Congratulations on creating a mobile game! You’ve poured your heart and soul into it, and now it’s time to get it in front of players. But with millions of apps vying for attention, how do you make your game stand out? One way is to get featured on the App Store.
Being featured on the App Store can significantly boost your game’s visibility and downloads. It’s a coveted spot that can catapult your game to success. But how do you achieve this coveted status? Let’s dive in!
Understanding App Store Features
The App Store features games in various categories, like “New Games We Love”, “Games You Might Like”, or “Editors’ Choice”. These features can be highly valuable for gaining visibility.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of App Store features:
- Featured: These are the most prominent features, typically reserved for high-quality, innovative games.
- Editors’ Choice: Awarded by Apple editors to games they deem exceptional.
- New Games We Love: Showcases new and exciting games.
- Game of the Day: A single game featured daily on the App Store.
- Collection Features: Groups of games themed around specific categories, genres, or events.
Optimizing Your Game for App Store Visibility:
Before aiming for a feature, ensure your game is optimized for maximum visibility within the App Store. Here’s a checklist:
- Captivating App Icon: Your app icon is the first thing potential players see. Ensure it’s visually striking, relevant to your game, and easily recognizable.
- Compelling App Name: Choose a name that is memorable, relevant to your game, and easily searchable.
- Engaging Screenshots and Video: Use high-quality screenshots and video previews that showcase your game’s best features and gameplay.
- Well-Written App Store Description: Your description should be concise, compelling, and highlight your game’s unique selling points.
- Target Keywords: Research and use relevant keywords in your app title, description, and metadata to improve your search ranking.
Building a Strong User Base:
Getting featured is easier if you already have a positive track record.
- Positive Reviews: Encourage players to leave positive reviews. A high rating builds trust and indicates your game’s quality.
- Active Community: Engage with your players through social media, forums, or in-game communities.
- Engaging Content: Create content like trailers, gameplay videos, or blog posts to promote your game and generate buzz.
Submitting Your Game for Consideration:
Once your game is optimized and you have a solid user base, it’s time to submit it for App Store consideration.
- App Store Connect: Use the “App Store Connect” portal to submit your game for review.
- Submit to the “Featured” Tab: When submitting, clearly indicate that you’re interested in being featured.
- Provide Supporting Materials: Submit high-quality materials like a press kit, trailers, or screenshots that highlight your game’s unique features.
The Role of Public Relations:
Public relations can play a crucial role in getting your game featured.
- Press Release: Write a compelling press release that outlines your game’s unique selling points and target audience.
- Media Outreach: Reach out to gaming publications and websites to generate press coverage.
- Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to engage with the gaming community.
Staying Patient and Persistent:
Getting featured on the App Store is a competitive process, and it often requires patience and perseverance.
- Continue Optimizing: Continually optimize your game based on player feedback and App Store trends.
- Engage with Apple: Keep up with any communication from Apple regarding your game’s status.
- Don’t Give Up: If you don’t get featured immediately, don’t give up! Continue to improve your game and promote it effectively.
Alternative App Store Promotion Strategies:
While getting featured is a great goal, it’s not the only way to promote your game.
- ASO (App Store Optimization): Utilize various strategies to optimize your app listing for better search rankings.
- Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with gaming influencers to promote your game to their audiences.
- Social Media Advertising: Run targeted ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- In-App Purchases and Monetization: Consider adding in-app purchases or other monetization strategies to generate revenue.
Conclusion:
Getting your mobile game featured on the App Store is an achievable goal with careful planning, optimization, and persistence. By focusing on building a high-quality game, engaging with your players, and promoting your game effectively, you increase your chances of securing that coveted spot on the App Store. Remember, success takes time and dedication, but with the right approach, your game can reach new heights!
