Get paid to install apps with W3i Mobile Solutions and Apperang

W3i, a desktop and mobile application distribution network, announced today the launch of W3i Mobile Solutions — its new service which offers ad campaigns for iOS apps (which run on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) on a pay-per-install basis. Consumers will be able to take advantage of the service and get paid for installing mobile apps via Apperang.com, which also launched today.

After signing up at Apperang’s website, consumers are presented with a list of recommended apps, which they can install and sync via iTunes. For their trouble, users get paid $.25 for every free app installation, and $.25 plus the price of the app for paid applications. App advertisers only have to pay if users install the apps. Users can also refer friends to the service, and will earn 5 percent of the revenues generated by them for the first two years.

The W3i Mobile Solutions service is driven by the company’s “intelligent installation” InstallIQ technology, which also powers its entire application network. The software allows advertisers to include their products in the installation managers of other applications, giving users the ability to easily install multiple applications.

It’s a win-win situation for both developers and consumers: App developers will be able to target their ads to interested consumers, which will hopefully lead to better rankings in Apple’s iTunes Store. W3i Mobile Solutions also includes reporting features which gives advertisers the ability to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns. Consumers will get paid to be app guinea pigs, and in the process may find some little-known apps that they actually like.

Competitors like Offerpal Media also offer various incentives for consumers to install mobile apps, including payment. By launching Apperang, W3i is aiming to offer a single place for consumers to get paid for apps. Offerpal and other competitors currently don’t yet offer anything similar.

Apperang will eventually include desktop applications in addition to iOS apps, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other mobile platforms included as well. An iPhone app of its own is also on the way.

The Sartell, MN-based company reports that 350 million apps have been installed since the W3i Application Network launched in February 2008. It says it has been profitable for 33 consecutive quarters.