How to Increase App Downloads: 11 Key Strategies for Results

What has been updated from the old blog post:

• 11 off-beat practices added to help brands increase their app downloads.
• Added how Techmagnate’s ASO services can further help brands achieve app marketing goals.

Summary: This guide explores unconventional ways to increase app downloads. While traditional tactics like ASO and app store reviews are crucial, these less-explored options can add a refreshing boost to your marketing efforts. Try these strategies yourself and see surprising results.

You’ve tried everything to make your app get noticed by the target audience. But still, the number of downloads is not reaching your desired goals. Now what?

Well, you may have already tried best practices but there are always some off-beat options left to try. These practices may not be well known to many but they are worth trying.

Read on to try some non-traditional ways to increase your app downloads. If these strategies prove effective for your ultimate number goal, come back to this blog post and leave us a thank you comment.

11 Effective Strategies to Increase App Downloads

Create a compelling app preview video

Just like when a movie releases, the team puts out a trailer to entice the audience, similarly, brands can have a compelling app preview, citing all the exciting features of the application.

Before launching an app, it is beneficial to have a well-produced app preview video that can show potential users what your app is all about and why they should install it.

Using high-quality visuals, clear and concise messaging, and a call to action can help encourage viewers to download the app. Look at the example of Duolingo App’s preview video.

Source: Duolingo
It is a fun and engaging animation-style video that showcases the app’s language-learning features. The video is also very informative, providing viewers with a clear understanding of what the app is about and how it works.

Additional Read: Video Marketing Strategies 

Offer a limited-time discount or free trial

This is another great way to encourage users to try your app and see its value for themselves. People are more likely to download an app if they know they can try it out for free or at a reduced cost.

Several apps have successfully utilized free trials and discounts to boost their user base and drive app adoption.

Source: Spotify 

Spotify’s premium subscription service offers a one-month free trial, allowing users to experience the full range of features, including ad-free music listening, offline playback, and on-demand content. This free trial has been instrumental in acquiring new subscribers and converting them into paying customers.

Partner with influencers

Influencer – the word itself explains its role. Anyone who is an influencer in today’s internet-advanced time has the potential to influence and convince people. These people have tons of followers and potential users who trust the recommendations of their favorite influencers.

Instead of running after influencers with the highest followers on social media, reach out to creators with an audience similar to your user base. Partner with these niche-based influencers to promote your app and increase the chances of getting your app downloaded. The promotion can be a collaborative approach and can be mutually decided if you want to create sponsored posts, reviews, or tutorials for your app.

Run a social media contest or giveaway

Cricket fan or not, no one has missed seeing ads for Dream 11 – an online betting app for sports. They promote their app like crazy during the peak sports season and most cricket fans fall into it. They run several live polls, contests, and games in-app to keep the user excited about their app and encourage installs.
Similarly, you can also offer prizes that are relevant to your app, such as free subscriptions, in-app items, or merchandise (if any).

Source: Dream11
The more engaged your users get in your app, the more authenticity of your app increases. People loving your app will build trust factor, leading to more downloads and subscriptions by users.

Don’t underestimate app store optimization (ASO) practices

ASO is a familiar practice to increase your app downloads organically. It is the process of optimizing your app listing in the app store to improve its visibility and rankings. But ASO is a lot more than just adding relevant keywords, compelling app descriptions, and high-quality screenshots and videos.

With our strategic ASO practices, we were successfully able to help a leading NBFC increase its Personal Loan app installations by 243%, from 49k to 170k, within a year. We achieved this impressive achievement through a well-executed App Store Optimization campaign that resulted in the app ranking for 61 key search terms and improving its rating from 3.1 to 4.2. Impressive, isn’t it?

Check out our case study here to know how we helped the NBFC to achieve their desired app download goals.

Improve your chances of featuring in the app store editorial,

App stores often feature apps that they think are worth recommending to their users. If your app gets featured on the app store, it would be a great way to gather a large audience of potential users.
For example, Babbel, a language-learning app, has been featured in the curated sections of app stores. This has helped them to get more downloads.

But what does it require to be in the app featured section in app stores? Firstly, make sure the app has a great user experience. It is easy to download and easy to use by the audience. Then, as mentioned in the first point, add an enticing preview of the app. You can also try to get positive reviews from users. All these factors, along with additional parameters should align with App Store guidelines to be ranked in the featured snippet. A well-planned ASO strategy can also boost your chances by making your app more visible to app store editors.

Read the app store guidelines on the requirements of the app store organically.

Cross-promote your app in other apps

Sometimes you create an app for one purpose and then create another one specific to a particular service or product. The best way to boost downloads of your second app would be to promote it within the first application. It can be done with banner ads, interstitial ads, or in-app notifications.
For instance, Airbnb uses advertising to promote its Experiences within its room rental app.

Airbnb uses banner ads, in-app notifications, and personalized recommendations to encourage users to book Experiences. People traveling to new cities, now don’t have to additionally Google famous places to visit. The experience section on Airbnb can try the experiences app and add them along with their hotel bookings.

Submit your app to app review sites and blogs

This is another great way to get your app in front of potential users who are looking for new apps to download. Getting an app reviewed on relevant app review sites and blogs is a powerful way to increase visibility, attract downloads, and gain valuable feedback from potential users. However, navigating the process and maximizing your chances of getting noticed requires careful planning and execution.

Preparation before submission:

• Research relevant sites and blogs: Identify review sites and blogs that cater to your app’s target audience and category. Focus on established platforms with high traffic and a good reputation.
• Craft a compelling pitch: You can develop a clear and concise message highlighting your app’s unique features, value proposition, and target audience. Tailor your pitch to each site’s specific audience and editorial guidelines.
• Prepare high-quality assets: Add screenshots, app demo videos, and press releases that showcase your app’s functionalities and user interface effectively.
• Test and refine your app: Ensure your app is bug-free, runs smoothly and delivers an excellent user experience.

Bonus tips to keep in mind after making your submission:

1. Each site has its submission process and guidelines. Carefully review the instructions and ensure you submit all required information and assets correctly.
2. Avoid generic emails. Address specific editors or reviewers by name, demonstrate your understanding of their platform, and highlight why your app would be a good fit for their audience.
3. Proactively follow up after your submission. If you receive feedback, address it promptly and demonstrate your commitment to improving your app.

Engage with your app users

Your job doesn’t end with just getting your app noticed. Once you start getting reactions and responses from your audience, start interacting with them. Start responding to reviews, answer their questions, and show that you care about your users. This will help build a positive reputation for your app and encourage users to tell their friends about it.

Be it a negative or positive response, make sure you address it both promptly and honestly.

Use social proof to your advantage

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people are more likely to believe something is true if they see other people doing it. In the context of promoting an app, this means showcasing evidence that your app is popular and well-received by others to attract new users.

Use social media to show potential users that your app is popular by displaying user reviews, ratings, and testimonials on your app store listing and website.

This strategy will further build trust and credibility for your app, encouraging potential users to download it and ultimately achieve your app marketing goals. Additionally, incorporating ASO backlinks can enhance your app’s visibility in app store rankings, driving even more engagement.

Skyrocket Your App Downloads with Techmagnate!

These are just a few creative ways to increase app downloads. By using a combination of these strategies along with some traditional ones, you can reach a wider audience and generate more interest (also downloads) in your app.

If you still struggle to get the desired number of downloads for your application, the best option would be to get an expert on board. Techmagnate’s expert app marketing services can be really helpful.

Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your app marketing goals!