One of the first things that we do after changing our phone or resetting is to head to the Google Play Store or iOS Store to download apps. Why do we prefer one app over the other even if they provide the same functionality? Well, it all comes down to marketing. Mobile app development companies spend large sums of money to ensure that their app ranks on top of the respective app stores.
Why?
The answer is ‘trust.’ When an app ranks on top, we naturally assume that it is better than the others. The same applies to when we are searching on Google or any other search engine. We usually open the first 3,4 websites and ignore the others. If you are a mobile app development company or have a mobile app which you wish to increase downloads for, continue reading this article.
Today, we will let you know the best mobile app marketing strategies for 2023. It will give you a clear edge over your competitors and ensure you are future proof. Our tips are applicable to all types of app, i.e. it is not confined to any particular category. Before we start our article, please know that mobile app marketing and mobile marketing are two different things.
Mobile App Marketing vs Mobile Marketing
Mobile app marketing refers to all marketing activities which are undertaken to acquire app users, retain existing ones, and to increase revenue. On the other hand, mobile marketing refers to any marketing activity which is targeted towards mobile phones. Now, that you know the difference, let’s focus on the marketing strategies.
Mobile App Marketing Tips for 2023
We are going to assume that you have carried out extensive market research and confirmed that there is a demand for your app.
1. Release Date
If your app is already released, skip this point. If not, the first thing which you need to focus on is the release date. Remember that app stores take up to several months to confirm your app. Apple’s app approval process is the most rigorous. So, take that into account when determining your release data.
There are several studies around the best time to launch a mobile app. One research company says that the best time to launch a mobile app is December and February. The mobile marketing costs are the highest at this stage but so is the return. The marketing costs are the lowest in August, but the returns are not satisfactory.
Another marketing research firm says that the best day to launch an app is over the weekend. The reason is that most people are in their homes, trying to relax. They spend most of their time on their phones, laptops, or TVs to try and take a break. Hence, launching your app at this time is bound to get their attention.
2. Target Market
You might say that your app is designed for college students. But the thing is there are stark differences among the college students. In other words, there are further sub-markets in college students. Marketing can help you identify the most valuable market segment and then target it. How? It brings us to the next point.
3. Determine the Pain Point
What customer pain point are you trying to address? For example, if you create a communication app similar to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, why should people use your app? It is unlikely that people would ever download your app given there are already reliable and trustworthy apps in this niche.
Therefore, you need to stress what customer pain point, i.e. needs other apps don’t fulfil but your app does and quite effectively. It could be high-end data encryption or voice changer technology which are targeted towards user who value privacy. It would be challenging to ensure an app’s success without identifying the pain points.
4. Market Early
The next thing to do is start marketing early. Don’t wait until the last day or after the release to start the marketing process. Sit back and think about different products and their marketing strategies. For instance, before a movie is launched, a trailer is released. It depicts what to expect from the movie without revealing the entire story.
Consider the iPhone. A marketing event is held each year before the actual launch which depicts what users are offered in the new product. There are also ‘leaks’ regarding expected features whose sole purpose is to only generate interest in the product and nothing else.
Opt for a same strategy with your mobile app. Focus the marketing strategies on the target market’s pain points or what other apps lack. The idea is to generate buzz around your new app. Otherwise, even if you launch your app, customers will not show any keen interest. Therefore, we recommend starting the pre-launch activities 1 – 2 months before the actual launch.
5. Create a Website or Landing Page
If you already have a website, create a landing page. If not, create a website centred around the app. The webpage will allow the target market to get an idea about what they should expect from the app. It allows them to interact with your brand, i.e. app before the launch. You can use the opportunity to even obtain feedback and make the necessary changes before the actual launch.
6. Online Marketing
Now, start marketing your app on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You may even run Google Ads for greater reach.
7. Use Influencers
Regardless of whether you like influencers or not, one thing is clear: they can give your app a popularity boost. By identifying relevant influencers related to your app category, you can use their large social media presence to boost your own brand. This is a great way to generate buzz and reach a much wider audience.
8. Testing
Undertake rigorous testing to ensure that the app is free of any errors. If you launch the app and users run into bugs or other errors, it can ruin their user experience and generate negative publicity. All your hard work and marketing efforts will go to waste. Therefore, implement rigorous internal checks to ensure the app works as intended.\
9. Beta Launch
Go for a beta launch. In other words, let a small percentage of the target market to test the app. Ensure that the sample is randomly selected as they can provide an accurate account of the app. Listen to their feedback and then incorporate it into the final app. If there are any new trends, include them in the final release. If they delay the timeline, leave them for later.
10. Full Launch
It is time to launch your app. You should celebrate but don’t forget to monitor the reviews and feedback. Be responsive to your target market as your goal is only app downloads but ensuring that users keep using it. There is no point in having downloads if users delete it shortly.
Conclusion
With the smartphone penetration rate increasing, apps will become even more important. Therefore, it is the perfect time to focus on mobile app development. Once you develop the app, use the above tips to market it to your target market. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section. Thank You.
About the Guest Author:
Muhammd Humza Barlas is a content writer working at unitedsol.ca. United Sol is a professional web design company in Toronto Canada offering top-quality web design services for corporate and eCommerce businesses
