If you have an upcoming event you want to publicize, there's now a free way you can make an app and instantly put it out there for both Apple and Android smart phone users.

Yapp.us is a new startup that allows you to create and publish a mobile application in just minutes at no cost to you. The company operates under a freemium model, offering basic functionality for free and an upgraded user experience for a $5 annual fee. (Yes, just $5!)

Making an app on Yapp is ideal for gatherings like weddings, conferences, reunions, classes, book clubs, fundraisers, parties, and more.

For example, my high school reunion is coming up and I'm on the organizing committee. We were talking about how to use social media to drive people to the reunion. By setting up a Yapp with reminders, pictures, and updates, it will probably increase the attendance.

I've already asked one of my web producers, Kate, to set up a Yapp for Clark's Christmas Kids, my annual toy drive for foster children. She was able to do it in 7 minutes. 

To view and download the app, type in or click this link:  http://my.yapp.us/GBH2CQ, or scan the QR code to the left with your mobile phone's barcode reader.

That's the beauty of Yapp. It's essentially like using a blank template that you just pop your own text and images into. My Christmas Kids app has a schedule of all the events, it connects to my Twitter feed, it has a gallery where we can load different pictures from the events, and so on. All in a very simple, artistically pleasing interface.