If you’ve created a mobile app, you probably want to get people to notice and download it. But, there are lots of apps available today.
In fact, there are now more than 2 million apps in Apple’s app store, and studies show that that number should top 5 million by 2020.
So, with so many apps to catch the attention of mobile users, how do you get yours to stand out?
Rather than rely on tried and true digital marketing techniques to promote your app, try tackling some of these creative app marketing strategies.
You may be able to tap into a market that hasn’t been reached yet, or build appreciation and trust simply because you’ve chosen to market in a unique and creative way.
1. Harness the Power of Micro Influencers
You’ve probably heard of influencers if you’re paying attention to marketing trends today. But, what about micro influencers?
Micro influencers are, as their name suggests, social media users who have a powerful presence on the web – but one that is quantitatively small. Experts differ on what qualifies someone to be a micro influencer, but it tends to be a social media account that has somewhere between 1,000 and 10,000 followers.
If you want to get the word out about your app, it can pay to harness the power of micro influencers for marketing, rather than trying to work with an influencer who has a larger following.
Micro influencers are powerful because their audiences are niche and specific. While they might be small in number, followers of a micro influencer account follow that account for a reason – be it that they fall into a certain demographic, or that they are passionate about a specific subject or interest.
Micro influencers are also a great way to market your app because they actually engage with followers, since their audience is small and manageable. They can give more helpful info to people about your app and have a real conversation encouraging people to check it out.
Some of the most successful apps have grown by relying on micro influencers. For example, dating app Bumble grew after one user, with 200 followers, posted a picture of herself wearing a t-shirt promoting the app.
Once Bumble realized the impact that one social media user could have, they connected with 10,000 more users who helped them get the word out to their followers. Today, Bumble has more than 40 million registered users.
Reach out to micro influencers who post about topics related to your app, or those who appeal to the same audience your appeals to. Ask them to post about your app in exchange for a monetary token (or another form of compensation).
By relying on micro influencers, you can use your marketing dollars to reach potential users who have already identified themselves as qualified leads.
2. Time Marketing Efforts to Coincide with an Event
Is there a global news event or occasion coming up? If so, try to time your app marketing to coincide with that large event, and tie your marketing efforts into what’s happening so your app gets noticed.
Place app ads in apps that people will be using during the event. For example, during March Madness, consider placing ads for your app in another tournament related app or website. You know that people will be frequenting them, so you can be sure that your ads will get seen.
Also, theme your ads or marketing campaign to match the event or holidays. If the 4th of July is coming up, consider running a Patriotic campaign, or if it’s the Olympics, consider theming your ads around healthy competition or a concept of global connectedness.
Finally, make sure you update your app description in the app store to incorporate keywords related to the event in order take advantage of ASO.
3. Apply for an App Award
If you are creating an awesome app, consider applying for an app award to get more promotion.
Winning an app award will not only build your cred, but it will also ensure that your app is mentioned in the news in the tech and mobile spheres. It could also win you a monetary prize that you can invest in marketing or development.
Some popular awards that are given to mobile apps include:
Getting your application together for an app award can take a little time, but once you’ve gathered materials, you can apply for awards again and again – then use the prizes you win to continue to grow.
App developers and creators who want to get the word out about their app don’t always need to rely on standard techniques like social media marketing in order to grow their app.
Instead, they can tackle lesser known and more creative techniques, so that they get their app seen in a place where others aren’t being noticed, and take advantage of cost-effective and original platforms for promotion.
