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Where the Problem Lies
Since its introduction more than ten years ago, Google’s app store has literally become an ocean of mobile apps.
With more than 2.5 million apps available, one might wonder what makes an app appear high in rankings.
While this can sometimes make the users fail to notice a certain app, Android developers face a somewhat bigger problem. What should they do to make their app appear higher in Google Play Store rankings?
We know that Google uses certain algorithms that choose what apps will appear higher than the others. However, we do not know exactly what the algorithms it uses are.
Furthermore, we can never figure it out completely because Google always seems to change the algorithms. This is so that no one can establish a definite pattern and use it to their own benefit.
Therefore, in this article, we will cover some key points in optimizing our apps so that they are more visible in the Google Play Store.
Dealing with the Optimization
So far, people have detected several factors that can influence app ranking. We will now state some of them and explain why they are important.
1. Title
Being the absolutely first thing we learn about an app, its title should be short, appealing and unique. Whether this is difficult to achieve is a different issue.
But having an attractive, memorable and suggestive title makes it easier for you at the very start.
2. Description
There are two types of app descriptions that developers have to provide — the short and the long one.
The short one should definitely contain some of the keywords.
It should either only give the most important information, or be intriguing enough that a user will decide to check out the longer description, even if they did not get anything from the short one.
The long description should be clear and concise, as well as detailed — but certainly not too detailed.
If it takes too much time for users to reach the key features of the app, they will lose interest and leave. Likewise, do not forget your keywords.
Finally, it goes without saying that you must be absolutely honest about your app’s features. The worst thing you can do is deceive your audience.
After that, there is no coming back. You will be perceived as a liar, and your Play Store rating will come into question.
3. Keywords
As said before, keywords should find their place in the description, as well as in the title. It is best if they are relevant to your app’s theme and features.
Variety and, once again, uniqueness, is what you should aim for. A smart thing you can do is to experiment with different keywords and then see what the effects will be.
4. Screenshots
A good way to attract potential users is to put some engaging screenshots of your app’s interface.
Seeing a fine picture of what the app really looks like can have a decisive impact on a user. Be sure to show different aspects of your app so that users can see what they can expect.
However, be careful. Do not try to enhance it so that it does not resemble the actual app anymore.
It is better to show a realistic image of your app so that users know what they will get if they download it than to compel them with alluring artwork and then disappoint them when they find out it does not correspond with the real interface.
5. User Interface
The user interface can be one of the biggest repellents for potential users.
Even if the app serves its purpose and performs highly, an unattractive or sloppy UI can create a dilemma for your users whether to search for an alternative app.
The most important thing for UI is to be relatively simple but to contain all the necessary commands, as well as to have a modern design.
This does not mean you are supposed to copy some other popular app; just pay attention that your app reasonably keeps up with the times.
6. Size
One of perhaps not too striking factors is the app size. It may not seem like that big of an issue, but app size also contributes to a user’s decision whether to download and keep an app installed.
Simply, if an app is too large for one’s device, they will not download it.
7. Maintenance
Removing bugs from your app on a regular basis and keeping it up-to-date is important because it shows that you are diligent and committed to your app.
This will make certain that the app is working properly.
The competition is extremely high, so developers have to do all that is in their power to make sure their apps are fully functioning and are fulfilling their potential.
8. Localization
Another useful thing you can do is to localize your app for different parts of the world, i.e., translate it.
If you have your app translated in, for instance, Arabic or Spanish, it will open the gigantic markets of Asia and South America, respectively.
9. Social Media
This does not have to do with app developing but can tremendously help more people hear about your app.
Promoting your app on popular social media platforms, sites or blogs can drastically improve your app’s download rate in Google Play Store.
You can even implement the social media component into your app. This might make it more interesting, or at least help in promoting it further.
Summing It All Up
All the factors that we have covered lead to two things: a higher number of users and downloads, and ratings and reviews.
If you do your best in addressing the issues we previously went through, you may hope for a higher average rating, positive reviews, more downloads, and most importantly, more active users.
The number of users and good reviews are crucial for your app’s high ranking, and by optimizing it the best you can, there’s no reason why your app shouldn’t rise above the rest.
