It is an undeniable fact that if one wants to sell their product, they need to make it unique. Yes, if something will be unique, then it will automatically get successful. And the scenario is the same with mobile applications as there are more than 2.5 million apps available, and with these, competition is tough. Since the task to stand out seems to be a challenge, all people are looking for something unique.

Yes, according to reports, an average smartphone user has 20-25 apps on his smartphone but daily, he only uses 5-8 apps out of them. With such low user attention and high competition, it is critical to think out of the box and make something that people will laud instantly.

So, here we are with a complete guide with tips and tricks to make your app stand out in the app store and win customers.

1. Go for Catchy-Relevant Name/Words for It

Well, the name of the application is something that gives the very first impression, and it should be trendy, thoughtful, and relevant. Second thing, it should be sweet and short. Third thing, it must be very closely relatable to the mobile app. Check it out with an example: The name Messenger is short, correlated, sounds great when spoken, and unique. Similarly, while finding the name, you can add a suffix and prefix to the nomenclature, can add ‘Z’ at the end of the app or putting it in between the name, try word juggling, etc. to name the mobile applications as some trendy and catchy phrase.

Well, most important is, it should somehow represent your core idea and hook customers at the same time. Moreover, to fit the store’s word limit (Google Play limits your imagination to only 30 while, App Store lets you use 50 characters), let the title be short yet trendy and catchy. And,  as it is among the most important metadata of your app, so don’t be in a rush while creating the best name. And also don’t try to stuff your app name with the keywords only!  Leave the rest for the keywords or description (Android) fields and only use a couple of them in the title and.

Apart from the name, be ready with appropriate ASO (App Store Optimization) and showcase your app as the best option for users as they will go to the search field to find it even before using your future app.

Feel free to use great SEO tools to find the keywords. Also, try writing a good description as both platforms let you explain the idea of your app in the description field. However, the text on the App Store does not affect your ASO ranking.

There two different fields to fill in Google Play: a full description that lets you write up to 400 characters and a short description with an 80-character limit. Whereas, in the App Store, an unlimited amount of characters for the description should not confuse you. According to a survey report, almost half of the most successful apps use only 100-300 characters to describe their products’ key functionality. So, to make your app looks cool and trendy for users, weigh the appropriateness of each sentence you use.

Keep in mind that only a great beginning makes a great ending, so don’t let the poor description or name bring your app down!

2. Make a Catchy Logo

It is known to all that the logo plays a vital role as it is nothing less than an ‘Emblem’ of Application. So, how good the logo looks is important. The reason is it catches our attention at the very first.

To design a logo, the most difficult thing is it should be as unique as possible but should be simple, stunning, and supreme. Several great products like Facebook, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Hike, Viber, etc. have such great logos that it’s marked in our brain. It needs to be paramount and placid. Well, that’s the beauty of it. And somehow, all of us want the same. So, try to make it unique, catchy, and best of all.

3. Consider the Rules of the Platform You Chose

The basic reason for mobile app failure is the same as what we’ve already mentioned in one previous blog, which is poor platform-specific UI/UX. Therefore, a strong app must address the context of the platform where it’ll be open for all users.

Also, you can check the differences in policies between the AppStore and Google Play before making an app for both of them. AppStore lets you use 50 characters even when it comes to the title where Google Play limits your creativity to only 30. The number of categories in which you can publish your app differs between platforms as due to some conditions, one app can be featured in only one on Google Play and up to three different categories for iOS in terms of discoverability.

Also, you should consider the specifics of screen size and navigation call for app’s adaptation to Google Play and App Store in terms of UX/UI. Ultimately, platforms’ search characteristics and quality demands are among the technical characteristics your development team should consider.

Besides that, one should also consider Android and iOS platform-specific restrictions and requirements. There are also times when you might want to use slightly different styles for different platforms. Because while developing an app that appears on both AppStore and Google Play, it’s a condition major apps need to follow and consider these differences as both platforms do not allow the same configuration. In all, you might need to follow a platform-oriented approach by creating two different interface designs in compliance with both Apple guidance and Google’s Material Design.

So, you can try by considering the size of the app, if you want your mobile app to appear on both platforms. Well, for the best experience for all users, we recommend not to exceed the limit of 20 Mb. But, this is just a recommendation, and don’t take it as a requirement because you can surely decide the size of the app based on the content you offer. For instance, game apps are usually larger than other category apps.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Are you thinking, how you can do this? Well, here we are talking about market research.  Before launching the new product, market research could be the most important step one can try. Market research analyzes the overall market and helps to comprehend the target market.

Such a tool not only helps you understand your market better but also helps you prefer your target customers within a specific niche. Also, you can look at the current app trends or communicate with a particular social group to find your potential users. Must say, no matter which way you choose, comprising particular problems or needs your app solves (managed taxi service with wireless payments or reliable alarm clock) enables the app to stand out among the rest.

Moreover, evolving your prototype will surely want to attract early visionary customers. Arranging such surveys can help you in many ways as these people will answer your queries about the app and can also give feedback on the weak points of your app as an assistance to you.

So, before you’ve built a product, a golden rule is to know your audience. Several great companies collect user feedback for every new feature before launching it.

5. Attach Visuals

Well, the role of graphics on the perception of your app is something you can't underestimate! As we have already mentioned, you need to think of an attractive icon because it is equally vital as the name of the app. It surely comes under visuals of the app so you can use unique shape, simple but vibrant coloring  to design a good icon, and you can also include the first letter of your brand. Plus, by offering several options to users, it may be easier for you to choose the exact icon.

Further, you can move ahead like to add videos and screenshots. Well, on your mobile app, you can start with videos. To create a simple video giving users an idea of how to use your app, use some big applications’ example as an inspiration. Next, you can go for screenshots to help users catch the idea of your app.

Due to the physical aspects of the human brain and perception, a good image is better than text. Don’t forget users, on average, interact just 8 seconds with any app. However,  consider the appearances of screenshots wisely as both stores let you use five screenshots. In particular, try to make the screenshots look both showing the essence of your product as well as visually appealing.

6. Build a Digital Plan

As we all know, Planning helps in growing better. Similarly, create a plan for your app for better results. To make an apt plan, you can surely consider all the specifics of marketing and designing of your app. With all, pay proper attention to the process you’re going to use to earn money. Yes, when it comes to monetization, forget about “I’ll think about that tomorrow” approach because it is essential to consider a business model that fits your app at this stage.

Just focus on the uniqueness, issues, strategies of competing apps, and some features your users are inclined to pay for. For example, mobile photo editors offer paid filters, and in-game apps, one can include some features for which people may buy advanced characters.

Besides that, MVP development is another appearance of a good plan. By including both the issues of potential clients and basic ideas to solve it, this product version is a good starting point for creating your app.  You can find several headliners, among mobile apps that started from MVP development. For example, one can launch its multiplatform mobile app with a promo video to attract funding.

7. Start Letting People Know

And, next is, spread the news about your app. Yes, let your potential customers know that they are going to have a treat of a brand new application. For such a step, you can use your social media and website as the speaking-trumpet to attract your users. You can consider the strengths of each social network in your promotion in this case. You can choose platform-oriented ways to promote the app.

For example, you can use Facebook to collect the reactions of the audience, whereas while using Instagram, you can use visual materials and hashtags as a key strategy. Make sure that you use the “one-click” rule for users on each platform. That is, after seeing the offer on social media, one can immediately download the app in a click.

However, posting a link only is not enough. So, you can also think of ads, built-in apps, and paid installations to make your promotion more effective. Because undoubtedly, social media contributes to the success of your mobile app’s marketing. Moreover, you can also choose images and video app to install ads instead of concentrating on text-only. Plus, you can also add a Call-to-Action visual sample for more results.

Make sure that while communicating with your audience, you need to avoid using only a hard sale approach.  Think of including tips, educational materials, and informative articles to offer valuable content to your users. Well, you can use the potential of social media for marketing as well as building a fan base for your app.

8. Receive Feedback

Last as well as very important is to create a section where your customers can leave their comments. Because it will not only boost user engagement but also help you improve via their comments. Most importantly, uplift the appearance of user-generated content on social media in this case.

In all, read the reviews of your app carefully and also critically estimate their relevance. Keep in mind that you need to avoid fake reviews as they not only mislead your understanding of your mobile app’s true value but could also result in a total ban of your app on both stores!

Besides, try making the most out of stats accessible from stores. Check several sections that mention how many times your app has been downloaded and when your app was last updated. It could also be platform-oriented.

For example, if we talk about Google Play, you can also use the advantages of integration with Google+ to collect users’ emotions and “+1”. So, the popularity of your app can be calculated by using these stats, and somehow it will tell you that you need to change your marketing strategies for it.

Final Words

Well, making an app is easier but getting success from it is a tedious task. And, as we know that there are countless options and strategies available to choose from to keep your app unique, catchy in the app market. However, no strategy or method guarantees success, still to improve your App Store Ratings and Reviews & chances of success,  you can take advantage of the above steps.

While most of the applications struggle to get themselves in the spotlight, we at Covetus, are trying to ease things out for you. Apart from trying the above methods, you can also contact us to bring your idea to life.