5 Steps for New App Launch in 2024 With 10 Useful Tips

Launching a new app is a big achievement, but it needs careful planning and smart execution to make sure it does well. You have to learn important topics like researching your market, trying out your app before launching it, ways to promote your app, and how to keep users interested.

You should make your app more visible, attract loyal users, and reach your business goals. You can start your app launch with confidence and make your new app stand out in today’s competitive digital world.

This post will help you with every important step of a new app launch, from getting ready before the launch to planning what to do afterwards. If you are just starting out with your first app or already have a business and want to grow online, this post has all the information you need.

5 Steps for Successful New App Launch

Step 1: Planning of Pre-Launch

The first step of developing an app is to figure out what the main problem is and what the app will do to solve it. It looks at what other companies are doing and how people are reacting to it.

The aim of this phase is to make sure the solution is what the target audience needs, is better than other options, and has a clear plan. Studying and making a plan involves:

Market Research

Market research means collecting and studying information about what your app does well, what it doesn’t do well, and what customers might want. This involves collecting information about other similar apps, how much people want them, who uses them, and how much they cost. Studying the market will help you see where you need to improve and find ways to stand out.

Target Audience

These are the group of people who will use your service. To find your target audience, think about things like where they live, how much money they make, their age, their education, and what kind of lifestyle they have.

For very specific ads, you should also think about what people like, what’s important to them, what kind of person they are, and how they feel about things. If you have a payment app that works in different countries, your customers might be people visiting other countries or companies with workers all over the world.

Finding out who will be most interested in your mobile app is crucial because it helps you tailor your branding and marketing to attract that particular group of users.

Goals and Objectives

Your goals and objectives are the things you want to accomplish when you launch your mobile app. First, you need to figure out what problems your audience might have. After that, you will focus your solutions on those problems.

To find the problem, it’s good to do market research with surveys, groups of people or interviews with users to get information and ideas about the people you want to reach.

Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy is the way your company will try to reach people who are interested in using your app and persuade them to do so. Your marketing plan includes using the steps before launching your app to create a unique selling point that makes your app stand out from others.

USPs are special things in your app that other apps don’t have. To make a plan to sell your app, figure out what makes it special and how it helps people. This could mean making things easier to use, making them work faster, and making them cost less.

Also, after you have figured out what makes your product different and how you want to promote it, make sure to tell your developer to create a simple and clear message in the app that explains why your product is better than others.

Budget

Making a budget is a very important part of figuring out how much it will cost to develop the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) from the idea stage to when it’s ready to launch. Here’s how to make a budget for developing an app:

• Explain what the project needs. List the things you want to include, like what it looks like, what it does, and how it is connected to your brand.
• Choose your group of people who will help you create and build things. You can choose to make your app in your company or have someone else make it for you.
• Calculate the cost of developing an app. Estimate how much it will cost to develop your app based on how complicated your project is and what kind of team you have. Think about the amount of money you pay for salaries, vendor fees, software, and equipment.
• Think about how much you will have to keep spending. Some common regular costs to think about are advertising, repair, and website fees.

After making a budget, the next thing to do is decide on a schedule for a new app launch.

Timeline

A timeline helps you plan when you will finish important tasks. The time it takes for a new app launch depends on how difficult the tasks are, how skilled the team members are, and what technology is used. For instance, let’s make a schedule for making basic software that’s not too hard.

• Planning: 2-4 weeks
• Design: 4-6 weeks
• Development: 8-12 weeks
• Testing and Quality Assurance: 2-4 weeks
• App launch and Post launch: 2-4 weeks

Wireframe

A wireframe is a picture that shows what the mobile app will look like when it’s finished. It’s a rough drawing of what the design will look like, showing all the things it will be able to do.

They are simple drawings that show where things will go on a page or screen.

They use basic shapes, lines, and text to do this, without adding any detailed design elements like color or images. Wireframes are important in planning because they help people see how the product will be organized and laid out before it is made and advertised. This saves time and money.

Creating a wireframe is done using design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or by drawing on paper. After you finish, you should have a wireframe that satisfies the needs of the people involved. Once that’s done, the next thing to do in your mobile app launch plan is to make the app.

Also Read: From Concept to Launch: 10 Ways to Secure Funding for App in 2024

Step 2: Developing an App

App development is when people write the codes needed to make a live and interactive app that works on a specific operating system. Creating apps involves designing, writing code, testing and fixing any problems, and releasing the apps for different platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows.

Here is where you will need to hire people to build and design apps, test them, and other technical team members.

Design App Interface

This is how you make software and website designs easy to use and enjoyable for people. To do this, UI designers use different design methods and rules, like choosing colors, picking fonts, arranging things on the screen, and deciding which things are the most important to see.

UI designers start by learning about the people who will use their design, and figuring out what those people want, how they act, and what they like. They then make rough sketches and models that show how the interface will work.

Designing the look of a website or app also means trying it out and making it better based on what people say about it. UI designers can watch how people use the interface to find problems and fix them to make it easier for people to use.

Develop App Functionality

Here, people who develop apps write the code needed for the app to work. Functionality means the special things the software can do. The features of an app depend on what your app idea is about.

For instance, a finance app needs to have features like budgeting, keeping track of accounts, making payments, taking out loans, using credit, and more. For gaming apps, the features will be unique.

Test for Bugs

Testing for bugs is an important part of making software. In this step, a quality assurance tester and experienced developers will look for mistakes in the source code. They will also do many tests to make sure the quality is good, like:

Tests	Description
Unit testing	During unit testing, the QA tester checks different parts of the mobile app to make sure they are working correctly. This includes things like specific modules or functions.
Integration testing	Integration testing is where we check how different parts of a system work together.
Functional testing	QA testers do functional testing to make sure that the things a software can do meet what the people who want the software to do want it to do.
Performance testing	Performance testing is when we test how well the application works with a lot of people using it or when there’s a lot of activity.
Security testing	Security testing is when quality assurance experts check the safety features in the app, like how information is protected and making sure only authorized people can access it. This test also makes sure we follow the necessary laws and keeps your solution safe.
Usability testing	Usability testing checks how easy and satisfying it is for people to use an app. It also checks that the app looks good and is easy to navigate.
Regression testing	Regression testing means testing the app again after making updates or changes to make sure that no new errors or bugs have been added.
User acceptance testing	User acceptance testing is when real people use the app to make sure it works the way it’s supposed to and does what it’s supposed to do.

Optimize App Performance

For the best results, compare how well your mobile app works and how fast it loads compared to other options. If things are slow, figure out what is causing the delay. Use tools to find out which part of the application is moving very slowly.

Other ways to make the app work better include using smarter ways to solve problems, storing data more efficiently, using less internet, making the app easier to use, and running tasks in the background.

Once the app is running smoothly and meets the expectations of those involved, the next step is getting it ready to be put on Apple and Google Play’s stores. This step is really technical, so you need to have experience and know a lot about the technical stuff to lead a team of programmers well.

Step 3: Getting App Store Ready

An app store is a place where people can get and use mobile apps on their phones or tablets. In simple words, the app store is a place where you can buy and download mobile apps. Before you add your app on a website or store, do these things:

Choose the Right App Store

Picking the right app store is an important part of launching a successful app. When choosing a store, think about who you want to sell to, what you want to sell, the rules of the store, buying things in the store’s app, the reach, and other stores selling similar things.

For instance, if you want to reach people in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, it’s best to release your product on Google Play Store. This makes sure that a lot of people in those areas can use it because most people there have Android phones.

Meet Requirements of App Store

Apple and Google have different rules for their app stores. But, let’s think about what they both need.

• They want the apps to work properly, with no problems or malfunctions
• Both don’t allow things like hate speech, violence, or pornography to be sold or shown in their apps
  They want apps to respect your privacy and not take more personal information than they need
• Apps cannot violate the rights of other people’s ideas or creations
• Apps need to have a professional look that follows the rules and guidelines given
• Apps need to work fast and smooth, with quick loading and running smoothly

However, they also have different needs that need to be taken into account.

App Store (Apple)	Play Store (Google)
Apple requires app developers to pay at least 30% of their in-app purchase revenue to Apple.	Google Play Store takes 15-30% of the money made. 30% of the initial 1 million dollars, and 15% after that.
Apple reviews every app before it goes into their store.	Google uses an automated system that is faster.
Apps need to work with the newest Apple devices.	The app needs to work with the newest version of Android.
Apple charges $99 every year.	They charge $25 as a one time fee.

Make a Listing for the App Store

An app store listing is a page that gives people information about the app. This is an important way to get people to use an app and get them to download it. This is how you can make a listing for your app store:

• Pick a name and an icon
• Give a simple and short explanation
• Share videos and pictures.
• Pick the right category
• Give the information to contact and get help if there are problems with downloading an app

After you make the listing, the next step in launching the app is to make sure the keywords are the best they can be.

Optimize Your Keywords

In order for your app to do well, it’s really important that people can find it easily. One way to make sure of that is by using the right keywords in your description. Here are some helpful tips for making your app store keywords better:

• Discover commonly used words that are linked to your software in the app stores
• Pay attention to the words that many people are searching for and that not many other apps are using, to improve your app store ranking. Lots of mobile apps don’t work well, so not many people can find them
• Choose words that really explain what your mobile app does. Don’t use common or unrelated words because they will result in getting low-quality installs
• Try using specific keywords
• Use as many characters as you’re allowed. Please use all of the 100 characters allowed
• Consistently change the words you use to match what’s popular, what people say, and how the market is changing

Step 4: Launch the Mobile App

By new app launch, we mean uploading the new mobile app on the store so people can download it. In order to have a successful start, you need to combine your marketing campaign with the process. Here are some ways to do that:

Choose Launch Date

Think about the time it will take to create new features, fix any problems, and make things better. Also, make sure to look at the calendar for any holidays or big events in your industry.

If your app is launched at the same time, people might not notice it. Also, make sure to pay attention to when your competitors are releasing their products. Don’t release your product on the same day as your target audience might not notice it.

Create Excitement Around the Release Date

Creating excitement and interest in your app before it launches is very important to make sure it does well. Here are some ways you can make people excited about your app and get more people to use it:

• Make a landing page to showcase your app’s features and gather email addresses from people who want early access
• Post information and hints about your product on social media
• Contact popular people to help advertise your app
• Give rewards or benefits before a new product or service is officially released
• Make a video to show how something works
• Use the press and media to your advantage

Use Marketing Channels and Social Media

Use social media to join in and be a part of online conversations. Doing this helps people know about your brand in a clear way. By using social media well, you can find people who are interested in your mobile app and get feedback quickly to make changes before releasing it.

You should also think about using other ways to market, like sending emails, using SEO, and placing digital ads.

Keep an Eye on Reviews and Feedback

Reviews and feedback are clues to what users really think about your product. Good advertising brings in customers, but their opinions and reviews keep them coming back.

Focus on showing the best parts of your product with positive reviews in your marketing plan.

Step 5: Post-Launch

After a tech startup releases an app, post-app launch activity means the work needed to keep the app running well and make it better. This involves different activities, like:

Analyze Performance Data

This process involves gathering, measuring, and studying information from an app’s use to make it better for users and work well. Keep track of how many times people download free apps, and how many people sign up for paid ones. Important things to analyze here are:

• User engagement
• Conversion rate
• Retention rate
• Bugs and crashes
• User acquisition

Make Improvements According to Feedback

When users give feedback, the support team and mobile app developers need to work together to come up with ideas to stop bad reviews. These bad reviews show you the problems that users are having right now. By making improvements, you will:

• Improve how people feel when using the app
• Create strong bond with brand
• Improve the rating of the app
• Get ahead of the competition

Regularly Update Your App

This is an important part of what happens after a new app launch, where new versions of the app are released to the public. The new releases try to make the app better for users or fix a problem from before.

Frequent updates can help you stay important in the market. It also helps to stay current and not lose your customers.

Promote the App Regularly

The best apps in app stores are the ones that are often advertised. This step makes sure that the mobile app is successful when it is launched because it helps more people see it.

It brings in new users and keeps current users interested. Now that you understand the important steps for releasing an app. Let’s give you some useful advice.

10 Tips for a New App Launch

1. Research Your Competitors and Industry

Statista says that there are 5.1 million apps in total on Google PlayStore and Apple Store around the world. But just 0.5% of apps do well. Analyzing popular apps in your field is an important first step to learn how to launch your own app.

What features do popular apps have? How big is their market? How does your app stack up against your top competitors in terms of what it can do? Before you start an app, find out what other apps are good at and what they are not good at.

You can find out what your competitors need help with and what they’re good at by doing these steps:

• Find out who our competitors are and study them
• Collect information about competitors using websites, social media, industry reports
• Examine information and feedback
• Use information to find out what you are good at and what you need to work on

2. Improve Your Chosen Pricing Method

If you want to make money from your app, you need to decide how people will buy things in it and think about the good and bad points of each choice. There are many apps on Google PlayStore that make money, and they use one of these pricing models:

• Subscription-based
• Initial cost to download
• In-app purchases

The right model for your app depends on what you want to achieve. You can also give away a basic version for free, because it’s the best way to introduce a new product. If your app is popular or you have a strong marketing budget, a paid app can do really well.

A paid or subscription model works well when connecting with a specific group of people.

First, find out what your competitors are offering. Then, make a subscription plan that your target customers will want to buy. You can also have in-app purchases.

TikTok is a good example because a lot of people buy things through it. Watching videos is totally free. However, gifts and badges bought within the app by users can help creators earn money. To find the right price for your app, just ask these questions:

• How much do the best competitors cost? What does my app do?
• How much does it cost to keep the app running?
• How many subscriptions do I need to make back the money I spent?
• Should I add more features for users to buy or upgrade?

3. Pay Attention to Aesthetics

65% of people like to learn by seeing things. So, make sure that every part of your app looks really good. Additionally, 52% of people say they won’t go back to a website because they don’t like how it looks and works.

Make sure people like your mobile app before it is released. Also, include cool pictures and graphics in the app. Have an app that puts all your social media accounts together in one place. Your app’s design should be really great, and the owners should like the way it looks.

4. Optimize for Search in App Store

5.9% of business apps on stores are found by using the App Store search. By improving your product, more people can find it online and use it. MobileDevHQ says that if you use the best keywords, your app has a better chance of ranking higher by more than 10%.

This helps more people use your app and makes sure that the right people use your product. Here is a list of things to do to improve how your app shows up in the App Store when people search for it:

• Add the necessary keywords in the title and subtitle
• Create an interesting app description
• Use interesting pictures or videos to catch people’s attention
• Ask people to give their opinions and ratings
• Make sure to keep your app up to date.
• Check how things are going and keep trying different things to see what works best

Also Read: 7 Frameworks for Cross Platform Mobile App development

5. Use Testimonials

People must be certain that your app provides value. One way to gain trust from users when launching an app is to get early reviews and put them in the app description. Even if a new customer doesn’t read your review all the way, just seeing a review in the description makes them trust in your product.

Using testimonials from customers can help people trust and believe in your app. Happy users telling others about your app helps convince new users that your app is really good. Gather feedback from people who have tried your app early on and from experts in the field.

Showcase their positive experiences and how your app has helped them. Display these testimonials prominently on your app store page, website, and promotional materials. Real and specific reviews can greatly affect people’s decision to use and like your app, which can help build a good and trustworthy reputation for your app in the market.

6. Advertise Your App Before Launch

Start promoting your app before it is even released. Make a website that explains the good things about your app in a short and clear way. Your website should have all the necessary details of your app. Make sure your website is doing these things:

• Collect potential clients’ email addresses properly
• Get help from customer service if users have questions
• Great user experience
• The app has a clear and valuable purpose

First, the landing page of your app should be designed to collect the email addresses of people who are interested in using the app. This way, you can let them know when the app is ready to use.

They will help you get more people to download the app and get early reviews to make better ads. You can make a website by building it yourself or using website builders like WordPress, Wix, and others. If you have difficulty in creating one, you can get in touch with a developer.

7. Create a Unique Selling Proposition

Creating a USP for people to choose your app is really important when there are a lot of other apps out there. Your app should clearly explain what makes it different from other apps and why people should choose it over others. This means finding the special things that make your app different from others and giving people good reasons to use it.

A unique selling point really grabs your customers’ attention and meets their needs better than any other app. To make a strong USP, first understand what your audience wants and what makes them upset, then show how your app offers a different and better solution. 

Make sure this message is always the same on all marketing platforms, like your app store, social media, and ads. A clear USP not only brings in users but also keeps them coming back because it consistently delivers what it promises, making your app the top choice in its category.

8. Engage Beta Testers

Getting beta testers to try out your app before it’s released is really important for making it better. Beta testers give very helpful feedback on how easy a product is to use, how well it works, and the overall experience for the user. This helps find and fix problems that weren’t noticed before.

To get beta testers involved, pick a variety of people who are like your intended customers. You can use TestFlight for iOS or Google Play Console for Android to control the testing of your app. Talk to your testers and tell them what to pay attention to and how to give feedback in a clear way.

Provide rewards like getting new features before others, or small prizes to encourage people to take part. Gather opinions using surveys, interviews, and in-app feedback tools, and focus on fixing the most important problems first. By using the feedback from beta testing, you can make changes to make sure the launch goes well.

9. Leverage Email Marketing

Using email marketing is a strong way to get people excited and keep them interested before, during, and after you launch your app. Start by making a list of people’s emails who might use your product. You can get these emails from your website, social media, and a page you create before your product launches.

Divide your audience into groups and send them messages that fit their interests and needs. This will make the messages more meaningful and personal. Create attractive and short emails with easy-to-understand requests, so people will sign up early, try out the product, or tell others about it.

After the launch, keep using email marketing to tell people about any changes, new things, and special offers. Track how well your emails are doing by looking at how many people open them, click on the links, and take action, so you can make your app business plan better.

10. Offer Rewards

Giving rewards is a good way to get people involved and increase the number of times your app is downloaded when you first release it. Incentives can come in different types, like special content, rewards in apps, cheaper prices, or offers that only last for a short time.

These benefits give extra value, making people want to download your app and keeping current users interested. For instance, you could give special benefits or add-ons to people who use something new early. Getting cheaper prices on in-app purchases or monthly fees can make users want to buy them even more.

Also, having programs where users get rewards for inviting friends can help grow your user base naturally. Make sure to let people know about these rewards through your marketing platforms like social media, email, and app notifications, so that as many people as possible can see them.

Final Thoughts

Launching an app needs lots of planning, doing it right, and making it better all the time. By using the steps in this post, you now have the knowledge to navigate the difficult parts of market research, getting ready to launch your product, good marketing, and post-launch plans.

Don’t forget, when you launch an app, it’s just the start of your journey, not the end. Keep talking to your users, ask for their opinions, and keep making changes to your app to make it work better and meet what the users want. Celebrate your achievements, and keep learning from your difficulties, and be ready to change with the digital world.

With hard work, creativity, and thinking about what users want, your app can become really successful and have a big influence. Thank you for reading this guide. We hope your app launch goes well and we’re excited to see your new ideas do well in the market.

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