7 Ways to promote your new app

You had an amazing idea and decided to develop an app. After months of hard work it’s finally ready. But how do you make sure users find it? 

Promoting a new app can be a challenging task, which is why in this article I offer some tips.

Tip: It is advisable to start setting up a marketing strategy at least 2-3 months before launching your app. By starting on time, you can develop a strategy that targets your specific audience. In addition, you can try out different marketing channels to see how it works.

1. App store optimization

App Store Optimization or ASO is the counterpart of SEO for websites. The goal is to make apps findable in the app stores. Optimizing the app with a clear title, short and long description, relevant keywords and attractive images makes it easier for users to find and download your brand new app.

2. App store advertising

You can advertise in the App Store and Google Play Store to reach people looking for new apps. This increase the chances of a download.

To advertise in the App Store you use Apple’s own platform Apple Search Ads and to advertise in the Google Play Store you can use Google Ads. Do this yourself or hire a freelancer.

3. Social media

Channels such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are perfect to reach people organically. Which channel is the best one to promote your app mainly has to do with your app’s target audience. Is it an app for young adolescents, women, sports enthusiasts…?

In any case, make sure you have created social media channels well before the app launch. Invite people to follow your channel and post regular updates on the status of your app and when people can expect the app in the app stores.

4. Social advertising

In addition to the regular use of social media, social media advertising is an effective way to promote your new app. It allows you to effectively reach and engage your target audience. With social media advertising on Meta, TikTok and other plaforms, you can target based on different audience characteristics such as age, gender, location, interests and more.

5. SEO

You probably have a website or landing page that contains more information about the app. By applying search engine optimization (SEO) to the website, you can optimize it for search engines such as Google. This can lead to higher rankings, which can increase the visibility and reach of the website and thus the app.

You can also write blog articles about the app or related topics to inform potential users about the app’s features and benefits. 

6. Press releases

The chances of a press release being posted are generally not very high. In fact, editors receive dozens of press releases every day. Still, I recommend sending out a press release. Should your press release be placed, you immediately reach a large (free) audience.

Compile a list of all websites, newspapers and magazines relevant to your app. Then mail the press release to this press list a few days to a week before the launch. This way you give the editors time to read the message and possibly pick it up.

7. Local media

Advertising through local media can help promote a new app because it allows you to target specific geographic areas. This allows you to reach potential users in your immediate area and inform them about the app.

In addition, advertising through local media can increase the credibility of the app because people are more likely to trust an app that is promoted through local media such as newspapers, radio or TV stations.