Navigating the App Store: A Comprehensive Guide to App Submission and Optimization in 2023

In the digital age of 2023, mobile apps are no longer just an add-on but have become a necessity for businesses and individuals alike. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store are the two main gateways that bring these applications to users worldwide. This article provides an in-depth understanding of the app submission process and the critical success factors within these platforms. We will also explore the art of optimizing app titles, descriptions, keywords, and screenshots, and share some essential tips on leveraging the App Store algorithm to maximize discoverability and downloads.

The App Submission Process

Submitting your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store is a meticulous process¹². Each platform has its specific prerequisites³.

For Apple App Store:

You must start by familiarizing yourself with the Apple Store Review guidelines⁴. Once your project aligns with these guidelines and you have a valid Apple Developer Program account⁵, you can submit your app. The review usually takes 1-2 business days². However, it's important to note that this doesn't take into account any potential revisions by the Apple Store submission team. If your app falls under a new or uncommon category, you'll need to collaborate with them to ensure its approval. The standard of a mere 2 business days no longer applies, despite what they may claim. Based on our experience of submitting multiple apps in the past year, the process varies for each project. Certain apps took over 3 weeks to receive final approval from Apple, as they provided specific details for us to address. During this process, it's crucial to maintain both awareness and patience. It may be disheartening at times, but it shouldn't deter you from submitting your app.But this isn't counting if there are revisions by the apple store submission team. You'll have to work with them in order to get your app approved if it falls into a category of App that is new or not as common. Simply speaking, 2 Business days is definitely not the standard anymore even though they may say so. Having submitted multiple Apps within the last 12 months. The process varied per project. Certain Apps took over 3 weeks to get the final approval by apple after they sent us details to specify or rectiy. Be aware and patient during this process as it may discourage but sholdn't stop the submission process.

For instance, the popular game 'Among Us' had initially faced rejection from Apple due to minor issues⁶. It was only after rectifying them that they could launch successfully.

For Google Play Store:

Google Play allows you to track your app submission status through Google Play Console¹. The review process can take up to seven days or longer¹. Based on our recent submissions using React technology, it has been observed that it is generally shorter compared to apple. Enhancing the writing quality involves optimizing word choice, sentence structure, readability, and eloquence, while preserving the original meaning.

An example here would be 'Flappy Bird', which was removed from the store due to copyright issues⁷. So, ensuring your app adheres to all guidelines is crucial.

App Optimization Techniques

Once your app goes live, the next step is App Store Optimization (ASO), enhancing your app's visibility, discoverability, and downloads. ASO involves optimizing your app's title, description, keywords, and screenshots⁸.

App Title and Description

The app title and description are your first impression to users. They should be catchy and informative. Include relevant keywords in the title and description for improved search ranking⁸.

For example, the app 'Headspace: Meditation & Sleep' uses relevant keywords in its title itself⁹.

Keywords

Choosing the right keywords can significantly boost your app's discoverability. Tools like Sensor Tower or AppTweak can help you find keywords with high search volumes¹⁰.

Screenshots

Screenshots give potential users an insight into your app's interface and functionality. Ensure they are high-quality and highlight your app's best features⁸.

A good example is 'Uber', which uses crisp screenshots to showcase its app functionality¹¹.

Leveraging the App Store Algorithm

Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store use algorithms to rank apps. Understanding these algorithms helps increase your app's visibility and downloads. Factors like the app title, description, keywords, number of downloads, ratings, and reviews impact your app's ranking⁸. Tools like StoreMaven can help optimize your app store presence¹².

Best Practices for Each Store

While both stores have many similarities, significant differences exist in terms of metadata requirements, Insights analytics, review management, etc²¹.

Apple App Store allows developers to respond to user reviews, improving your app's rating and user relationship¹³. Google Play Store, on the other hand, provides detailed insights analytics, giving developers a deeper understanding of their app's performance¹.

In conclusion, successful navigation of the app store requires understanding the submission process, leveraging optimization techniques, and staying updated with trends and regulations. By doing so, you can enhance your app's visibility, discoverability, and ultimately, its success.

Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential costs for your mobile app project with our Mobile App Cost Calculator. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to maximize your return on investment.

At Frenchy Digital, we're more than just a service provider; we're your partner on the journey of digital transformation. Our team of experts is prepared to assist you in developing an app that not only meets your business needs but also sets you apart in the marketplace.

Contact us today and let's embark on this exciting journey towards digital transformation together.

Footnotes

1. Mobindustry ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
   
2. Steelkiwi ↩ ↩² ↩³
   
3. Appyourself ↩
   
4. Goodbarber ↩
   
5. Clearbridgemobile ↩
   
6. PocketGamer ↩‍
7. 2muchcoffee ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴‍
8. Headspace on App Store ↩‍
9. Sensor Tower ↩‍
10. Uber on App Store ↩‍
11. StoreMaven ↩‍
12. Apple Developer ↩