8 "marketing" ideas for your app

As an indie developer, you probably know you should be doing "some marketing" so that people have a chance to find your app. Or you should be doing more. I think part of the barrier is that it is hard to know what "do marketing" means, so it is easier to continue developing features.

Below are some "marketing things" you can do today to help your app find more users.

Review your App Store listing

Chance are, it has been some time since you last updated the App Store listing. Review it and see if it captures what your app is about. Essential are screenshots and the "above the fold" description.

I think there is a high probability that you learn better to tell the story of your app with time.

I would also recommend checking how your screenshots look in the search results, mainly if you have text.

Do some free promotion

I have recently wrote about "places" where you can promote your app for free. While this won't guarantee massive results, I believe that it is very worthwhile, and you get a nice SEO boost for the time it takes.

It is a great way to get your app indexed by search engines.

Look into content marketing

Content marketing is any content that incorporates your app or even a product more generally. For apps, this might be a blog post titled "How to X on iPhone," and then you write about how to solve a particular problem with your app. It is not uncommon to also present alternative solutions that don't involve your app.

The goal here is to have "SEO-friendly" content that people can find without looking specifically for your app.

Talk about your app

This might be only applicable to me, but I realized in the past weeks that although I have four apps on the App Store and I am reasonably active on Twitter - I am never tweeting anything about my apps.

You can share your progress, cool new screenshots or anything else you find interesting.

Consider sending out a press release with a new version

Have you recently launched a significant update or is one in the works? Follow it up with a press release you send to media outlets.

I have written a bit more about press releases in the past.

Create a press kit

Already did? Skip to the next point.

I regard a press kit as a must when you contact the press and get some articles written about your app. It doesn't have to be complicated. For inspiration, see my "guide" for minimal press kit.

Once you have one, pitching your app becomes more effortless. You can focus on just the main point in the email and link the press kit for the rest. After journalists read your email pitch, they see the press kit link and know that it is easy to cover your app because you provide more details + screenshots.

Review the press kit

Is the information provided up to date? What about screenshots? Anything else you can add or improve?

Similarly with the App Store description, looking at things with fresh eyes might provide you with new ideas and clarity. I have been iterating on my press kit for SwitchBuddy for some time now, and I think it made a huge difference.

Redeem free App Store Search Ads credit

If you haven't used App Store Search Ads yet, you can get started with free $100 credit from Apple. It can be an interesting experience and net you some sales or downloads.