While it’s hard to persuade people to download new apps, there are plenty of tried and trusted ways to increase app downloads. Increasing app downloads is a skill and achievement in itself. Every day, approximately 2,000 apps are published on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, all hoping to record an increase in app downloads. In 2020 alone, more than 142.9 billion apps were downloaded. But how do we make sure yours is successful? Follow the steps below.
4 tips on how to increase app downloads
1. Focus and prioritize app store optimization
Most Android and iOS users find out about new apps through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Obviously, being selected as Editor’s Choice is the best form of promotion in the app stores. But you don’t have full control over that. However, your list of apps is under your control. The process of making your app store page as accessible and attractive as possible is known as app store optimization, or ASO.
In practice, this means including the best keywords available, creating a catchy title, writing an engaging app description, and uploading eye-catching images. Many apps that post low download rates fall short on at least one of these factors.
So what is app store optimization?
App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of optimizing your app listing content so that your app listing ranks higher in app stores. It works the same way as search engine optimization (SEO), but instead of global search engines, it works for app stores.
Once you focus and prioritize app store optimization, you will see an increase in app downloads. Here are some tips to make that happen:
One of the most important things you can do to optimize your app is to use the right keywords in your app title and description. Use the Google AdWords Keyword Tool or a keyword tracker like Sensor Tower or App Radar to find the most relevant search phrases.
Choose your categories correctly and strategically when submitting your app to an app store. Make sure to choose a category that is related to your app but not cluttered.
Consider the location of your target audience and customize your app description for those locations. This could include converting your app store description to another language or choosing photos that are relevant and acceptable for that location.
2. Create a fantastic app icon and UI for your app
Your app icon and user interface give potential users the first impression of your app. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to its design. When done correctly, it affects user behavior and can help increase app downloads. It should be more than a last minute addition. Your app icon is the first thing a potential user sees in an app store, so make sure it’s aesthetically pleasing.
Also, you need to create a demo video of your app. Since not all users will understand all the features and benefits of your app after reading a brief explanation or viewing some screenshots, creating a demo video is another strategy to promote your app and increase app downloads. Create a 30-second demo video that explains the what, how, and why of your app. Put more emphasis on the user interface, ease of use, and the most popular features of the app.
3. Show your user reviews, ratings and testimonials
When a potential user comes across your app, there is a strong tendency to want to see your app rating and user reviews. Selective users will search those reviews for input from others.
Both user ratings and reviews can significantly influence the number of downloads you receive. Also, app stores prefer apps that provide a positive user experience.
Asking your existing users to leave positive feedback is a great strategy to improve your ratings and reviews. Many apps have a pop-up message that appears after a certain number of hours or time the app is opened.
Not only does this ensure that more users leave a rating or review, it also increases the likelihood of feedback from those who have a good impression of your app. This type of “social proof” is quite effective.
Potential users want to see what others are saying about your app. Therefore, when you display your user reviews, ratings, and testimonials, your chances of registering an increase in app downloads are higher.
4. Market your app correctly
If you’re lucky enough to have a reasonable marketing budget, don’t be too frugal with it.
Typically, app marketing campaigns last for a few weeks or months. However, if you want to see a significant increase in your app downloads in a short time, you need to go all out with your marketing efforts.
It takes a lot of guts and determination to launch an entire marketing campaign in one go, but it can record massive success when done right.
Organic searches will drive most of your downloads, but your web version landing page will drive many more. As a result, you should also establish a dedicated landing page for your app, complete with a clear call-to-action that encourages consumers to download it.
final thoughts
No matter how attractive and effective your app is, it won’t get downloaded if you don’t promote and list it properly. Increasing app downloads doesn’t have to be as challenging for you as it is for everyone else. You may not even need to invest any money to see an increase in app downloads if you use some of the strategies mentioned above.
When using these strategies, keep in mind the interest of your target audience. As a result, your app will maintain its relevance in the market.
Written by Bar Nakash, Co-Founder and CEO of TeraGen.io
