 |
|
After the dust settles from the app development process, your work isn't over. Many app owners make the mistake of thinking that development is the hardest part of a successful venture. In fact, development is only the beginning. After the app is developed, it's time to consider marketing and other strategies after you launch. Marketing is a crucial part of your app's success, and your strategies and planning should be done prior to launch.
The app stores have basic tracking, so you can track installs and uninstalls. However, they don't tell you at what part of the workflow the user dropped from engagement. User engagement is critical, and you need to know what screen or process loses their interest. Adding tracking apps to your code can solve this problem.
Several tracking APIs on the market can help you analyse your engagement and identify screens with poor usability. These APIs integrate with your current code, and doesn't take much effort on the developer's part to include them with your package. Once your app is launched, it's critical to identify what users don't like about it. Tracking apps can help you improve the workflow and build a better user interface in future upgrades.
Even with thorough testing, you' II have unforeseen bug reports after you launch. The longer you let these reports linger, the faster your rating will plummet in the app stores. It's important that you have a plan for fixing bugs when they are reported.
Normally, users report bugs and uninstall the app if they are dissatisfied. Your goal should be to collect these reports and send them to a developer. Ideally, you should keep the developer who coded the original app, since this person or agency knows the architecture the best.
If you weren't satisfied with the original developer, you should give another coder time to review the code before you relaunch, and a chance to review the app before bug reports start rolling in. You want bugs fixed quickly, but you need it done right. The process requires a coder who can review the code and understand it before fixing any errors.
The app stores have a section where the developer can add a web page. Your app looks much more professional when it has a landing page. This can be a simple marketing page that introduces the application's functionality and announces future enhancements and upgrades.
A landing page can also be used to collect email addresses for promotional offers and to keep your users updated with the latest news. It's a great way to market your app for future promotions using email blasts. For instance, you could expand your business to other app opportunities, and you can use your email list to invite your current user base.
When you first launch an app, your software is among millions of other apps, all of different quality and with solutions similar to yours. Even if you have a completely unique app unlike any other on the market, you still need a plan that gets the word out.
One way to market on a budget is to reach out to bloggers in the industry. These bloggers will test your app from an expert point of view. They can be considered power users since they can recognise the solution your app provides and give you good feedback for improvements.
Don't pick just any blogger; seek those who are experts in the field and have a decent amount of traffic. One common mistake made by new app owners is to get backlinks on any random blog. Instead, target high-quality bloggers and focus on ones that have good traffic and a loyal following of readers.
You first need to identify power users among the others. They can be decision makers who run their own businesses or people who rely on your app to solve a problem that can't be solved by other apps.
Your power users are also experts in the industry. They can give you detailed feedback that can be used to improve your app. This type of feedback is invaluable because your power users will continue to return to the app and pass it on as a referral to other users.
Successful app owners don't forget critical aspects of the process, and strategies put in place prior to launch are crucial to your success. The app stores have millions of other start-ups vying for user attention. The right marketing strategies will put your app in front of the right people, who in turn can become loyal customers.