{"id":16752,"date":"2022-04-11T16:14:45","date_gmt":"2022-04-11T14:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/?p=16752"},"modified":"2023-07-19T15:56:49","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T13:56:49","slug":"increase-app-downloads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Increase App Downloads in 10 Simple Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Why people\u2019s phones are stuffed with apps is a question that can keep app marketers up at night. Some say it\u2019s due to a psychological need for saving energy\u2014apps help us accomplish more with less time and effort. Others attribute the success of apps to our constantly-connected lifestyle, which apps enable.<br \/>\nIn any case, one thing is certain: We use an average of 46 different apps each month, and this number keeps growing year by year. So the real question becomes: How can you make sure your app is one of those 46 in markets outside your own? This guide will explore how localization can help you increase app downloads.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Overview<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#whats-mobile-app-localization-and-why-does-it-matter\" title=\"What\u2019s mobile app localization, and why does it matter?\">What\u2019s mobile app localization, and why does it matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-1-do-your-research\" title=\"Step 1: Do your research\">Step 1: Do your research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-2-design-locally-appealing-visuals\" title=\"Step 2: Design locally appealing visuals\">Step 2: Design locally appealing visuals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-3-localize-your-app-store-listing\" title=\"Step 3: Localize your app store listing\">Step 3: Localize your app store listing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-4-localize-your-app-content\" title=\"Step 4: Localize your app content\">Step 4: Localize your app content<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-5-get-local-reviews-and-testimonials\" title=\"Step 5: Get local reviews and testimonials\">Step 5: Get local reviews and testimonials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-6-invest-in-paid-user-acquisition-campaigns\" title=\"Step 6: Invest in paid user acquisition campaigns\">Step 6: Invest in paid user acquisition campaigns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-7-leverage-the-power-of-community\" title=\"Step 7: Leverage the power of community\">Step 7: Leverage the power of community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-8-offer-a-freemium-plan\" title=\"Step 8: Offer a freemium plan\">Step 8: Offer a freemium plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-9-launch-a-referral-program\" title=\"Step 9: Launch a referral program\">Step 9: Launch a referral program<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#step-10-build-a-website-and-a-blog-for-your-app\" title=\"Step 10: Build a website and a blog for your app\">Step 10: Build a website and a blog for your app<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/increase-app-downloads\/#conquer-the-world-one-app-at-a-time\" title=\"Conquer the world, one app at a time\">Conquer the world, one app at a time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"whats-mobile-app-localization-and-why-does-it-matter\"><\/span>What\u2019s mobile app localization, and why does it matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/mobile-app-localization-why-and-how\/\">Mobile app localization<\/a> is the process of adapting all elements of an app\u2014including the UI, the copy, the layout, the visuals, and more\u2014to a specific market (or &#8220;locale&#8221;).<br \/>\nLocalization ensures that an app feels natural and relevant to users in the target market, taking into account cultural differences, legal requirements, and other unique factors that go beyond language.<br \/>\nThe main benefit of localizing your app is that it lets you tap into new markets and reach new users who might not be able to use your app otherwise. Engagement and downloads go up when people can use an app in their own language\u2014user experience is king, after all, and <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/app-localization-developers-guide-to-user-experience\/\">tightly related to language<\/a>.<br \/>\nWhile the theory behind localization may be pretty straightforward, the process of <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/how-important-is-localization-for-your-business\/\" rel=\"noopener\">devising a solid localization strategy<\/a>, followed by actually localizing the app, can be complex\u2014especially for small and midsize businesses with limited resources.\u00a0No need to worry, though, we\u2019ve got you covered. Read on for 10 simple steps that will help you increase app downloads through well-executed localization.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-1-do-your-research\"><\/span>Step 1: Do your research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This might sound like a cliched piece of advice, but bear with us\u2014doing your research is key to successful localization. The first step is to identify your target markets and learn as much as you can about <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/guide-to-understanding-what-customers-really-want\/\">what customers really want<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are the languages of those markets?<\/li>\n<li>What do local users want from an app like yours?<\/li>\n<li>Who are your main competitors in these markets?<\/li>\n<li>What cultural sensitivities do you need to take into account?<\/li>\n<li>What are the locally preferred payment methods?<\/li>\n<li>What local regulations do you need to be aware of?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Research also includes keywords: Getting more downloads for your app is heavily reliant on app store search so it\u2019s important to choose the right keywords for your target markets. We will cover app store optimization (ASO) in more detail later on in this guide.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-2-design-locally-appealing-visuals\"><\/span>Step 2: Design locally appealing visuals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you have a clear understanding of your target markets, it\u2019s time to start thinking about <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/app-localization-developers-guide-to-user-experience\/#5\">how to make your app look and feel native to users<\/a> in each of them.<br \/>\nThis is where visuals come in: Everything from your app icon and screenshots to your in-app graphics and videos should be adapted to the local market.<br \/>\nYour app icon is the first thing users see in an app store. They will also see it on featured pages and lists, in category pages, and\u2014if you\u2019re lucky\u2014on social media or in the press. Moreover, once installed, your icon will be displayed on the users\u2019 home screens and in their app drawers.<br \/>\nWhen designing an icon for a specific market, keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Visuals:<\/strong> What colors, shapes, and symbols are popular in the target market?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural references:<\/strong> Avoid any culturally-insensitive imagery or symbolism.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Simplicity:<\/strong> A simplified logo that represents your app\u2019s function can help users remember why they downloaded it in the first place.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consistency:<\/strong> While you can adapt your icon to each market, make sure it\u2019s still recognizable as your brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-3-localize-your-app-store-listing\"><\/span>Step 3: Localize your app store listing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your app store listing is your chance to sell users on your app, so it\u2019s important to make sure you localize it for each of your target markets. This includes the app name, app description, screenshots, and any other text that appears on your listing\u2014and it\u2019s known as <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/app-localization-the-ultimate-guide-to-app-store-optimization\/\">app store optimization (ASO)<\/a>.<br \/>\nRemember the keyword research we mentioned earlier? This is where it comes into play\u2014the keywords you\u2019ve identified for each target market should be included in your app name and description.<br \/>\nWhen localizing your app store listing, keep in mind that you only have a limited amount of space to work with. Some languages are more verbose than others, so you might need to account for that, too.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-4-localize-your-app-content\"><\/span>Step 4: Localize your app content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once users download your app, you need to make sure they can actually use it. This means localizing the user interface so that it appears in the local language and uses the local conventions for things like date and time formats, currency, and measurements.<br \/>\nThat brings us to the next consideration: <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/localization-isnt-just-about-translation\/\">Localization goes beyond simply translating text<\/a>. It also takes into account aspects like local customs, preferences, and expectations. For example, payment methods vary from country to country, so you\u2019ll need to make sure your app can accept the locally preferred payment methods.<br \/>\nLast but not least, localizing your content also includes making sure that any imagery, videos, or other visuals you use are culturally appropriate. For example, you might need to avoid using offensive imagery, including emojis. Did you know that clapping hands implies sexual intercourse in some cultures?<\/p>\n<div class=\"p-message_pane_message__message_label c-message_kit__labels c-message_kit__labels--light\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__gutter\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__gutter__right\" role=\"presentation\" data-qa=\"message_content\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__blocks c-message_kit__blocks--rich_text\">\n<div class=\"c-message__message_blocks c-message__message_blocks--rich_text\" data-qa=\"message-text\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer\" data-qa=\"block-kit-renderer\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper--first\">\n<div class=\"p-rich_text_block\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"p-rich_text_section\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-5-get-local-reviews-and-testimonials\"><\/span>Step 5: Get local reviews and testimonials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Social proof is a powerful tool, and it\u2019s especially important in markets where users might be unfamiliar with your brand. In these cases, local reviews and testimonials can help build trust and convince users to download your app.<br \/>\nRecommendations and reviews are especially important in the app store, where they\u2019re prominently featured on an app\u2019s listing. Positive reviews can help you rank higher in app store search results, which drives more organic traffic to your listing.<br \/>\nMoreover, you can repurpose positive reviews and testimonials on your website, social media, and in other marketing materials. They\u2019re also a great way to interact with users and show that you appreciate their feedback.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-6-invest-in-paid-user-acquisition-campaigns\"><\/span>Step 6: Invest in paid user acquisition campaigns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Paid user acquisition is a great way to jumpstart your app\u2019s growth in a new market. By running ad campaigns targeting users in the target market, you can generate interest in your app and get it in front of a larger audience.<br \/>\nWhen planning a paid user acquisition campaign, the research you originally conducted will come in handy to identify the right channels to use. For example, you might want to focus on Facebook or Google ads in some countries and invest in Twitter or Instagram advertising in others.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-7-leverage-the-power-of-community\"><\/span>Step 7: Leverage the power of community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Building a community around your app can help you achieve success in new markets in the long run. Communities provide a way for users to connect with each other, exchange tips and advice, and promote your app to their family and friends.<br \/>\nThere are many ways to build a community around your app. You can start by creating a social media channel (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and engaging with users. Facebook groups are also a great way to build a community, as users can join them for free and interact with each other in a more private setting. You can also sponsor or attend local events related to your app or target market.<br \/>\nPartnering up with local influencers is another effective way to build a community around your app. Influencers have a large following in the target market and can promote your app to their followers. This way, you can tap into their existing community and get your app in front of a larger audience.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-8-offer-a-freemium-plan\"><\/span>Step 8: Offer a freemium plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Offering a freemium plan can be a great way to get users in new markets interested in your app. A freemium plan lets users try out the full features of your app for free, with the option to upgrade to a premium plan if they want more features or access to more content.<br \/>\nThis type of plan is especially popular in the app store, where users are more likely to download a free app than one that costs money. And since you\u2019re not asking for payment upfront, users are more likely to give your app a try.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-9-launch-a-referral-program\"><\/span>Step 9: Launch a referral program<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Referral programs can help you boost downloads and revenue in new markets. A referral program incentivizes users to refer their friends and family to your app. This way, you can tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing and get more users on board.<br \/>\nWhen designing a referral program, it\u2019s important to offer attractive rewards that users will actually want, and culture might have a role to play here in terms of what your local user base would find valuable. For example, apart from traditional rewards such as discounts and freebies, you could consider offering experiential rewards such as VIP access to local events.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"step-10-build-a-website-and-a-blog-for-your-app\"><\/span>Step 10: Build a website and a blog for your app<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/9-steps-to-get-your-website-localization-started\/\">Having a website for your app<\/a> is a simple but effective way to provide users with more information about your app. A website can also serve as a central location for all your marketing materials, including screenshots, videos, and testimonials.<br \/>\nA blog is a great way to give users valuable insights into how your app works and what it can do for them. You can also use the blog for content marketing, and share posts that target users in the new market you\u2019re trying to reach.<br \/>\nBecause both your website and your blog will need to be in the local language, you\u2019ll need to make decisions around things like producing original content vs embarking on <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/optimize-marketing-localization-process\/\">marketing localization<\/a>, what the best website architecture is for a global audience, and so on.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"conquer-the-world-one-app-at-a-time\"><\/span>Conquer the world, one app at a time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With these 10 simple steps, you can take your app global and increase downloads, exposure, and revenue in new markets. While there\u2019s no silver bullet for success, a strategic focus on localization is the most sustainable way to achieve it all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering how to increase app downloads? A strategic focus on localization can help you do it simply and effectively.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":2597,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"class_list":["post-16752","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-global-business"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16752"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16752"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94801,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16752\/revisions\/94801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}