There are over five billion smartphone users across the globe today. Considering these staggering numbers it is no surprise that the number of app downloads on smartphones is also massive. When it comes to the success of an app, user acquisition and retention are important measures. But user acquisition and retention happen after your app has been seen on the app store, making app visibility an equally (if not more) important factor.
Fortunately for you, there are a number of ways through which you can increase the visibility, downloads and user retention of your app. In this article, we share 5 of the most important steps:
- Begin with app store optimization (ASO).
- Encourage reviews and feedback from users.
- Make sure the content is premium.
- Performance is critical.
- Use the power of social media influencers.
1. Begin with app store optimization
ASO, or App Store Optimization, is very similar to SEO for websites. In fact, experts argue that ASO has a greater impact on app listings than SEO has on search engine listings. But that’s not important. What’s important, is that ASO is crucial for app visibility. ASO involves optimizing the in-store content to help it show up higher on searches. To achieve this, you need to have the right keywords, reviews, ratings, and descriptions. You can check other similar apps, keyword ranking, number of downloads, and optimize your app page accordingly from time to time.
P.S. Here’s the complete guide to ASO – App Store Optimization [2020 ASO Guide for Google Play & App Store]
2. Encourage reviews and feedback from users
Firstly, reviews are an important part of ASO and greatly impact ranking. Secondly, one of the first things users observe before downloading an app is reviews. The more positive reviews you have, the greater the chances of converting a prospective user. The number of clicks your app gets then further impacts app store ranking. It is important to encourage authentic reviewers where they talk about the pros and cons of using your app. Using push notifications is a great way to encourage existing users to give reviews. Another great idea is to unlock premium features of your app once a user gives a review. That way, it is a win-win situation for both parties.
3. Make sure the content is premium
It cannot be disputed that content is king. The content and text of your app says a lot about the quality of your creation. An app with mediocre content that is laden with grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes is a huge turnoff. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the content on your app (both the app itself and in-store content) is not just error-free but also attractive to retain the attention of users. Create relevant and compelling content for your users, and they will definitely become loyal consumers.
4. Performance is critical
Any techie would tell you that an app is never completely free from bugs. While tiny errors (especially those that can only be caught after the app is in use by a big population) are forgiven, you must ensure there aren’t major flaws in features and performance, and especially make sure there are no bugs that can cause the app to hang or crash. If you have a faulty app, users will be immediately repelled by it and will look for better and more hassle-free options. Be proactive when it comes to identifying potential problems within the app, take appropriate measures, and indulge in vigorous testing to get rid of the issues for a crash-free app at all times.
5. Use the power of social media influencers
We live in times where social media influencers play a vital role in affecting purchase patterns. Moreover, if you ask experts in the field to review your app, it is bound to get more exposure in the market. This also adds a layer of authenticity. Look for influencers and experts in your domain and ask them to review your app. It helps to use tools to track your ranking on search engines, organic referrals, and mentions on social media in order to assess the impact of expert or influencer reviews.
Bottom Line
Irrespective of whether consumers seek entertainment, information, or assistance, there is no limit to the number of app choices both on Google Play Store and App Store today. You need to ensure that your app stands out from the competition. Follow these tried and tested strategies to enhance the visibility and number of downloads of your app!