Most of the people think that building an engaging app is the toughest part. But marketing it is just as tough. There are people who actively search for different mobile applications every single day. All you need to know and learn is how to be in the right place at the right time. And with our “10 Best Ways to Increase Your App Downloads” you are in safe hands.

Thinking I’m just exaggerating? I have numbers to support my claim.

Nearly 12% of active smartphone users search for interactive applications in Play Store every day. More than 50% of the users look for applications for every week.

Not to my surprise, Play Store witnesses about 6 million unique keywords every month. There are a lot of people (In fact, millions) who actively search for apps on a daily and weekly basis. You just need to ensure that they find you.

Now, here the trick is to ace your App Store Optimization (ASO) and ensure you implement the most effective ASO practices which win the algorithms and make your app a superstar in Play Store or App store.

But wait. What is App Store Optimization?

The process of optimizing mobile apps to accomplish a higher position in the Play Store & search results to top in the ranking charts is known as ASO. Since it is very much similar to Search engine optimization for web content, App Store Optimization is known as the SEO for mobile apps.

According to a study, App Store Optimization improved app downloads by nearly 1500% in less than a month.

Now, let’s dive into the pool of some effective tips to increase your app downloads.

#1. App Name & Keywords

A recent study reports that using keywords in your app title can increase your rankings by 10%.

Both App Store and Play Store’s search algorithm scan the application title for keywords when a user searches the app by using a particular keyword in either of the app markets.

Both the app store & play store gives equal importance to applications that have names and keywords in the title. So definitely, it’s a damn good idea to add a couple of keywords in your app title as the number one App Store Optimization practice.

You must also make sure you are not overloading your app title by just stuffing the keywords and making it look like a spam one. You have to maintain a good balance between branding and keywords.

#2. App Name Conventions

Keep your brand name clean and short and try to use URL-friendly characters in the app title. This way you can add your keywords to this short brand name. The app markets such as App Store (Apple) will be using your app title to create your app URL.

If possible, try to avoid special characters such as copyright symbols in your application title. Because those special characters will let iTunes to search your application’s numeric ID explore for more similar keywords instead of the app title.

#3. App Title Length

For Play Store (Google), the app title is restricted to 50 characters. Again, keep your title simple and short. The simpler your app title is, the easier it will be for your users to find it in the Play Store. If your app is already in the App Store (Apple), then maintain a consistent title.

In the App Store, the app title is restricted to 30 characters. I know, very few characters. But you need to make the best use of those 30 characters with the right keywords your app can rank higher in listings.

Read Also : How  Much Does it Cost to Market an App ?

#4. App Subtitle

In the latest version of the iOS, users can also add app subtitle in the App Store. Right under the app title, you can add your app subtitle to a maximum of 30 characters. To increase your app downloads, you can include some keywords in this field as well so that they will be indexed in the App Store search.

#5. App Keywords & Description

For Google Play Store, you need to be extremely cautious with your app description because Google extracts keywords from your app description to be your application’s keywords. So, make sure you neatly incorporate keywords in the app description.

In other words, make sensible sentences instead of just dumping the keywords. Because the keywords in the first 2-3 lines of description carry more weight than the keywords in the rest of description.

Since App Store doesn’t pull app’s keywords from the description you can add a couple of keywords in the app description.

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#6. The First Couple of Lines of App Description

How many people will click on the “Read more” button if the first 2 lines of the app description fail to attract the user? Hardly 5%. So, we have to make sure to take the best leverage of the first 2 to 3 lines of the app description.

Don’t unnecessarily use space as it counts. Make it concise and eye-catching. Avoid noise words (A, the, etc.) and interrupted sentences.

Let your users know what makes your app innovative and why they would love it. Make your app’s values as a center point, not features.

#7. App Expanded Description

Whilst elaborating your app description focus on listing out all the important and unique features of the app. Don’t make it a paragraph, instead use bullet points so that your users will find it easy to read.

Also, mention your app’s social media networking links as users who like your app will follow you on social media as well.

Google Play Store lets you use emoji in your app descriptions. So, make good use of the emojis to make more attractive and different from what your competitors have mentioned.

#8. App Promotional Text

This field in App Store was introduced in the latest version of iOS and is available exclusively for iOS users only. You can add up to 170 characters in the promotional text. However, this field is not indexed for keywords in the App Store search.

#9. App Screenshots

A recent study conducted states that nearly 60 percent of smartphone users won’t even swipe past first 2 to 3 screenshots. In order to be effective, ensure that your screenshots are conveying the exact story that you wanted them to.

So, you better have the best in line for your first 2 screenshots, they should be compelling and attractive. Avoid screenshots that users definitely don’t want to see such as registration, welcome, etc.

#10. App Localization

Localizing your app to various languages at once can be a horrendous thing but the specific localization strategy provides you with a wider target audience to download your app.

If your app is available in more than one country then you can utilize app analytics to explore the best nations by your app downloads. Incase if you haven’t done this yet you can do that by checking the official languages of the top 5 or 6 countries.

Read Also : 30 Most Effective Mobile App Ideas

Conclusion

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Certainly, getting the mobile app to rank better on the app market is easier said than done. But it is not impossible as it sounds, with our 10 Best Ways to Increase Your App Downloads article you will get some perspective to how to get the job done as some of the practices are pretty much similar to the usual SEO. It will take some time and effort but you will definitely see improve your ranking.

In today’s mobile age, both established and emerging brands are busy enhancing their online presence through mobile apps in order to strategically connect and reach users on the go.

However, to retain business growth and get noticed by potential customers, your app must have better rankings. Since people’s opinions drive your app’s visibility in crowded app stores, you need more positive reviews.

But such good reviews don’t happen automatically. In fact, people tend to visit app stores often to share bad reviews. To expect people swarming in the app store for your app, you must optimize it for better rankings. Here are a few good tips to help you improve your mobile app ranking:

1)  Understand the App Stores Thoroughly

First things first, before you set off executing a strategy to increase your app’s visibility, you should know that there is certain difference between iTunes app store and Google Play.

Both have their own set of terms and elements that are vital to app store optimization. For instance, while Google Play puts massive emphasis on the description of the app, iTunes app store relies greatly on keywords to categorize and display your app.

Gaining full insight into how app stores actually work can help you pull off the app optimization.

2) Prefer a Reliable App Review Plug-in

Rankings are highly sensitive to reviews. One of the best ways to draw better rankings is to ask users to consider sharing their experience. For this, there are handy plug-ins that fit in your iOS and Android apps and simplify prompting the users for reviews.

  • Helpshift is one vital option for encouraging customers to drop reviews after they have explored the app for a while
  • Appirater is another popular plug-in that integrates quickly with your mobile app and prompts users to review the app after set time period. Once they choose to rate, users are redirected to the app store to share their views

Make sure you use these plugins wisely while setting prompt timing.

3) Incentives For Reviews

The fact is, even if you try app review popups, users will not appreciate the idea of writing it. You need more than popups to make them take the action. Here is where incentivized encouragement seems to work. You can think of having:

  • Free In-game rewards
  • Virtual gifts
  • Redeemable Bonus points
  • Coupons

Offer them the promise of such rewards as this is the easiest way to have them review your app. People love free stuff and like to be surprised.

You can wait for them to complete specific actions in your app and then prompt them gently for reviews. Remember that original and decent popups are more effective than generic ones.

4) High Density of Active Users and Traffic

Soon after you have launched the app, you will need to see good amount of downloads. As number of active users and traffic volume soars, your app goes towards increasing its rank in app stores.

Too fetch more traffic to your mobile app, you will need to leverage a thoughtful marketing strategy and online campaigns that are trending in the market.

Efforts like SEO, influencer marketing, email campaigns, PPC and social media create great awareness for your app, creating a substantial flow of traffic to your app.

5) Expressive Screenshots

As they rightly say, pictures roar louder than words. Your app screen shots can play epic role in attracting users and boos their curiosity around your mobile app.

Design images best sustains the description content and represents your app’s purpose. Make your images speak to the audience and explain what it actually contains for them.

You should be able to capture the entire essence of your app and its major inner functioning in at least 3 vivid images.

6) Establish an Exemplary Customer Support

Providing an easy, quick support is a key to retaining existing customers in any business. Exceptional customer service also helps earn good reviews for your app.

Instead of guiding users to email communications for customer support, it would be rewarding to have an in-built chat system inside the app.

There are many plug-ins that provide intuitive dashboard to control, manage and conduct two-way interactions with users. Such direct customer assistance via messages can create a huge array of happy customers.

You can ask them to review your app after they are satisfied with your support. This not only minimizes negative feedback but also improves app ranking.

7) Get More Social

Social media channels are the best modern way to interact and engage with your potential customers. Make a solid social media strategy to interest rich active online community. Such platforms play a momentous role as a part of:

  • Sophisticated online marketing
  • Business Presence and promotion
  • High-quality Brand engagement
  • Rich relationship and interactions

It is apparent that famous online platforms offer an undeniable ground and a mighty opportunity to build lasting relationships with users, influencers and stakeholders alike.

Such powered engagements eventually boost your app’s ranking. Some of effective online platforms are: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Quora, Google plus.

8) Create Impactful Content

Be it app description, social media marketing, video or email promotions, whatever you write should have single central purpose: explaining how your app can bring value and create significant difference in the life of customers.

Highlight major benefits and features your app includes. Make your content appear organic and convincing, and avoid pushing it to the extent of looking too promotional.

Your genuine effort will develop trust and consistency among users, contributing to the improved app ranking.

9) App Maintenance and Updates

App users expect newness and innovations as the time progresses and unforeseen trends roll in. To make user experience trendy and engaging, you must maintain your app to the most exceptional standard possible.

Update your apps regularly, which also helps improve its performance and security. Additionally, constant updates go to show your dedication and commitment towards app users and have undeniable part in pushing the ranking.

Remember that app stores prefer to feature those apps that are regularly maintained or frequently updated.

10) Aesthetic Design and Look

User’s idea of your app has much to do with its visual appeal, and it begins with the app icon. Today’s many top ranking apps have eye-catching look and feel.

The icon should represent your app’s real content and its core purpose. With that said, it should not appear too obscure or perplexing.

As user quickly build the perception from the first look at app visuals, it is important to focus on simplicity with convincing use of colours and shape. You can opt for:

  • Bold colours with convincing style
  • Less flashy icon
  • Simple yet attractive in-app visuals
  • Easy-to-use User Interface
  • Fluid navigation
  • Easy-to-understand functionality

11) Description

The first thing you need to incorporate while preparing the app description is the idea of whether or not users will connect with it.

Dig deep into popular trends and understand how your app will complement users before finalizing any description. Any ideal app description should have following attributes:

  • Primary features and core objectives
  • Concise length
  • Integration of most relevant keywords
  • Trendy style of writing
  • Simple, easy-to-understand words

Use precise keywords as used by your target audience when searching for similar apps. Do your thorough research to scoop up right keywords for your app.

Last words

In the world of mobile app development, there is a lot we can do. You can implement almost any idea with the help of strategic use of technology. As for mobile app ranking, you cannot rely on just one single approach.

Increasing the rank of any mobile app is a cohesive process that encompasses a range of efforts. Some of them are discussed here in this blog. Hopefully, it will lead you to push your brand new or existing app to a top spot in app stores.