Launching an app can be very exciting, but also very stressful and confusing. There are a lot of decisions to be made and you need to know that you are making the right one. Marketing your app in the correct way and to the right people can ensure that your app launch is a success. Here are 20 key marketing tips to help launch your new app:
1. Create a content marketing strategy
Create a blog/website about your new app a few months before your launch date. This way you will have a following already when the app is launched.
2. Start collecting emails
When setting up the blog/website for your app, have a web form where visitors can provide their email. This allows you to create an ongoing email list of followers to send emails with announcements and updates about the app.
3. Start collecting PR materials
Before launching, start collecting the pitch templates for your app. When your app is launched you can start sending the pitches right away.
4. Include benefits and features in the app description
Include any benefits and features that the app may have in the description in the app store. This will provide potential users insight into what the app is all about.
5. Build a media list
Create a list of contacts to include names of bloggers, youtubers, podcasters, influencers, etc… who you think will be interested in your app based on your knowledge of their interests. This is a good time to start thinking about who you want to be your target audience.
6. Write a press release
Write a press release promoting your new app before launch date and send it to your media list. Your app launch probably won’t gain a lot of attraction among journalists without a press release. Keep in mind that you need to have something newsworthy to say or else it won’t get written about.
7. Begin PR outreach
Begin to reach out to your media list and request that they review the app before launching (you may have to offer them a free version). This will allow them to provide you with important feedback that you can use to change any last-minute details about your app.
8. Choose the right category
Pick the most relevant category for your app. Users will be able to go into the App store on their phone, tablet or computer and choose a category and expect to download an app related to that category.
9. App Store Optimization (ASO)
App Store Optimization involves optimizing your App Store page to rank higher in search results. One feature that can result in a higher search result is the name of the app. Including a keyword or keywords in the name of the app can affect how many times your app comes up in the search results. You can also add screenshots and short video previews of the app in the description in the app store. Users will like this a lot because it gives them a sneak peek on what the content of the app is going to be.
10. Create social media content & creatives
Create social media accounts and content for your app. Create the content for social media early so when you are ready to start promoting for launch day, all the content is ready to be scheduled and posted.
11. Start promoting on social media
Social media is a huge marketing platform. Promoting on social media is one of the best ways for your app to get the most visibility.
12. Plan for promotional offers
Offer limited time promo codes for free downloads, in-app purchases, or points. This will encourage potential users to download quickly so they don’t miss out, helping your app rise through the rankings.
13. Word of mouth referrals
One of the best types of referrals is from word of mouth. You can encourage your family and friends to refer your app to their friends.
14. Link to your app
When launched, the link to download your app should be everywhere. A good place to have it is within all the bios and information on your social media pages, online networking websites and local SEO and business directories.
15. Reach out to top apps lists
Make sure they have high Google ranking authority and ask them to feature your app.
16. Submit your app to app review websites Your app is not going to be perfect, but that’s okay! To get the best feedback before and after launching your app, you can submit your app to an app review website. Here is a list of the best app review websites:
- ProductHunt
- 148apps
- AppAdvice
- AppStore
- FeedmyApp
17. Focus on customer service
Customer service is one of the most important aspects of any type of business. It is important to be open to listening to customers’ feedback because it will only make your app better.
18. Make it easy for users to share your app
Create a feature (e.g. a CTA with “button”) where users can easily share the app through their own social media pages, emails or texts.
19. Consider a burst campaign
A burst campaign is the process of media buying during a short period of time. This media exposure will expose the app to the largest audience possible for as long as 72 hours (depending on your budget). The more downloads you have in a short period of time, the higher your app will be in the rankings. This is a great way for new apps to get recognition.
20. Ask for feedback
After launching, ask for feedback from users. This will allow you to continually make improvements when it’s time to update the app every couple of months.
Launching an app is very exciting. An organized, user friendly, and well marketed app will get the attention it deserves. If you need any help launching an app, please feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help.
Danielle Foley, Owner
Foley Marketing Advisors
dfoley@foleymarketingadvisors.com