In December of 2012 we wrote a blog posted entitled “Top 6 ways to promote your mobile app“. One of the most common questions I hear as the marketing person for our company is “How should we market our mobile app?” I thought this was an important blog topic since it is such a popular question. In Part 1 I will be discussing the previously mentioned points and expanding upon them with new comments and examples from the apps we have developed. In Part 2 I will give you even more tips and tricks for marketing your app!
Lets start off by reviewing the Top 6 ways from the previous blog post:
1. Publish a promo page on your website and link to it from your home page.
1) Reach: Website visitors
2) Good example: Affinity Mobile
Since we posted this blog post we have begun offering a complimentary promotion page for every app we develop. Here are a few examples of the site we develop for your app:
https://pushinteractions.com/flaman
https://pushinteractions.com/wgu
https://pushinteractions.com/rawfood
2. Issue a joint press release with CollegeMobile through industry, local, or national news sources.
* Reach: Target demographics
* Good example: itracks Mobile
Issuing a joint press release is still a great idea as it garners attention and can really drive up the downloads on your app. When NuuNest launched their app they released a press release and managed to get a large number of downloads right out of the gate, which earned them the spot of “Top paid iPhone Medical App” for that time period. Being a top paid app means you have more exposure on the app store which is definitely a desirable outcome!
3. Post on all company social media pages. You could either send them to your website or directly to the app store(s).
* Reach: Social media fans and followers
Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ etc, is still an extremely effective (and cheap!) way to gain exposure for your app. In Part 2 of this series I will dive deeper into exploring YouTube and Pinterest!
4. Create print materials, such as posters, brochures, etc. if you have a storefront. Include QR codes with links to the app store(s).
Reach: Customers
Good example: Affinity Mobile brochures, promotion on retail monitors, promotion on ATMs, promotion on retail LED signs
If you have customers that you have direct access to, print materials in store are always a good idea. These materials are one of the oldest forms of advertising and can be quite effective when used in conjunction with other more technologically based communication methods.
5. Ensure that you have written a detailed description for the app store(s).
* Reach: All visitors of your app page on the app store(s)
When a user searches on the app store for an app that serves their need the first thing they will see is your app icon. If your app icon catches their eye and they believe your app may provide them what they need they will click it for more information. At this point you will need to have a description that knocks their socks off. It is important to keep your branding, messaging and wording consistent across all communication channels, including the app store. Remember, the app store if often the only touch point you have with your potential users.
6. Utilize Smart App Banners on iOS 6+ to direct mobile users from your full site to your app. This simply requires one line of code on your website’s HTML and we can help you with that.
* Reach: Website visitors from iOS 6+ devices
If you access our portfolio from your iPhone, you will see a little banner at the top where you can directly download that particular app. We can also help you to put this one line of code on your website so this banner will show up if anyone is looking at your website from their iPhone.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog where I will discuss new and exciting ways to market your app!
