keep it simple and streamlined so no one needs training to use your app
• Offer a free version that’s easy to signup for
• Focus…not every app is for everyone.  Keep your eye on your target audience!

I thought this would get you all to read the whole book.  What’s in it for me?  Better designed, useful apps for me as a LinkedIn user of course!  I’m ready to try out new Web 2.0 apps for LinkedIn (especially for those focused in the construction, architectural & engineering industries) and hope to hear about all your successes soon.