It is without doubt that every app needs an exceptional marketing strategy in place if it is going to be a success. In spite of this there are only a few apps that have a website to support their app.
In actual fact, most do not even have a landing page, let alone a full website. As a tech entrepreneur it is right that your main drive is to develop a first-class piece of tech. The idea of requiring a website has possibly not even crossed your mind. Well, I expect it has now, reading this blog, but I also may assume you still aren’t sold on the idea. So, lets take a deep dive here.
Realities of having a website
Creating and maintaining a website requires time, money and effort. Additionally, your users download your app from the app-store not a website, so how will a website be beneficial?
The truth of the matter is your app store page can only do so much. If you have a website, you can furnish your potential users with more in-depth information in a place that’s entirely under your control.
Continue reading on to explore reasons why having a website can help you make the most of your mobile app and supercharge awareness and downloads.
5 Reasons Why Your App Needs a Website
1. Build awareness pre-launch
Launching your webpage prior to the app development being finished and accessible to users is useful for building brand recognition. It also helps you to create momentum and interest surrounding the release.
If on launch day no one downloaded your app, you would be hugely discouraged, right?
If you have a website, you can offer potential users samples of what your app will do by displaying a pitch. You can also offer incentives like jump the queue, early access or exclusive early-bird discounts. Sign them up to a waiting list and capture their email address so you can market to them and create some hype around your launch.
2. No limitations
Submitted an app to either Apple App Store or Google Play comes with a huge list of guidelines and limitations. These comprise of restrictions on the number of videos and screenshots you can display on your app page, along with limitations on quality, content and sizing.
If you have a webpage there are no limitations and you can be as creative as you wish to be. Alongside this, you can continue to publish good quality content for free.
App Store restrictions mean that you only get 4000 characters to clarify why users should download your app. However, with your own webpage you can provide a more thorough description about your features and your app’s benefits.
This means potential users can fully understand your product prior to making a commitment. This is particularly beneficial if your app needs an upfront investment prior to use, or if you offer pricey in app purchasing options.
3. Direct contact with users
The majority of apps will (and definitely should) have a support aspect built into the app, which enables users to access support if they have any problems or suggestions. However, suppose that the users have questions for you before the release, or they select to download your app? This is where having a website can be vital as it allows for direct contact for the potential users prior and post launch.
Regardless of whether it’s by supplying an email address or via live chat, this means you can have a one-to-one and private discussion with your customer. Additionally, it can assist in keeping negative comments to a minimum. If your app fails to supply the user with a clear way of contacting you, the user may opt to post a negative review somewhere online or via the app store.
4. Control over user reviews
In a perfect world, your app store page would be bursting with thousands of reassuring, positive reviews and 5-star ratings. About 59% of people research ratings and reviews before downloading a new app, making this the key element of their selection.
There are strategies you can have in place to reduce the damage and maintain those positive reviews. You can use your website to display more favourable and considered reviews to your customers.
5. Build on SEO
Creating a website allows you to refine the search for your app on Bing, Google and numerous other search engines. Despite not having a huge amount of content on your website at the beginning, anything is better than nothing. Through astute search engine optimisation, you will be able to compete for rank for a variety of related search terms.
Furthermore, if you are motoring on with your marketing activities, you should also be receiving some interest from bloggers and journalists. Your website can hold your media kit and other useful brand materials. And it also gives bloggers and journalists a place to link back to.
Acquiring these first-rate link backs to your websites helps Google to measure the quality of your website and will help you rank higher.
When is the right time to launch a website for your app?
The earlier you launch your website the better. No matter whether the app is still at the development stage or not, the website will allow you to build awareness and enthusiasm before your launch. A website is a great way to provide users with incentives and early access, garner feedback and share your vision and dream for your app business.
Do I really need a full website?
In many cases, for those new to the world of tech and app development, a simple landing page is a good start. Coming from a marketing background we are always going to see the benefits and potential of a full build.
Below we are going to outline the minimum requirements for your app website.
Key Elements Your App Website Needs
- Clearly display your app name and icon.
- App pitch/tagline: A sentence that explains what your app does and why users should download it.
- Devices on which the app is available and when?
- A clear call-to-action. For example, this can be a sign-up for early access or download now.
- Social proof – reviews, testimonials, feedback.
- App screenshots that demonstrate and explain your main features.
- Promotional videos.
- Links to social media accounts.
- Contact information.
To learn more about various other marketing techniques that you can use to grow your app user base and retain loyal app users, get in contact with us here at the Altitude Agency today!
We look forward to hearing from you and helping your app business reach new heights.
