8 Powerful Strategies to Increase App Downloads for Android and iOS

You’re just about to launch a mobile app, yet you’re still looking for strategies to make the most of your campaign. 

Fret no more, as you can try these methods to maximize your app downloads.

If you’re new in the market, convincing your target users to download your new app is challenging. And with the fierce competition on both Google Play and App Store, you have to catch your users’ attention to install your app over all the others available.

To date, there are over 2.87 million apps on the Google Play store and 1.96 million apps on Apple Store. That’s quite a big number to compete with. 

But with these strategies, we’ll let you in on the most effective and easy-to-implement mobile app promotion strategies to help you get more app downloads.

Strategies to increase app downloads

1. Use the app store QR code to maximize iOS and Android app downloads

You probably have a hard time marketing two different app links for two other operating systems (android versus iOS).

When a user scans the code, he will be redirected to a URL based on his device’s OS to download/install your app.

With an app store QR code, you can lift your download rate to 40%.

Using a QR code generator with a logo online to create your App Store QR code will be more effortless and more seamless for you to boost your app downloads by encouraging your target users to download it just a scan away!

Need proof?

Take, for example, Nike, a sportswear brand that uses QR codes on its website to encourage shoppers to directly download the mobile app by scanning the app store QR code.

2. Drive app downloads by asking for ratings and reviews

Now that you’ve had a few app users get their ratings or reviews, encourage more potential customers to download your app and increase app downloads.

App users value other app users’ opinions before hitting that download button.

Make sure that your users have a positive experience when using your app, as negative ratings can penalize your app ranking.

On the other hand, if you have positive reviews and ratings, your app will be pushed straight to the top of the search results.

But how do you encourage users to leave their reviews and rate your app positively?

Marketers recommend prompting users after their five or ten sessions in the app.

Then you can send push notifications to them.

3. Create a buzz for your app

Getting your new app a hot topic in your industry takes a lot of effort in tapping the right people to mention or talk about your app.

Reach out to the media

First off, go to the media to drive public attention to your app. Build a complete press kit with all your visual and written marketing materials.

Then, send a well-written press release to your handpicked journalists and influencers.

Reach out by email or another method you think is possible. Make your email subject line unique and not spammy.

If ever your app is not yet live, you can give them access to your beta version.

The main focus of your press release or outreach email is the features, advantages, and solutions your app is offering. In short, show off your best parts and functionalities!

Partner with influencers

Influencer marketing is currently one of the most effective ways to get more app downloads.

The point is you need to reach out to bloggers or content creators whose personalities will resonate with your brand and who will also find your app interesting for your audience.

For example, if you’re about to launch a fitness app, connect with health influencers and even gym experts.

Craft a unique pitch to jumpstart your effort in relationship building.

They’ll probably use your app and promote it in their videos, social media channels, and articles.

4. App Store optimization

App store optimization shouldn’t be taken out of your mobile app marketing strategy.

It is about the process of improving your mobile app’s visibility in the Google Play Store or Apple Store by optimizing its app title, description, keywords, and images in accordance with the store’s best practices.

When you make your app more visible, users will immediately discover your app, and consequently, the download rate will increase naturally.

Furthermore, it would be best to consider factors such as social proof, number of positive reviews, number of app starts, user retention, the relevance of keywords in the app title and description, and regional-specific rankings.

These factors will impact how your app is ranked by the app store algorithm and how your potential users will perceive your app in deciding whether to download it or not. 

5. Build an online presence to maximize app downloads

Increase your brand awareness not only in traditional media but also in the online world.

Push your app everywhere you can on the web and social media to boost your app downloads in due time.

You can create a unique website or a landing page for your app.

This will help you share helpful content about your app.

Your website will serve as a central point where your potential users can learn more about your app and its benefits.

If you want your users to visit your website quickly, you can also convert it into a dynamic URL QR code.

By a simple scan, your users can directly go to your website.

6. Host a giveaway

People love getting prizes and discounts.

Why not throw a giveaway or contest to your potential users to market your app?

Simple giveaway prizes for those who will download your app, share it on their socials, or leave a review on your app store will get your users’ attention.

Get potential users to market your app for you through a giveaway or contest.

You can give away prizes to users that download your app, share your app on social, leave a review or talk about the app in certain circles.

Just make sure that your prizes have a connection to your app.

For example, those who downloaded and used your fitness app will get a free gym membership for a certain period in one of your partner gym outlets.

7. Use the power of email marketing

Email marketing is proven to make your potential users into app users.

Once you get the best contact list of your target users, this means a lot of exposure for your app after a successful email campaign.

You can add your logo and the link to your app when sending out your email.

This way, it’s easier to download your app anytime.

8. Leverage social media

If you have social media pages, take advantage of them by promoting your mobile app.

Make sure your brand voice when posting to these social media pages reflects your app’s personality. 

Is your app edgy and “cool”? Then make your language relatable and conversational.

If your app is geared towards professionals, then use the appropriate language that suits your audience well.