This post is updated on May 2024.
The mobile app landscape is a dynamic and ever-evolving arena. Even with a solid initial launch, apps can face challenges gaining traction and maintaining momentum. But don’t despair! If your app downloads are dwindling, it’s not necessarily game over. At AppSamurai, we’ve witnessed countless app resurrections through strategic revitalization efforts. In this guide, we’ll share the proven tactics that can breathe new life into your app and propel it to the top of the charts.
How to Increase App Downloads
You might have embarked on the journey of developing a mobile app with some solid insight. Your app might cover several user needs seamlessly. However, it means nothing unless people notice the app on mobile app stores. Being invisible might be the end of mobile apps. So, let’s start with the ways of getting more app downloads.
1. Ignite User Acquisition with Burst Campaigns
Boost campaigns, also known as burst campaigns, are a powerful tool to jumpstart downloads and visibility. By temporarily increasing your app’s advertising budget, you can climb the app store rankings, attracting more organic users in the process.
A prime example is a leading travel app in Turkey that tripled its organic downloads through a burst campaign. Their daily installs surged from 203 to 1197, with a lasting positive impact on organic growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Short-Term Boost: Burst campaigns deliver a rapid increase in visibility and downloads.
- Long-Term Growth: Increased visibility often leads to sustained organic growth, as more users discover your app.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Use burst campaigns to test your app’s potential and gather valuable user feedback.
2. Refine Your App Store Optimization (ASO) Strategy
ASO is your app’s storefront in the app stores. It’s crucial to optimize every element to attract users and encourage downloads.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Conduct thorough competitor and review analysis to identify areas for improvement and unique selling points.
- Keyword Optimization: Continuously research and optimize your app’s keywords to improve its visibility in search results. Use tools like Sensor Tower or The Tool for data-driven insights.
- Visual Appeal: Invest in eye-catching icons, screenshots, and preview videos that showcase your app’s features and benefits.
- Compelling Title & Description: Craft a concise, keyword-rich title and a persuasive description that highlights your app’s unique value proposition.
Let’s look at what you should consider in terms of ASO in order to revive your dying app.
a. Category, Competitive, and Review Analysis
You need to know everything your competitors do and everything your users think. This is why you should start with analysis. Even if you did it before, this time, take it seriously and do it again. Analyze reviews to see what your users think. Do this for your competitors, too, in order to find some great points to add to your app. Analyze the app category and your competitors to create a blue ocean for your app.
b. Keyword Analysis
First, remember that keyword analysis is not a one-time job. This is the most important part of your ASO operations. Do it regularly and analyze the result of your efforts to get benefit from it. You can use tools like Sensor Tower or The Tool for this. Track the performance of each keyword and find the easy-to-rank keywords for your app.
c. Icon, Screenshots, and Video Optimizations
Visuals have a perfect impact on people. Keep them simple and effective. Learn the best practices of each in order to increase your visibility and downloads. Do not forget the app icons!
d. Optimize Title & Description
Use your most important and most relevant keywords wisely to increase the chance of ranking higher. Don’t do keyword stuffing. Be straightforward and explain what you do. Don’t forget that App Store and Google Play have different requirements for each. By the way, remember that App Store updated its algorithm, and app names will now be limited to no longer than 50 characters.
3. Leverage Social Media for Word-of-Mouth Marketing
In today’s world, social media is everywhere. There might be some social media apps that died, but there is always more to come in this vertical. It is like you don’t exist if you are not active on social networks. The best part is that it can help an unpopular app a lot with the whole process of reviving, whether you have a big or a small budget.
a. Rewarding Campaigns
If other marketing strategies didn’t work to attract users, a rewarding campaign will sure do. According to Vibes, 77% of smartphone users said that mobile offers -like rewards or surprise points, exclusive content, and even special birthday messaging- have a positive or very positive impact on their brand loyalty. Create rewarding campaigns to increase both word of mouth and your downloads.
b. Facebook and LinkedIn Groups
If you don’t have a budget to promote your app, you can take advantage of Facebook and LinkedIn Groups. Of course, you have to be active there before you realize you have an app to revive. But, if you already developed a great community, it’s very easy to convince them to share insights about your app.
There are thousands of Facebook and LinkedIn groups that you can join and share your content and app. Find the relevant groups and get engage in these groups. Don’t only share your app but upload your blog posts or video contents if there are any.
c. Social Media Ads (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Social media platforms are a goldmine for generating buzz and re-engaging users with your app.
- Rewarding Campaigns: Incentivize users to share your app with friends and family through contests, giveaways, or exclusive content. Research shows that mobile offers significantly impact brand loyalty.
- Facebook & LinkedIn Groups: Join relevant groups and communities to share your app, engage in discussions, and build relationships with potential users.
- Targeted Social Media Ads: Run targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach your ideal audience. Craft compelling ad copy and visuals that showcase your app’s unique features and benefits.
4. Prioritize User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI)
A seamless and intuitive user experience is crucial for retaining users and encouraging positive reviews.
- Onboarding Optimization: Streamline the onboarding process to guide new users and highlight your app’s key features.
- Social Sharing: Integrate social sharing features to encourage users to share their achievements and experiences with their networks.
- Deep Linking: Implement deep linking to ensure that users are directed to the correct in-app content when clicking on external links.
5. Experiment with the Freemium Model
The freemium model, where users download the app for free and pay for premium features, is a proven way to increase revenue and engagement.
- Attractive Free Features: Offer a compelling free version with enough functionality to hook users.
- Premium Upgrades: Design enticing premium features or content that users will be willing to pay for.
- Strategic Pricing: Experiment with different pricing models (e.g., one-time purchases, subscriptions) to find what works best for your audience.
According to App Annie, the freemium model is the most successful one when it comes to a number of apps and monetization.
Additional Tips for App Revival:
- A/B Testing: Continuously test different variations of your app store listing, ad creatives, and content to identify what resonates best with your audience.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your app to their followers.
- App Store Promotions: Consider running limited-time promotions or discounts to attract new users.
Conclusion:
Reviving a struggling app requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on improving user acquisition, enhancing the user experience, and leveraging various marketing channels. By implementing these proven strategies, you can breathe new life into your app and achieve the success you envision.
Remember: Don’t give up on your app! With dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt, you can turn your app around and achieve your goals.