If you’ve just developed an app, you probably think the hard part is over. All those hours you spent coding, testing, perfecting and packaging; surely it’s just a question of getting your app published, featured and out to the masses, right?
Well, kind of, but if you want to be featured on the Apple App Store, there are a number of things you’ll need to do first. Competition is tight and getting noticed by editors is high up on every developer’s list. While there is no right or wrong way to get to the featured page, there are a number of tactics you can use to help improve your chances.
1. Eliminate Those Errors
If your app is littered with errors, there is no way that your app will get a spot on the Apple App Store featured page. Apple needs to uphold an image of high and professional quality, and so they will only choose apps that have no flaws and which are useful, simple and intuitive. Before you package and publish your app, you should ensure that you fix all known bugs. Should any users report further bugs once your app is published you should endeavour to fix these as quickly as possible and meet their needs.
2. Native is Best
Apple will naturally aim to feature apps that are built specifically for the Apple iOS system. For this reason, you should focus on developing your app as a native iOS app if you want it to have a better chance of being featured. Also, cross-platform apps usually compromise on vital features and the user experience as they need to work across all platforms. So we’d say your best bet is to keep it strictly Apple.
3. Be An Apple Advocate
Apple understandably is always looking for ways to promote its own products. Therefore you should always try to align the development of your app with Apple’s key objectives and iOS features in mind. For example, if Apple is promoting a specific API, you could focus on building an app that leverages that API. By helping to promote Apple products to users with your app, you have a higher chance of being positioned on that glorious “Featured” page.
4. Keep Your App Updated
No matter how perfect you believe your app to be, there is always room for improvement. Whether it is further development to fit in with a new Apple iOS feature or simply responding to user requests, keeping your app updated will keep you in favour with Apple and your target audience.
5. Optimise Your App Store Page
Sometimes, the features and purpose of an app can be obvious from the app’s name, and other times app names can be quite ambiguous. By optimising your app store page with an enticing description, outlining the features of your product, screenshots/screen recordings of your app in use and popular keywords that relate to your app, you will leave users in no doubt and you will inevitably boost your position within the ASO rankings. The more creative and engaging your description and page, the more chance you will have of your app being featured and downloaded.
6. Keep Your Ratings Consistently High
Happy users means happy ratings. Your ratings can be a huge deciding factor as to whether people will download your app or discard it into the already over-crowded market. A safe spot is to maintain a rating of 4.5 or higher. Apple editors take your rating into account when choosing apps to feature, and the higher the better. You should also try to respond to all bad reviews, whether it is to offer support or apologise for a bad experience in order to keep your image professional and respectful.
Final Thoughts
While there may not be a completely right or wrong answer to getting your app onto the Apple featured page, using the tactics above could significantly improve your chances. If you are lucky enough to have your app selected, just ensure that you continue to add value through updates, keep track of your rankings and provide your users with a high-quality app experience that they won’t forget. If you have an app idea and you would like some professional advice/guidance, please don’t hesitate to Talk To Us today. Who knows, maybe one day your unique app could be featured in the desirable App Store!
