From the mundane “Get Your Family to Download Your App” to the off the wall “Create Beer Coasters” join us on a 52-week journey of some of the top ways to promote and market your mobile application.
Last week we talked about “App Store Optimization“. Today I wanted to talk about Submitting your App To Review Sites, Blogs & Directories.
Week 4
Mobile Marketing Tips: Submitting Your App To Review Sites, Blogs & Directories
Another relatively easy tactic, but one that is time consuming and unfortunately can yield little results. However, those results it does yield can pay off big time.
For nearly as many apps are there are in the store, there seems to be that many review sites and directories. Many of them listing thousands of apps and then soliciting app publishers to advertise on their site for higher listings yada yada yada. So while many of those sites may not yield you positive results, hey, there is no harm in throwing your hat in the ring. Though I would advise in spending your marketing budget on other things and not on boosting up your rank on directory sites.
So what App Review Sites or Directories Should You Choose?
My suggestion is to put yourself in the shoes of your user target user. What directory or review sites are they looking at to find apps or just general information? I would start with doing a search for app review sites and specifically ones that specialize in, or have sections about, your app category. If you have an app that helps you keep track of fish that you catch, where you find them, and what types of fish you catch, I would do an internet search for “Best Fishing Mobile App Reviews” and see what review sites show up. Those are going to be the most popular ones, and sites that I would suggest targeting first.
When To Submit To Review Sites?
Review sites love being able to check out apps before they go live. It makes them happy. So if you can think about review sites three or four weeks before you launch your app and start contacting them letting them know they can view your app before it is launched, your odds of getting a review increase.
Of course, that’s not always possible, often times when an app is ready it’s submitted to the app store to be released as quick as possible. So make sure to start submitting your app as soon as you can.
Additionally keep track of who writes reviews for your app and when, this way anytime new updates or features are added, you can contact them to have them update their review. This will also keep you from resubmitting your app to them but rather focus on review sites and bloggers that haven’t written about you.
There’s a Blog for that
Depending on what your app is and who it’s geared for, there is an audience, and most likely a blog or list of hundreds of blogs that could be targets for you. Mommy blogs, business blogs, gaming blogs, they all have audiences that follow them and most bloggers are always looking for new things to write about.
What Should You Submit?
You’ll want to make sure that you submit as much information as you can without being overwhelming. This should include:
- What the app is
- Who is the target market
- Why is it different/better than other apps out there (Or other solutions out there)
- How the App works
- Screen shots of the app
- App Icons
- Overview Videos
- Additional assets you feel could be useful
- Offer for a promotional code for paid Apple Apps
- Ability to download a free version of the app for Android Apps
- Offer for a pre-release version of the app
What would a Sample Pitch Letter/Email Look Like
Dear Editor,
Your recent reviews of X, Y, and Z make me confident that you would be very interested in The Fishing App, a soon to be released mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that lets users keep track of fishing expeditions.
With The Fishing App, Users Can:
- Track GPS Locations of Where They Catch Fish
- Take Pictures of the Fish They Catch
- Keep Track of How Many Fish They are Catching
- Share Their Success with Others
Like I said, the app is going to be released next month, I wanted to give you a chance to take a look at the app before it’s released. Here is a link to more information about the app, and here are links to where you can download the app for Android and iPhone. Simply shoot me an email once you download it so that I can activate your device on the pre-release version.
I appreciate your time and look forward to seeing what you think about our new app. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or give me a call at 888.856.2664.
Thanks,
– Jon
It’s important to take time to tailor each email pitch to a particular editor, referencing reviews or articles they have written. Keep in mind that for the vast majority of people you are contacting, they are being pitched hundreds of times each week, putting in a little effort in getting to know them can go a long way.
Lastly, don’t get frustrated by this process. Like I said, it may not yield many results, but the more you get out there, and the more people start talking about your app, the easier it will become.
Tune in next week when we talk about The Importance of Video Like our Facebook Page to keep up with when it’s posted.
The 52 Week Series of Marketing Mobile Applications
Week 1: Talk to Friends & Family
Week 2: Picking the Right Name for Your App
Week 3: App Store Optimization
Week 4: Submitting Your App to Review Sites, Blogs, and Directories
