Make Your API Irresistible

Adam DuVander @adamdProgrammableWeb

The Three Cs

Clarity, Cost and Community

Clarity

Developers can find the portal

Good

Even better

Clarity

Developers can review a complete API reference

Clarity

Developers can explore the API

Clarity

Developers can use their preferred language through libraries

Clarity

Developers can find extensive sample calls and example code

Clarity

Developers can use industry best practices to authenticate

Cost

Developers know how much (if any) it costs to use the service

Cost

Developers can clearly understand the rate limits

Cost

Developers can find API-specific terms of use

Cost

Developers can participate in an affiliate program

Cost

Developers can become certified and be promoted

Community

Developers can ask questions (and receive answers) in an API forum

Community

Developers can read frequent blog posts on the API blog

Community

Developers can follow the API on Twitter and other social media

Community

Developers know who within the company to talk to

Community

Developers can see other examples and be featured in an app gallery

Community

Developers can meet advocates at developer events