5 Free Ways to Boost Your App Downloads
With fierce competition in the app world it can be hard to get your app to stand out. There is an app for nearly everything these days. Knowing where to start and how to market your app effectivity can give you an edge. There are a number of ways you can promote your app without spending a penny.
App marketing is a huge business that is constantly evolving. You don’t need a marketing background to get your app out there. With limited resources and a tight budget anyone can have a successful app launch. Take advantage of these free ways to boost your app downloads.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
First thing to consider is your digital presence. Having a digital presence is everything in today’s world. You don’t want to simply exist online, you want your online presence to be visible, credible, and reputable. This will help you get discovered and be seen a legitimate business.
Most customers gravitate towards websites to search and gather information. There are multiple content management systems you can use to design and build your own high-quality website. Check out WiX, Weebly, or WordPress to get started. These are just a few of many content management systems out there.
These systems make it easy to create and manage website content without having previous knowledge or technical skills and best part is they are free. It is worth noting that free versions may be limited in terms of template and monetization options or display ads.
2. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is the use of social platforms to connect to your audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. This lets you show off a completely different side of your app and makes customers feel like they are reachable.
It is important to choose the best platform for you and your users. Focus on quality, not quantity. Managing just one or two accounts is a practical way to maintain steady engagement. Some of the most popular platforms include: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, SnapChat, Pinterest, and YouTube. Choose the most relevant for your app business. It really depends on the area and audience you want to target.
Once you decide on a social media channel you can set up a time schedule for posting, and create unique content to show users why your app is unique and why they need it. Social media marketing is a great free way to interact with customers to build your credibility and increase downloads.
3. Word-of-Mouth
This classic method is so simple and effective: get happy users to advocate your business for free! Word-of-mouth marketing can drive continuous sales and downloads.
Give friends and family free copies of your app, or go a step further and provide promotional codes to download your app for free on your website or social media page. In case you weren’t aware, Apple makes it easy to generate free promotional codes through App Store connect.
Another great way to get your app into the hands of potential word-of-mouth super spreaders is to run a paid-to-free campaign through AppsGoneFree as mentioned in 5 Simple Strategies to Increase Your App Downloads.
People love referrals and tend to trust the opinions of their friends when purchasing anything including apps.
4. Get Press Coverage
If you’re wanting to grab a journalist’s attention, you better bring something that’s new, unique, and worth while to the table. It’s a good idea to be extra prepared before launching your app to the press or seeking coverage.
Write up a press release and create a media kit. A solid media kit should include the app icon, screenshots, press release, logo, team or personal biography, and contact details.
Most journalists receive hand fulls of pitches every day, so you’re going to want to have a captivating story and stay flexible. It can be discouraging to reach out the press and hear crickets. Be willing and ready to reevaluate your strategy and game plan. Keep in mind that any coverage, as long as it isn’t negative, is good.
5. Optimize Your App Description
With close to two million apps in the App Store, it is necessary to do everything you can to stand out from the competition. According to Google, 40 percent of apps are discovered through App Store searches. Properly using App Store optimization will improve your app’s visibility. This does require time and attention but it doesn’t require you to open your wallet.
Key factors to pay attention to include app name and title, keywords, description, subtitle, number of downloads, ratings, and reviews. Don’t use gimmicks like keyword stuffing. It’s a good way to get banned from Apple and is a real turn-off for users. Be authentic and smart about optimizing.
Conclusion
Increasing your app downloads won’t require taking out a second mortgage and you may not even need to spend any money. It really comes down to the fundamentals of providing a positive experience and understanding your users’ needs. Embrace your creativity, be genuine, and, above all, be willing to pivot. So before busting out all the stops try these free ways to boost your app downloads.
If you found any of these tip helpful, please be so kind as to share and best of luck!