You’ve just put the finishing touches on your new app. You think it’s the best thing in the world. There’s only one problem: it’s not getting the attention you think it should. It’s a problem that most developers have when they come out with new apps. Don’t give up! That’s the worst thing you could do. Here are some tips to help you get out of the gate and get your app out there.
Be Different
You have your app. Maybe you were trying to compete with another new, hot app. Maybe the idea came to you and there happens to be a similar one out there already. No matter the case, your app has to stand out. If people are already using something that works for them, they’re not going to switch to your app if it doesn’t have something to offer them that they don’t already have. Ask your friends or colleagues. If they have something you’re competing with, have them try out your app. Take their feedback and use it to make your app better. If they notice something that stands out, use that to your advantage.
Make It Personal
When you’re growing a fan base, you have to interact with your fans. They’ll give you unbiased (and sometimes harsh) feedback. Use it. Respond in a respectful way to them. If they see a problem, let them know that you’re working on it. If they really enjoy your app, thank them. The best way for apps to spread is still word of mouth. If they like your app, they’ll tell their friends. When you interact with them, they’ll show appreciation and be more likely to spread the word
Get a Website Going
It doesn’t have to be the best thing in the world. If anything, just have a landing page. A basic website is better than nothing. This will allow you to use more traditional marketing techniques to learn about your app and how it’s fairing. Make sure it links to your app on a marketplace where they can download it.
Get It On As Many Places As Possible
Google Play is still the most used market around, but there are many more that people use. Amazon App Store, GetJar, AppBrain, and SlideMe are all popular app stores that will allow you to widen your possible audience.
Use PR
Whether you have a professional to do it or you’re doing it yourself, this is something you can’t avoid. Write something up or send the information about your app to popular websites. Make sure everything is there: screenshots, download links, website, etc. If you can, offer exclusives. Press is your friend.
Know Your Audience
This is very important. You have to market to the correct group. If you’ve got a game to promote, try gaming forums. Don’t waste your time, energy, and money promoting your app in a place where you’re not likely to get any response. Be smart about who you’re targeting.
Spend Money To Make Money
Ads are a part of our digital lives. It doesn’t matter if you hate them or not, they get noticed. See if there is ad space available on websites or blogs where your potential users are likely to visit. If you’re looking to save money, you can contact the website(s) individually. If you have some money set aside for this, buysellads.com is a good place to start looking for locations.
Timing Is Everything
Your app is complete, and you want to get it out there. That’s completely understandable. Before you do that, though, think about it. Is it a good time to promote heavily? Are there a lot of similar apps that have just come out? Sometimes you can ride the wave of success from other apps, and sometimes you’ll be drowned out.
Price To Sell
If you’re trying to earn money from your app, you have to take its status into account. People may not know a lot about it yet. Even if it looks great, having to pay for an app they haven’t used before can automatically turn potential users off. Launch your app for free as a promotion at first. As it starts gaining momentum, you can put a price on it. Be careful, though. If you go too high or too fast, you can alienate people.
Reviews Are a Great Thing
Aside from word of mouth, a good review from a trusted source is unbeatable. If someone’s favorite website says an app is good, they’re more than likely going to try it out. We offer a android app review service that can help you get the attention it needs.
You’ve finished your app. Now get it out there.