Maximizing app downloads is one of the most crucial aspects of app marketing. However, it’s easier said than done. According to Statista, there are more than 3.55 million apps in Google Play and 1.6 million apps in the Apple App Store in the 3rd quarter of 2022. 

With millions of apps in app stores today, your app can easily be just another drop of water in the bucket. So, the big question now is, “How can you maximize your app downloads?”

Thankfully, that’s exactly what you will learn today. Here are 7 ways to maximize your app downloads in the easiest way possible!

App Download

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Perform app store optimization

App store optimization, or simply ASO, is the equivalent strategy of Search Engine Optimization for websites. ASO is the process of improving your app’s visibility on app stores such as the App Store and Play Store.

Now, ASO is a huge topic. So, be sure to read our beginner’s guide to ASO, which will give you more details. Also, you can check out our ASO Audits.

Nevertheless, just to give you an idea, here are some of the basic ASO strategies you should know which would definitely increase your app downloads:

Keyword research

App stores check for important keywords so that they can easily determine which apps to show when users do a search. 

The keyword algorithm of each app store may differ from each other. However, the primary principles stay the same. You need to use keywords that are relevant to your app. This is where the importance of doing keyword research comes into play.

Thankfully, there are many keyword research tools that are available today. You can use any of these tools and know which keyword to use, when to use them, and where to place them in your app listing.

Write compelling text and description

Your app store listing is composed of text that should reflect what your app is all about. From your app name or app title to your long description, they should accomplish the following:

  • Tell your users what your app is all about
  • Discusses core features of your app
  • Improve your app’s ranking by adding keywords to them
  • Giving your users compelling reasons to choose your app
  • Persuade users to download your app

Choose the right creatives

Aside from text, your app listing involves images and videos. Images include your app icon and screenshots. Your app icon should be intuitive so that when your users see it, they will easily know what your app is. 

Your screenshots should effectively show your users what the app looks like when they use it. You also have the option to add app previews or videos. These videos should show the user experience and core features of your app.

When using the correct creatives, you should get more downloads and installs.

Prevent app malfunction

It’s not enough to simply create and publish your app in app stores. You need to make sure that it is free of bugs and crashes. If your app always malfunctions, then that will not just discourage existing users but will also send a bad signal to the app store, which would further decrease your app ranking.

Ask for user reviews

App reviews play a vital role in influencing users to download your app. People tend to base their decision on what others say. Not only that, but app stores would most likely feature apps with more positive reviews and higher ratings.

With this in mind, ask your users to give you reviews. You can even reward them for doing so. Aside from that, when you receive negative reviews, be sure to listen to your users and address their concerns as quickly as possible. Who knows, you might as well turn bad reviewers into loyal users.

Encourage user referrals

If an app is constantly being referred to, it means that the app demonstrates quality and relevance. So, if possible, you should ask your users to refer your app to their friends and family. There’s a higher possibility that people would download an app because it is referred to them.

You can encourage existing users to make referrals by incentivizing and rewarding them.

Create a website

A website can dramatically increase your app downloads by establishing your brand and improving your reputation.

You can create a website dedicated to promoting your app. You have more freedom in explaining what your app is all about with the use of a website. You can write blogs and then promote your app within those blogs.

The more people visit your app, the more chances you’ll have in bringing people from your website to your app listing page, where they can download your app.

Leverage social media

Billions of people around the globe use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can create your own page or account on these rich-userbase platforms. From there, you can regularly add new content, improving your brand image. All these would encourage more people to download your app.

Constantly improve app

App stores are dramatically competitive. You need to make sure that you evolve together with the new trends and current events. This means you need to improve your app regularly. Add new core features if necessary and remove features that may turn off users. Create new app versions that would maximize your app’s performance.

Further maximize app downloads

These are just some of the best ways for you to get more downloads for your app. If you want to improve your overall app performance, then you should consider getting additional help from ShyftUp.

ShyftUp is among the best user acquisition agencies that will help you get more installs and downloads. They have the necessary expertise, tools, and experience to position your app in achieving success and business goals.

Give them a call today!

How can I increase my app's downloads and user acquisition?

The most effective way to increase your app’s downloads and user acquisition is through App Store Optimization (ASO). It’s the process of improving your app’s visibility in app stores and getting as many users as possible to know about your app and download it.

What strategies can I use to improve app store ranking and conversion rate?

You can improve your app store ranking and conversion rate by optimizing your app title, adding keywords to your description, using eye-catching visuals, getting positive ratings, and updating your app regularly.

How many downloads does an app need to be successful?

The answer is it depends on your business model and how you define success through your KPIs. There are apps that only need a few hundred app downloads and still get successful while others need millions of downloads.