There are 2.87 million apps available for download on Google Play Store alone
And given that mobile users spend 88%
of their time using apps, it’s safe to say the mobile app development industry is thriving.
This means that now the competition is fierce.
What’s more, an app’s success does not only depend on how many downloads it has. 25% of applications are abandoned after their first use.
In other words, a successful app needs to attract as many downloads as possible while maintaining its users engaged at the same time.
For that, it’ll have to go viral.
So, how can you create a viral app?
App Store Optimization
For starters, you’ll have to make your application visible within the app store. To achieve this, you’ll need to focus on App Store Optimization (ASO).
ASO, in short, is the process of optimizing mobile applications to rank higher in the app store’s search results.
The higher the rank in the search results, the more people will enter your app page and the more downloads you may get. This process is similar to SEO. Both methods involve using keywords to help search engine algorithms to identify and position the App at the top of relevant search results.
You’ll need to place these keywords within your App’s title and descriptions, as you would do with optimizing your web page’s meta-titles and meta-descriptions for SEO. But, that doesn’t mean that you should treat ASO like SEO.
That’s because ASO has less room for optimization than its counterpart, as you can only optimize your App’s listing rather than an entire webpage.
Furthermore, users’ search intent differs. Instead of searching for general information, app store users are strictly focused on finding a tool to solve their problems. Consequently, the words people type in the search bar while looking for an app will also differ.
That said, you’ll have to target shorter, more specific keywords, like “weight loss” or “time management,” for example.
Online Presence
Increasing your application’s visibility in the app store is an excellent first step. But, to make it viral, you’ll have to go beyond that.
We’ve talked with a few experts at a digital branding company, and they said that establishing an online presence which plays a crucial role in your application’s success.
After all, the App won’t go viral by itself. You’ll need to give it a little push. So you should also focus on enhancing your brand’s visibility. Make sure to be active on social media. Engage with your audience and let them know you’re up to something.
That way, you’ll ensure that your followers will be the first people to download your App. You could resort to social media advertising to reach new audiences as well.
For example, through sponsored ads, your App may be seen by more potential downloaders than the app store, especially if you’re new in the market. Also, build a website that describes what your company and App are all about.
Apps stores are a bit restrictive in terms of giving out details. But a website will enable you to fill your audience in with everything they need to know. Consequently, you’ll appear more trustworthy, making users more likely to download your App.
That’s because 84% of consumers trust recommendations from their friends or family more than any other type of advertising.
In other words, referral programs are vital for creating viral apps.
Besides, this is a great way to attract new users without doing much work. If satisfied, users will likely be happy to share the App with their friends.
But, to get them to do that, you’ll have to give them an incentive. That said, consider implementing a double-sided reward system.
By doing this, you’ll motivate existing users to send referral links to their friends while they’ll have a good reason to join in.
For example, you could give the referrer free credit that could be used for in-app purchases, whereas the referee can have access to premium features for a limited time.
Gamification
Attracting new users is one part of the job, though. Viral apps also need to maintain their user base engaged.
That’s where gamification comes in. This is the process of integrating game dynamics to encourage users to stay longer on the application and give them a reason to check back in.
Why does this work?
First off, like referral programs, gamified apps work on a reward-based system, like giving users a set amount of points after completing a specific task.
This incentivizes users to perform more activities, getting them hooked on the App.
Secondly, gamification makes an app more fun: monotonous tasks feel more enjoyable, improving user experience.
In terms of gamified apps, Duolingo is one the best examples that come to mind.
This App features an internal currency system, where users can earn gems upon completing certain activities. These gems can be used to purchase perks that may come in handy further down the road.
Duolingo also integrated a leaderboard, where the most active learners are shown. This can motivate the user to complete more lessons so that he can appear on top of the list.
Lastly, this App features monthly challenges. Upon completion, users can earn an exclusive badge. This method can motivate learners to check back in on them from time to time.
Push Notifications
Push notifications have the ability to increase app engagement by 88%. Furthermore, applications that use push notifications experience a customer retention rate that’s three times higher than those that do not.
That’s because, if done right, they are powerful external triggers that will determine users to open your App.
So how can you craft effective push notifications?
For starters, you’ll need to time them right. If you were to send notifications randomly, you’ll likely not see any significant results.
They need to be tied with the user’s behavior.
For example, Duolingo sends notifications around 24 hours after the user last accessed the App. That’s because this is when the user probably has some time to spare.
Second, make sure to create a compelling copy, like “Your reward is only two minutes away.” If it’s bland or irrelevant, you’ll likely not spark the users’ interests, rendering your notification ineffective.
Last, don’t hesitate to use Emojis. They can increase open rates by 85%.
That’s because Emojis allow your audience to connect with you on a more personal level.
Conclusion
All in all, creating a viral is not a matter of luck—quite the contrary.
It involves quite a bit of work, besides making sure that your App is unique and provides an exceptional user experience.
You’ll also have to focus on establishing an online presence, finding ways to keep users engaged, and push them to share it with their friends.
General FAQ’s
How can I promote my App?
You can promote your App by establishing an online presence. Make sure to post on social media and engage with your audience frequently.
Also, create a website where people can learn more about you and your App. This will help you earn the users’ trust, likely resulting in more downloads.
How much money do you get per app download?
If your app is free of charge, you won’t receive any money for its downloads. That said, you’ll have to set up your own revenue streams via displaying in-app advertisements, for example.
What are the characteristics of a logo?
Creating a referral program is a great way to advertise your App for free. 84% of consumers trust recommendations from their friends or family.
That said, referral programs are not only excellent for attracting new users without doing much work, but they are also highly effective.
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