How To Increase App Downloads and Improve Mobile App Rankings

Mobile apps have quickly become a sensation among internet users. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have made it easier for users to access content they want quickly. It probably isn’t a surprise then that the average mobile internet user spends a little over 3 hours a day online. Now, the question is: How do you make sure your app gets a big piece of the billions of mobile users out there? Let’s explore the 7 steps you can take to increase your app downloads and improve mobile app rankings.

Step 1 – Strive for Quantity and Consistency

Becoming a high-ranking mobile app isn’t easy, but it is doable. To begin, research the number of downloads other apps in your app’s category have. Tip: Free downloads will absolutely be topping the ranking charts, so keep your app free. The top free apps have anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 (and up) downloads. These may seem like intimidating numbers, but when you have the right ingredients for your app, they are most certainly attainable!

Consistency is another part of this first step to increase your app downloads and improve mobile rankings. When you launch a mobile app, you want to see a surge in downloads. However, it is also prudent to remember that after your launch period, you need to make sure that you have a steady stream of downloads that continues no matter how much time has passed since the app’s launch. Strive for consistency.

Step 2 – Ask for User Reviews

All users want their voices to be heard when they have a complaint or compliment about the apps they are using. Give your users the opportunity to voice their opinions by encouraging reviews. Send them notifications or prompts reminding them they are welcome to review your app within the app store. Provide a direct link that will take them to the app store so they can leave their reviews. Also, provide links to popular social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) so they can share their reviews with friends.

Plan out when the notifications to review your app are sent. Don’t bombard your users with a message every 30 seconds to review your app. A reminder after they reach a certain amount of active app time (like 1 hour of activity) is more reasonable and will encourage positive reviews rather than negative ones. Additionally, try adding a contest or incentive to your review process. For example, let users know that if they take the time to review your app, they will automatically be entered into drawings for free gear, cash, or gift cards. Everybody loves free stuff, so go ahead and use that to your advantage.

Step 3 – Have a Clear Icon

Sifting through 20 or more apps trying to find your app will be frustrating to all your app users. However, having a clear app icon that is easily recognizable will eliminate those frustrations. For example, can you recall a time when you didn’t know what the lowercase “f” in white font and on a blue background stood for? We can’t either. Icons like Facebook’s “f” and Amazon’s “A” are clear and easily recognizable. Make sure your icon doesn’t leave users wondering which app it belongs to. Make your design simple, but iconic (pun intended)!

Step 4 – Use Other Platforms

We always encourage app creators to use a variety of platforms to promote your app. For example, you can reach hundreds, thousands, or even millions more users by promoting your app on Facebook, rather than just on your website. Even further, utilizing your website, Facebook, AND Twitter to promote your app and encourage downloads will reach even more users. Don’t be afraid to spread your reach by promoting your app on many different platforms. Just be sure that when you update one platform’s content with app news, contests, etc., you update all of them. Organization and careful planning are key in making multi-platform marketing successful!

Step 5 – Keep Updating

Every single app ever made needs updates at some point. Whether it is one day after launch or one month after launch, problems will arise, and it is your responsibility to update the app to fix those problems. Technological bugs will always find their way into your app, so releasing updates to fix them is key to keeping your app users happy and positive reviews coming in. Also, releasing updates periodically with a new feature (perhaps a feature suggested by your users) is a great way to get more downloads and improve your ratings. You need to keep your users interested and willing to spend a lot of time interacting with your app. So, keep improving and updating your app when needed to encourage positive user interactions!

Step 6 – Utilize Screenshots

Before users even download your app, they want to see previews of what the app looks like and the features it offers. Uploading screenshots of the app’s design and features to your download’s description in the app store will intrigue and encourage more downloads. Screenshots also give the sense of professionalism and consideration on your side because you took the time to showcase your app by uploading screenshots. Don’t be afraid to boast your app’s design and features through utilizing screenshots!

Step 7 – Promote Your App

This may seem like a common-sense step, but you would be surprised how often it is considered a “back burner” item. Promoting your app should always be forefront in your mind (pre-launch, launch, and post-launch). Promoting and marketing your app will be your greatest ally. Take the time to meet with marketing professionals and develop a marketing strategy that best suits your app’s goals. Marketing professionals will bring promotion ideas that you may not have thought of, and vice-versa. Developing a marketing strategy will ensure your app’s success in downloads and rankings. So, get out there and promote like crazy!

Making sure your app is a smashing success is a multi-step process. It can be expensive and time-consuming. However, with these 7 steps, you give your app its best chance for downloads and improved mobile app rankings. Evaluate your app (even if your app is currently on the market) and make sure these 7 steps are a part of your app’s development and marketing plans. You will be (or have already) spending time, money, and effort to make your app a success. So, don’t short-change yourself by skipping over steps, like these, that may seem unimportant in the “big picture” of your app.

Why Gomeeki?

At Gomeeki, we are committed to ensuring your app’s success. We understand the importance of the number of app downloads, as well as positive mobile app rankings. We will help you every step of the way during the development, launch, and maintenance of your app. We are here to offer you an app development process that is proven to be successful. 

Why not see what our customers are saying about us and how we approach your project:

Our fast growing team of 40+ mobile app developers have experience across responsive websites, system integration, cloud technologies, iphone app development, Android app development & native app development.

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