Having readied the strategy and finished with ticking the pre launch checklist, as discussed previously, you might want to go ahead with launching the app. But, it is not just about posting your app to the store; you will need to work on a launch checklist too. There are some things that need to be prepared just so that you can launch your app perfectly. This way you would create the right user base, and prepare for conversions too. Yes, launch time checklist will help you stay prepared.
Understand the Publishing Process and Policies
Before you process launching the app, you should have a complete understanding of the publishing guidelines for the store you are aiming at. Read the publishing workflow, and define your apps using the process that has been defined here. You will need to understand how publishing works, and how to get the APK ready for release. What are the acceptance criteria as well as the violation policies? A thorough understanding of the two will help you rank better, and increase your chances of getting published.
Run a Quality Test
Create a simulation environment, and run you app through it. You will need to process your app, and check if it meets all the quality expectations that are set for the devices. You need to check for quality on tablets as well as mobiles; in fact you need to run simulation tests on different sizes and resolutions too. You will need to check for quality on devices that will be relevant to the app you have planned. An education app should be tested on K-12 suitable devices.
Confirm App Rating, Country and Size
What is the app content rating? This will determine the suggested maturity level for you app. You will need to choose one from the content rating- everyone, low maturity, medium maturity and high maturity. You will also need to determine the country distribution, so that you can plan for localized marketing, legal requirements as well as resources well in advance. Finally, you will need to confirm the app size before you can publish it to the store. There is a maximum limit on the app size that can be published. You should know the maximum limit, and ensure your app fits the size criteria.
Screen and Platform Compatibility
Let’s assume you have created an app for Android platform with particular device screen sizes in mind. You will need to run a compatibility test to determine the minimum version for which your app can be considered compatible. If you have created the app with certain screen sizes in mind, then you should necessarily consider running the app on those specific screen sizes, and check for the look and appeal of the mobile app.
Free or Premium
Are you planning to publish a free app to your store, or are you going to put up a price for the app? If you are planning on a premium app, then you should necessarily plan the pricing for your app. You should also plan on whether you want to go for in-app billing or you wish to use the store’s payment gateway. These choices need to be made before you can launch the app.
Strategize for Localization
You have decided the country you want to target, and then you need to plan for the localization of your app. You need to first ensure that your app is internationalized, before you begin working on localizing them. You will need to localize strings, images, app store listings etc. for your app. The graphic assets and screenshots should also be localized for your app.
Create Graphics and Screenshots for Display
You will need to prepare screenshots and displays that you can use at the time of publishing your app. These would appear on the store, and help improve engagement of your app. The screenshots and graphics will demonstrate how your app actually looks. You should also create a video for your app that will tell the users more through graphical presentation. These things will be included in the app store listing, and should be prepared well in advance.
Create and Upload Release Ready APK
If you are fully satisfied with how your app has come out, then you should plan to upload the release ready APK for your app. The process of loading the APK to the developer console is same for all apps. You need to go through basic code clean up followed by optimization, signing the release key and final testing.
Plan for a Beta Release
It is always good to test it in live environment before actually releasing the app. A beta release is a good way to test it among your target audience. You need to plan your beta release, and schedule it in a way that you get the best benefits from this strategy.
Create Buzz
You need to plan and create a landing page for your mobile app before you can actually launch it. You should also create a buzz surrounding the launch of your app. This should be done alongside the app development process, so that people are aware about your app, and await it too. You should also schedule your final app release date while the development is in progress.
Conduct Final Checks
You need to get your app ready for the launch. Based on the beta release, you would have reworked on the app. Run final checks on your app before releasing it to check if it meets all the criterion that you have set. After loading the release ready APK, check for the version as well as the store listing of the app. Also check for all the settings that you have created for the app- distribution country, maturity level, version, etc. Only when you feel your app meets all the guidelines, should you click on publish.
Set-up a Help Desk
You should have a communication channel using which your users can seek your help or send in their feedback. Support centers should be planned and deployed during the launch phase. Include an in-app messaging service to make communication easy and possible.
Reach Out to the Press
Just before your launch date, you should reach out to the press and pitch your product. This will help you gain the coverage that you require. With the right PR strategies, you can create awareness, and increase downloads for your app.
The launch checklist will help you get the desired outcome. Of course, your work does not end at launching the app. You will need to keep them engaged after the launch too!
Watch out for our post launch strategies to help you keep up with the support and engagement needs.
