How to promote your mobile app

         
We saw what it takes to build an app in the last article. To recap, you basically need three things:

• Knowledge of how to create a user interface that’s attractive and easy to use
• Knowledge of Software development, network security and database management
• Comprehensive knowledge of web development, OOPS concepts and mobile APIs.

Before we move to marketing and promotion, it’s important to say this loud and clear: You need to have actually built the app. The first step towards a successful marketing strategy is to understand the app store environment and ranking algorithms that can guide you the possible ways to market and promote your mobile application to the consumer world.

Secondly, it’s important to develop apps which support various mobile platforms like iOS, Android, Windows etc. Cross-platform apps have a lot of advantages like reduced development costs, greater reach and easy marketing which means you don’t have to create niche messages to promote for a specific set of people. But this means that you have to know your target audience closely.

Steps before launch

1. Choose a good name

It is very important to choose a name for your app that is both unique and memorable. Make sure you include the most important keywords of the app’s functionality in its name. Lastly, ensure you don’t infringe any trademarks.

2. Choose the right category

In the appstore, estimate the number of downloads you will need to rank in each category. You will need to play to your strengths. Choose the most relevant category for your app. The more competitive a category, the more downloads you get.

3. Create an amazing icon

Your icon matters...a lot! Make sure it delivers the app’s purpose in style. Make it appealing and eye-catching. Users may not even look at the description of the app if the name and the icon reveal enough.

4. Good title, description and keywords

This is a decider. A lot of the users are going to look at your description of the app though a majority will actually land up by virtue of word of mouth. You need to include keywords, make it actionable and spy on your competitors to find out where you need to push harder. Finally, keep it simple. Brevity is much appreciated.

5.  Get featured on review sites

Open a spreadsheet and get ready to look for target sites and contact information. Start collecting data well ahead of your launch and contact everyone once the app goes live. Prepare your press kit (Pictures, Press release, Bio of the founders, Screenshots, logos, etc.) Target journalists and editors that cover your field. Keep collecting data and do a thorough analysis before you take hit the ground running.

Last but not the least, encourage users to share your app on social networking sites and to rate and review the app!