Today, mobile apps form the base for almost every user query. Whether a user wants information about something, wants to buy something, or book a ticket, the mobile app plays a critical role. And fortunately, there are thousands of apps available.
This is where the glitch occurs. As per stats, over 90 thousand apps were released in October 2022. As the number of apps is high and accelerating, it can be tough for you to stand out. There are various key things that can save you from being lost in the ocean of apps. You need to focus on its development, design, testing, and deployment to reinforce your app for the best.
Yes, deployment may seem like an easy process, but a mobile app launch strategy needs to be in place for successful deployment. There are numerous aspects to it, and we will uncover them in this article.
Why is a mobile app launch strategy important?
A mobile app launch strategy is important for a lot of reasons. A planned mobile app launch helps you highlight the key USP of the product. On top of that, you can capture the attention of the right audience and formulate a perfect marketing strategy.
Launching the mobile app with a planned process can also help you measure the success of the app. You can set goals and monitor KPIs after the launch.
Now, the successful launch of a mobile app has two phases. The pre-app launch phase and the post-app launch phase. Let’s read ahead and discuss these phases.
The pre-mobile app launch checklist!
No matter if it is a gaming app, social media app, or any other, there is a checklist that you have to implement.
1. Research the market and the competitors
As per stats, 35% of apps fail because there is no market need for them. Moreover, 20% of app startups fail because they get out-competed. These stats clearly show that thorough market and competitor research is necessary, not just before launch but before the inception of the development process.
With proper research, you can find
This is where the glitch occurs. As per stats, over 90 thousand apps were released in October 2022. As the number of apps is high and accelerating, it can be tough for you to stand out. There are various key things that can save you from being lost in the ocean of apps. You need to focus on its development, design, testing, and deployment to reinforce your app for the best.
Yes, deployment may seem like an easy process, but a mobile app launch strategy needs to be in place for successful deployment. There are numerous aspects to it, and we will uncover them in this article.
Why is a mobile app launch strategy important?
A mobile app launch strategy is important for a lot of reasons. A planned mobile app launch helps you highlight the key USP of the product. On top of that, you can capture the attention of the right audience and formulate a perfect marketing strategy.
Launching the mobile app with a planned process can also help you measure the success of the app. You can set goals and monitor KPIs after the launch.
Now, the successful launch of a mobile app has two phases. The pre-app launch phase and the post-app launch phase. Let’s read ahead and discuss these phases.
The pre-mobile app launch checklist!
No matter if it is a gaming app, social media app, or any other, there is a checklist that you have to implement.
1. Research the market and the competitors
As per stats, 35% of apps fail because there is no market need for them. Moreover, 20% of app startups fail because they get out-competed. These stats clearly show that thorough market and competitor research is necessary, not just before launch but before the inception of the development process.
With proper research, you can find
- What the market demands
- What are your competitor's upto
- Their shortcomings
- Their positive points
Based on this, you can formulate your app launch strategy.
2. Tease your app on social media platforms
There are millions of users on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, etc. If you wish to get the best out of your app, it is critical to tease your app on social media. You can post access form links, early bird access offers, and more to attract people.
Add in the key USPs of the app and help users understand what they are signing up for. To make it better, you can take emails from the users to keep them updated.
3. Market your app
This may seem like an early step. But there is no harm in being ahead of schedule. Hence, you can begin marketing your app before launch or even while the development is underway. It will help you capture the attention of more users and might also build a positive image of your app.
To market the app, you can hire an influencer, launch a product MVP, and make and post videos.
4. Make a lucrative landing page
Your website is the most trusted asset of your business. Most users will trust your app if your website is well-built. As per stats, 75% of users build the credibility of a brand based on their website design. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial to ensure that you build a stimulating landing page for your app.
5. App Store optimization
It is obvious that you will launch your app on App Store or Google PlayStore. Therefore, it is best to work on optimizing your app for the app store. To ensure that your app downloads skyrocket after release, you must focus on the following!Add high-quality images of the app.
2. Tease your app on social media platforms
There are millions of users on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, etc. If you wish to get the best out of your app, it is critical to tease your app on social media. You can post access form links, early bird access offers, and more to attract people.
Add in the key USPs of the app and help users understand what they are signing up for. To make it better, you can take emails from the users to keep them updated.
3. Market your app
This may seem like an early step. But there is no harm in being ahead of schedule. Hence, you can begin marketing your app before launch or even while the development is underway. It will help you capture the attention of more users and might also build a positive image of your app.
To market the app, you can hire an influencer, launch a product MVP, and make and post videos.
4. Make a lucrative landing page
Your website is the most trusted asset of your business. Most users will trust your app if your website is well-built. As per stats, 75% of users build the credibility of a brand based on their website design. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial to ensure that you build a stimulating landing page for your app.
5. App Store optimization
It is obvious that you will launch your app on App Store or Google PlayStore. Therefore, it is best to work on optimizing your app for the app store. To ensure that your app downloads skyrocket after release, you must focus on the following!Add high-quality images of the app.
- Write top-notch descriptions
- Use focussed keywords
With all these factors in place, your app will surely rank higher than others and may even get featured among the top apps.
6. Set a date for the app release
After you are sure about the app design and functionality, set a date of release.
The post-mobile app launch checklist!
So, you are all set to launch an app. And now you have launched it. Now what? Launching your app is only one side of the game. The real game begins now. You need to do certain things after the app is launched.
Here are some of them!
1. Link the app to your content
When you are producing content for app promotion or marketing post-launch, make sure you embed the app link everywhere. Whether it is a social media post, ad, email, video, image, blog, user comment, or whatnot, your app download link should be in it.
2. Encourage face-to-face promotion
When your app is launched, encourage your users to go out there and promote the app face-to-face. This method is known as word-of-mouth marketing and is one of the effective methods to boost awareness. As per stats, 83% of marketers use word-of-mouth marketing to boost brand awareness.
3. Keep a check on user responses
User responses can be of various types, like app ratings, reviews, comments, etc. There will be a lot of user responses on app stores, social media channels, websites, and other sources. Make sure you keep an eye on all of them and answer the questions if any. User responses can be a great resource for future app updates.
4. Go a bit deeper than responses
There are users that may not care to report the issue about the app; they may just leave the app and never come back. This can be a big plot hole in your Mobile app launch strategy. Therefore, with the help of KPIs like session time, repeat use, usage frequency, exit rate, etc., you can map the user’s journey and find out the impediments to a better user experience.
5. Leverage paid ads
As you have done your best for awareness earlier, not all of the users would have seen your video, image, or post. Hence, it is time to bring out the big gun. As you now have something to show for, you can run paid ads on social media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
Along with promised app awareness, these ads also increase the possibility of more leads, app downloads, and positive reviews.
6. Focus on updates
After you are done collecting feedback from different sources, plan out your app update development and release strategy. As your online presence is highly dependent on your app’s performance, it needs to be top-notch to ensure faster adaptation to new trends and as per user feedback.
Launch Mistakes That May Cost You!
Along with implementing and planning steps of a mobile app launch strategy, it is also imperative to check the pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that you need to avoid.
6. Set a date for the app release
After you are sure about the app design and functionality, set a date of release.
The post-mobile app launch checklist!
So, you are all set to launch an app. And now you have launched it. Now what? Launching your app is only one side of the game. The real game begins now. You need to do certain things after the app is launched.
Here are some of them!
1. Link the app to your content
When you are producing content for app promotion or marketing post-launch, make sure you embed the app link everywhere. Whether it is a social media post, ad, email, video, image, blog, user comment, or whatnot, your app download link should be in it.
2. Encourage face-to-face promotion
When your app is launched, encourage your users to go out there and promote the app face-to-face. This method is known as word-of-mouth marketing and is one of the effective methods to boost awareness. As per stats, 83% of marketers use word-of-mouth marketing to boost brand awareness.
3. Keep a check on user responses
User responses can be of various types, like app ratings, reviews, comments, etc. There will be a lot of user responses on app stores, social media channels, websites, and other sources. Make sure you keep an eye on all of them and answer the questions if any. User responses can be a great resource for future app updates.
4. Go a bit deeper than responses
There are users that may not care to report the issue about the app; they may just leave the app and never come back. This can be a big plot hole in your Mobile app launch strategy. Therefore, with the help of KPIs like session time, repeat use, usage frequency, exit rate, etc., you can map the user’s journey and find out the impediments to a better user experience.
5. Leverage paid ads
As you have done your best for awareness earlier, not all of the users would have seen your video, image, or post. Hence, it is time to bring out the big gun. As you now have something to show for, you can run paid ads on social media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
Along with promised app awareness, these ads also increase the possibility of more leads, app downloads, and positive reviews.
6. Focus on updates
After you are done collecting feedback from different sources, plan out your app update development and release strategy. As your online presence is highly dependent on your app’s performance, it needs to be top-notch to ensure faster adaptation to new trends and as per user feedback.
Launch Mistakes That May Cost You!
Along with implementing and planning steps of a mobile app launch strategy, it is also imperative to check the pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that you need to avoid.
-
Not launching the MVP first can be the biggest blunder. A minimum viable product should be launched before the full app to get an idea of the market requirements. It helps save money, time, and effort.
-
Missing out on the right on boarding practices can also lead to lower CTR and revenue. Make sure while launching the app, ask for only the required information, keep on boarding screens compact, maintain a simple sign-up process, etc.
- Generalizing the audience can be your biggest mistake, as you may end up marketing to an audience that has nothing to do with your app. This will also lead to a waste of money and time.
Conclusion
An app can be a perfect Kickstarter for your business. Hence, you need to focus a lot on it, from its development to post-launch services. As there will be a lot on your plate, handling everything simultaneously will be tough. Hence, you may need a professional for this. To ensure a smooth app launch, you can get in touch with Octos Global Solutions and get a quote.