How to achieve recognition in the App Store - MacRadar

This article originally appeared-recommendation in Realmac Software Developer blog. These guys did a Clear, Ember and RapidWeaver - a very high-quality products. The fact that their development became Featured in the App Store, it may seem logical, but in fact this success lies a complex of certain actions and policies, and today we have prepared for you to translate the recommendations of the founder Realmac Software. He certainly knows what to do.

We were quite lucky, and our application receives status Featured in both the App Store several times. Very often our friends and colleagues, developers are asked what our secret. Unfortunately, the secret or of a short path to this is no, but you already knew about it, is not it?

You have to understand that Apple does not promote the application in order to help us, the developers. Their selection is based on the application's ability to benefit Apple, and users - as long as you remember that, you'll be fine.

However, we often notice a few things that are often overlooked by developers, and these things are, in our opinion, can significantly increase the chances of success of the product.

1. Create a great app

I know, it's so obvious, and it's much harder to do than to say, but it's really the most important thing that can not be let out of his head. If you make an application to a quick cut money, you will not get Featured. If you are passionate about creating beautiful apps and develop something than can be proud of, the chances are much higher. Sooner or later, Apple will pay attention to you, and then the sequence is crucial.

If you look at all this with Apple positions, you will realize that you will be preferable to select those applications that will show how good Mac and iOS users.

Once again: Apple does not promote the developer, Apple promotes Apple.

2. Focus on current and best

Fly to the WWDC (or even watch video from the event) - a great way to find out what new API will be in the next release of the operating system, and how the course will move to Apple's future year. This will give you a very clear understanding of what needs to support your product.

One example of such a "mandatory" support is iCloud. This is one of the key strategies of Apple, and I believe that iCloud will become a major factor in the success of the company in the long term. If your application has a place iCloud, and you still do not use it, but now it's time to turn it on the support!

Remember, Apple is interested to promote applications that demonstrate the success of the latest hardware and software development company - it all goes to the benefit of Apple.

3. Do universal application

Often, this makes sense, sometimes not, but your application must be available for the Mac, iPhone and iPad. Covering all of Apple's key products increases the chance of getting the status Featured, and here's why: Imagine that you are at Apple, and you need to select an application from the category of "productivity". In the App Store there are hundreds. Which application have you liking? Available for Android and iOS, or universal product available on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, and supports iCloud. If I was on the site of an Apple employee, my choice would be obvious.

4. Invest in a good interface

In the App Store completely insane competition, and you have to compete with large companies that have unlimited resources to develop, as well as with the best development teams in the world. Most likely, you will need its own unique feature.

In recent years, the products are written by one person, still less likely to receive status Featured in the iOS App Store, and if I asked one very worthwhile advice, then I would advise to hire the best UI / UX Designer, which you can only imagine allow.

If you can not afford to hire such a person full time, please contact the same Dribbble. There are many designers lives, ready to work with you on the next "big thing."

5. Lighted in the media

It's pretty hard to do, but you have to try. Coverage in the media is absolutely essential for a successful product launch. Unimaginable number of developers are pulling with the preparations for the publication in the media until the last moment, or do so only after the product's release.

Ideally, you should try to create a buzz around the product is not yet released. Themed blogs and sites should tell you before you will appear in the App Store. I would suggest to make a teaser page on which the promo video or even a screenshot of the information that will make your application, and when you plan to release it. Remember, the teaser page with insufficient information are useless in practice.

Other information you need to make sure that you have a form to subscribe and all current social buttons. This will help create around preparing for the release of the product concerned community people. The announcement of the launch will help to climb the rankings in the App Store - it will make you more visible, including for the right people at Apple.

No need to hurry with the teaser. Report of the impending new product for a few weeks before the start - the optimum time. Launching a promotional company for a few months before the release to play against you. People just forget about you, and then suddenly came out of your notice may discourage them. Do not forget about competitors. They can steal the idea and implement it before you.

And further

Every day, Apple gets nearly 1,000 requests for placement in App Store. a small team responsible for reviewing and analyzing applications may simply not see the punch line of your application.

In order to increase the chance that you will pay attention, try to make contact with someone from Apple. I know sometimes it seems to bito head against the wall, but if you have a really nice app, Apple will want to know about it.

How to get in touch with Apple? Attend WWDC, communicate it to the developers. To maximize the range of useful contacts. In turn, Apple also reaches out to developers, which appear in their field of vision.

Now in the App Store about a million applications. It is clear that the chance to get the status Featured among such a variety is extremely small. But the good news is you can still release the successful application, even without promotion. In fact, it does not play a decisive role in the life of your product.

Good luck!

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