6 Proven Strategies for Effective Mobile App Promotion
Modern smartphones give us a tremendous number of opportunities. You can talk, take pictures, stream videos, and so on. But the biggest thing ever are mobile apps.
We have apps for ordering food, managing our finances, playing games… There is almost no limit to what you can find on Google Play or the App Store. However, developers face a major challenge: how to create an effective mobile app promotion so they get noticed?
Let's mention some great strategies to promote your specific mobile product.
1. Optimize Store Pages
Like a YouTube thumbnail, users that scroll through the store will be attracted by a well-designed app page. That's the first step to capture their attention and maybe even download the app for a trial. Some key elements to focus on are:
- App title
- Description
- Screenshots and videos
- Ratings and reviews
- Keywords
Importance of keywords in ASO
App Store Optimization is pretty similar to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) but for apps. The title and product description must include certain phrases that any user would use when searching for an app. “Exercise,” “fitness routine,” and “workout plan” for a fitness app, to name a few.
Google Play and the App Store have different algorithms to rank apps. Moreover, the apps are also displayed differently: you will see a separate description in Google Play, while in the App Store it's a subtitle under the app's name.
The power of visuals and reviews
Be short and catchy. Clearly explain what your app does and its main features. Provide actual visual references of the app's interface, so users know what to expect. Suggest users to leave comments and rate the app. The 4.8-star app will always have more downloads than a 3.5-star one.
2. Build a website and blog
Mobile doesn't mean you no longer need a website. How else will you showcase app features, answer FAQ, or share news?
Yes, web design challenges for mobile devices are just as tricky. Mobile browsing is also different from desktop browsing, so put in the effort there too.
The role of content marketing
Blog page content can help with organic reach and discoverability. Post on app updates, industry trends, app comparisons, user stories, etc.
Focus on writing articles that address common questions about mobile apps in your industry—this builds authority and can naturally lead users to download your app.
3. Promote with video content
Video marketing stays on top as one of the most effective methods for app promotion. Short social media clips, YouTube ads, video tutorials on your website — everything connected with video will get more attention.
If your app has both iOS and Android versions, demonstrate users how it feels on both platforms.
Types of video content
Shoot videos and use a video editor to create:
- App demos: Demonstrate the app's features.
- Tutorial videos: Show users how to use the app's different features or how to solve a problem.
- User testimonials: Let users share their experience with the app and its benefits.
- Backstage content: Demonstrate the hard work behind developing and promoting the app.
4. Leverage social media for app promotion
Among hundreds of mobile app marketing ideas, social media should be at the top of your to-do list. TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube — these platforms attract millions of users. So why not ride the wave and promote your app there?
Paid ads and organic reach
Platforms with paid aids (like Facebook Ads Manager) allow you to target potential users by age, location, interests. That's perfect for niche market apps, as the competition there is relatively low.
Meanwhile, organic efforts like regular posts, stories, and UGC help keep engagement high without spending extra money. Make sure that your image is sharp and clear, make good use of AI UNCROP which can support you in boosting image size while maintaining high quality at no cost.
When marketing a mobile app on social media, eye-catching visuals matter a lot. Create short video clips demonstrating the functionality or offer a sneak peek into the app’s interface to spark interest.
5. Partner with influencers
Influencers become authoritative voices in their communities and can use their credibility to promote your app. They can provide authentic testimonials or showcase the app in use, providing direct insight into its value.
How to choose the right influencer
It's a bad take to partner with an influencer solely based on their follower count or users' preferences. If you promote a general kind of app, it's quite easy to find a partner. However, if your app serves a specific niche market, you'll still have to do some research.
Collaborating with micro-influencers can be equally effective for app promotion. They often have a smaller but highly engaged audience, and their followers commonly trust their opinions. For example, promoting energy drinks or comfortable chairs can be a better fit for a gaming audience.
6. Invest in targeted advertising
Targeted advertising helps accelerate your app's promotion by putting it in front of the right people. With options like Google Ads or Apple Search Ads, you can reach various potential users. These platforms have features that let you target users based on their device, location, interests, and other factors.
Budgeting for ads
Observe two main metrics: the cost per install (CPI) and lifetime value (LTV).
- CPI is the money you pay for each successful app installation.
- LTV is the estimated ROI from the user for their lifetime as a customer.
The goal is to have a high LTV and low CPI. Why? Better LTV over CPI means you're earning more from the users than you're spending on acquiring them.
Wrapping up
Those are some ways how to promote a new app. Your app won't become popular just by being in the store (only if you're very lucky). You have to actively market it. Don't stop on just one promotional strategy. Combine various methods to make the most out of your budget.
Plan, analyze, and tweak your marketing strategy to continually attract new users and keep current ones engaged. Get deep into mobile app marketing insights, find out which methods work for your app specifically, and get creative to stand out in a crowded market.