The biggest dilemma that most of the app marketers face is user acquisition. While the number of mobile apps in leading app stores has hit new heights, only a handful of them contributes to growing the user base. A 2018 report from Statista found 2.1 million Android apps on the Google Play Store. The iOS app store is also home to around 2 million apps. Other small app stores, including Windows Store, Amazon app store, and Blackberry World contains another 1 million mobile applications combined.
Today, you can find multiple mobile apps for almost any work. From shopping to education to banking, numerous apps are competing for the users’ attention. In such a hyper-competitive environment, it is becoming increasingly challenging for app marketers to get the initial traction for apps.
Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you boost your marketing efforts and encourage users to download your app. In this blog, we have covered all those tactics; starting from simple stuff like app optimization and then walking you through the social strategies that you can use to make your app visible to users and increase the likelihood of downloads.
1. Focus on ASO:
ASO stands for App Store Optimization. It is similar to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), except that it has a greater impact on app listings as compared to SEO’s influence on search results. ASO is a set of practices that ensures that your app is found in app stores for terms relevant to your application. In short, it makes your app visible to users who use the search feature in app stores.
Appointive reports that around 63 percent of app users browse the app stores to find new apps. The best part with ASO is that you do not need to spend a fortune to rank higher in app store search results. You only need to take out some time and follow these tips.
- Choose the app title and icon wisely:
Your app icon and title are the first things users notice when they are searching for a mobile app. Make sure you put some time and effort to get them right. A good way to ensure a boost in rankings is by including relevant keywords in your title.
Research by Mobile DevHQ suggests that apps which use keyword in the app title rank 10.3 percent higher, on average, than those which don’t use keywords in the title. However, it is essential to use the keywords in a way that they fit naturally in the title
The design of your app icon is equally crucial. For many users, the decision to whether scroll past an app or click the download button is based on the app icon. Make sure your app icon is a clear representation of your app. It should provide some information to the users regarding what the app offers, once they install it.
- Write a concise app description:
Google Play Store provides a short and long description field where you can describe your app. Make sure you incorporate all the important keywords related to the app so that the search algorithms can find them when a user types those keywords. Also, include the benefits of your app and the pain points that it solves in the description to attract more users.
- Get more reviews:
App reviews and ratings also influence the ranking of your app. Urge the users through a gentle pop up to rate your app so you can get more positive ratings and reviews. It is, therefore, advised to test your app by experts at App verticals to prevent your app reviews from being throttled.
Other strategies that can drive more app downloads can be found in the following section of the blog.
2. Leverage social media:
Another way to maximize app downloads is by leveraging the unlimited power of social media. Reach out to potential users and engage with them on different social media platforms. It not only helps you build a lasting relationship with your customers but also provides you with an opportunity to show them the value of your app and what makes it unique.
Besides the promotional aspect of social media, it also allows you to get some insight into users’ preferences. Many users will provide valuable feedback about the app, so you can work on them to improve your app performance.
3. Choose your app monetization strategy wisely:
App monetization strategy is one of the most important factors that sway app downloads. There are many revenue generation strategies popular among developers, but it is best to keep your app free in the beginning. Free apps tend to get more downloads than paid apps. Also, users often hesitate to pay for an app that they haven’t used.
You can still make money with in-app purchases, advertisements, and in-app subscriptions. The freemium model is also a good choice for those who want to keep the app free but also earn through a premium version of the app. Many popular apps like Dropbox and LinkedIn use the freemium model, which allows users to upgrade to the premium version of the app to enjoy complete access.
There are many popular monetization strategies and pricing plans in use today; whichever method you follow, make sure you keep an eye on the competitors and make decisions accordingly.
4. Make your app crash-free:
App crashes and errors can frustrate users and force them to abandon the app. It should be your top priority to ensure that your app is free from glitches. A study observed that 48% of users are less likely to use an app with software bugs and issues like crashing and freezing.
A wise approach, therefore, is to test the app in beta. Make sure your app undergoes vigorous testing before it goes live. It will help the developers identify issues with the app and resolve them before the app is made available to the public. It’s also prudent to constantly update your app and ensure optimal user experience. BBW – anAirg spam-free game – is an example of how constant updates can help an app top the search results.
Additionally, Google crawlers regularly scrutinize apps for errors and may inflict ranking penalties on faulty apps. Since the number of app downloads mostly depends on its search ranking, you can no longer leave it to chances.
Conclusion:
Increasing your app downloads requires time and consistent efforts. Focus on ASO, constantly update your app, and promote it on social media platforms to improve your conversion rates.
Author Bio
Audrey Throne is the mother of a 3-year old and a professional blogger by choice. The throne is passionate about lifestyle, business, automotive, technology and management, and blogs frequently on these topics.
Find her on Twitter: @audrey_throne.
