The days where every app launch got lots of attention and downloads just for showing up are long gone. According to ComboApp.com, if you've waited until the day you launch to start marketing, then you've waited far too long. They suggest you start your marketing plan at least 60 days before you launch, and some tech giants suggest you start way back in the app development phase. Your company should have a detailed marketing plan in place as soon as possible. Here are eighteen quick tips to help your app launch a success.
- Make It Easy To Recommend - When developing your app, make sure to include an easy way for users to share the app and refer their family and friends. According to Digital Authority, it is essential to incorporate referral programs because 77% of people are more likely to download an app recommended by their peers.
- Make A Good Product - Create an app that has value; this should not be a vanity project. A functional product that rewards, entertains, or informs users will attract more downloads.
- Encourage Reviews - Enable popup menus that encourage users to leave ratings and feedback. Ratings are critical to your app store SEO ranking, and you will want to get as many reviews as you can, as fast as you can.
- Don't Forget Push Notifications - Use push notifications to your advantage. Did you know that app users open 90% of push notifications? Push notifications have a lot higher open-rate than emails. This is a fantastic line of communication you can use to speak to your audience.
- Create A Website Or Landing Page - Build your app website early, use it to collect emails, show off your app development progress to generate buzz, and start to roll out a content-driven SEO strategy. Include several calls to action within your website and build a waiting list for your app. Make sure to compile a list of the hottest keywords that relate to your app. SEO takes time to build, so make sure to start well before your app launches.
- Know Your Audience - Create a written branding style guide that includes colors, fonts, and tone. Anyone creating content for marketing the app should adhere to these guidelines for consistency. Know your audience and build a profile that outlines who your ideal user is, know what hobbies they are into and where they hang out online.
- Create A Demo - Make a fun demo video! Video ads are your friend with app marketing. Nothing will show off what your app is all about like an excellent video that you can use on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and your website. A short 30 to 60 video is the perfect length.
- Write An Epic Press Release - Write an energetic and upbeat press release that will grab the attention of journalists and bloggers who will write about your app release in their articles. Make sure to include an attention-grabbing headline, a quote from your leadership, an impressive summary of your app's features, and a press contact so journalists can get in touch with you.
- Time To Get Social - Open, optimize, and create content for your core social media platforms. Social media accounts do not blow up overnight; it takes months of dedicated work to build an account, so start early. Create branded accounts and start posting to them well before your product launch.
- Work With Social Media Influencers - Research social media influencers in your niche. Look for popular social media users that do product reviews or sponsored posts. Craft an offer that will make it worth their time and invite them to participate. Look for influencers that not only have a lot of followers but who show a high rate of engagement with their audience.
- Don't Forget App Store Optimization - Work on your app store optimization strategy that will include keywords, photos, video, and a strategic way to get reviews early.
- Produce And Give Away Cute Swag - Giveaway swag before you launch. Get everyone excited by hosting giveaways on your social media for awesome branded prizes. This is a great way to build brand loyalty before there is even an app ready to download.
- Let's Have A Launch Party - Host a launch party. If you have the budget, throw a party for the big day. Invite family, friends, and local community members that have supported you and encourage them to download, use, and review your app at the party.
- Application Install Ads - Run robust application download ads on Facebook, Instagram, and inside other apps. Spending $500 to $1000 on these ads can jump-start your organic growth because the number of downloads contributes to your app store optimization. Get enough installs in a short amount of time, and you could become a featured app in the app store.
- Use Printed Business Cards For Cheap Advertising - Print good old-fashion business cards that encourage app downloads with QR codes and leave them everywhere. Online marketing is great but come at users from an unexpected angle and reap even more rewards.
- Submit To Review Sites - After your app is live and available for download, submit it to app review sites for more exposure. Websites like ProductHunt are very influential and could help you get more downloads.
- Promote Your App For An Award - Did you know you can submit your app for awards? Check out award sites like Appy Awards and Apple Design Awards.
- Review Feedback And Refine Product - Finally, the launch of your app isn't the end of the road for marketing. Use reviews and feedback to improve your product continually and include user input in future updates. Keeping existing customers happy is just as important as getting new downloads.