At iMobileApp, we’ve developed literally hundreds of mobile applications for literally dozens of different verticals, from auto and motorcycle dealerships to restaurants, from country and golf clubs to boutique retail shops, and so many more. We work closely with all of our clients, creating engaging content, high-res, in-depth graphic packages, and even personalized launch strategies, and while we continue to work with every one of our clients, maintaining, enrichening, and updating their apps, much of the promotional and marketing work, and hence the ultimate success of the app, relies heavily upon the business who’s brand is being promoted.
While much resource is centered on development and creating an app product that is value-driven and as high-quality as possible, a mistake we see our clients make is that the value of those app products are not promoted as effectively as they should be. So all that hard work is never given the proper attention it deserves.
The more you promote your content, the easier and faster the process becomes. We know small businesses do not have a large budget to dedicate to marketing or promotional events. Even those that do have the money may find themselves only having a few channels to promote their content.
Not to worry! Having had the benefit of launching so many applications and seeing what works best and what offers the most bang for the buck, we have put together a list of 7 methods that have proven to effectively make a large dent on your app marketing process – and the best part is… They won’t cost you anything to implement!
These steps will only cost you time and we are confident that if you follow them, you will see a significant increase in the number of followers and downloads then you have now.
1. Reach Out to Those Who Already Know You
You don’t have to wait for your app to be launched and available for download in the App Stores to start marketing. We always tell all our clients to begin at the very same time we’re working on development.
You can begin by reaching out to your current customer base and sending them an email letting them know what’s coming and what to expect and why they should be excited. We encourage our clients to involve their customers in the development process as well by asking them what features they think might be most beneficial. By including your customers in the app creation process, not only are you subtly promoting your app, but you are making sure that the app you make fits the people you are catering to.
To fully illustrate the importance of customer engagement, consider this fact… “A 5% increase in customer retention can increase a company’s profitability by 75%.”
Retain your customers by letting them know about your app’s idea and ask them what they would really like to see in it. How can you make the app more savvy and beneficial for them? Remember, your customer has their own audience and if you’re able to convince them, you’ll be hitting all the right notes to bolster your success and staying power.
2. Leverage Your Most Basic Tool – Your Website
Your existing website can be one of the greatest assets when it comes to promoting your mobile app. At one point or another, all of your customers or anyone interested in your company will find their way to your website. When they do, it is important they all know you have an app.
We have seen our clients include and market their iMobileApp on their websites in many different and exciting ways. Including a graphic in a scrolling carousel at the top, or a smaller one at the corner of the screen that hyperlinks to your app in the App Stores will guarantee more downloads.
We have also helped our clients include re-direct Smart App Banners on their mobile sites. Smart App Banners appear at the top of your website when accessed by a visitor on a mobile device to let them know that your business has a mobile app available for download from the respective App Stores and ensures that visitors to your mobile website will see that you have a mobile app available.
This way, the app is the first thing your viewers see. The banner is simply a gentle reminder that you have an app and your customers are given either the option to download the app or continue in your mobile site.
3. Feature Your App in Your Email Signature
Almost everyone from every business sends an email (or 100) on a daily basis. Most likely, included in those emails is a “signature” that auto-populates at the bottom, underneath your last line – probably your name, title, and contact info at the very least.
This is a perfect place to insert a call-to-action about your business’ mobile app. Example: “Download our app here [insert link] to get these benefits [list benefits here].
Every email sent without this messaging is a lost opportunity to gain another user and potentially another customer.
4. Promote on Your Social Networks
Social media outlets, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are great ways to let those who are already predisposed to follow your business know that you have a new mobile app and a great new way of staying informed.
Facebook even has a “Call to Action” button that can be set up to place a button at the top of your page labelled “Use App.” When hit, it takes the user directly to the App Store to allow the customer to download from there immediately.
When you launch something like a mobile app, it’s a big achievement for the company and it can mean any number of things for your customers. Make sure they’re getting the message by re-posting the same content periodically but with a different message.
5. Promote Your App In-Store
With every new launch, iMobileApp supplies a comprehensive marketing kit that includes full color posters with “Quick Response” or “QR” Codes that can be placed in different areas of the business such as the parts, service, and reception areas, the waiting lounge and restrooms, and, of course, by the cashier. People can simply scan the poster as they walk by to easily download the app.
6. Recruit Customers Locally
Events, conferences, and any sponsored social gathering are great places to promote your mobile app. Many of our clients host weekly meet-ups and have had great success in seeing an uptick of app downloads at these events because they are handing out flyers with the app information and making it easy for their customers to download and use.
7. Integrate Social share Within the App
One of the quickest and easiest ways to garner downloads is to ensure your app has an easy “share” feature integrated within it. iMobileApp incorporates a share feature in every app so that users can easily send it to anyone via text or email, as well as across all social media channels.
Conclusion
When you launch a mobile app for your business and brand, it’s a big deal. You’ve not only created a new channel by which you and your customers can interact, but you’ve created the potential for a whole new audience. The big trick is to get your app in as many hands as possible so that your message is seen and heard by as many people as possible. While all the concentration is put in developing the app, this crucial marketing step is all-too-often overlooked. Fortunately, it is a breach that can easily be corrected. All that is needed is the right strategy and the right partner.