Perhaps the most popular aspect of Apple’s iPhone is the application feature, which allows users to download tools for entertainment, business, productivity, music, lifestyle, money management, children, education, and more, directly to their iPhone. Businesses and individual app developers alike have been taking advantage of the massive influx of app customers, and have collectively raked in billions of dollars as a result.

In addition to using other Internet Marketing techniques, nearly every corporation you can think of—from Starbucks, to Nike, to Kraft—is taking advantage of the demand for iPhone apps in order to market their products. Starbucks has created an app for devising the perfect custom latte and finding store locations closest to you, while Nike has launched an app to publicize their support of Italian soccer. Each iPhone app download represents multiple potential future sales.

Not only are big companies creating iPhone apps, but so are individual developers. Many individuals have become millionaires in less than a year by turning their creative app ideas into App Store hits. Gaining a spot on the Apple App Store’s Top 100 list is the goal of all app creators—doing so almost guarantees that your app will be a huge money-maker by increasing visibility to store visitors.

However, the process of converting a simple app idea into big profit is not easy. First comes concept design—what type of app is in demand but missing from the market? Who should the app appeal to? How will it stand out from its competitors? Then, it is necessary to develop rich, animated graphics, perhaps music, and other interesting elements for your app. The most important stage of app creation is marketing, for even the most outstanding app will be overlooked without effective marketing strategies. It is not enough to simply submit your app and hope for the best—in order to stand out in the sea of competition, one must harness all aspects of Online Marketing, from search engine optimization and pay-per-click campaigns, to effective website creation, to intelligent marketing and public relations strategies.

Take advantage of the opportunity to join the many corporations and businesses selling their apps in the Apple iPhone App Store, but be sure to create your app with a comprehensive development and marketing plan in mind.