How To Launch An App In 9 Easy Steps (Complete Guide)

Launching an app has become an integral part of the digital landscape, allowing businesses and individuals alike to tap into the immense potential of the mobile market. Whether you’re a developer building an app from scratch or an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, understanding the process of creating, publishing, and learning how to launch an app is essential.

In this article, we will explore the step-by-step how to launch an app on Apple Store and Google Play. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your app reaches its intended audience and stands out in the competitive app marketplace whether you create an app using app maker or a custom app. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of app development and discover the key strategies for successfully launching your app to the world.

Publish at Apple Store is crucial in the process of app development

The Apple App Store holds immense significance within the iOS ecosystem for developers and users alike. When building an app and creating an app, the App Store becomes the ultimate destination for publishing your masterpiece. Here are 4 reasons why publishing an app on the Apple Store is crucial:

• Building an App: As you embark on the journey of building an app, the Apple Store becomes the ultimate goal for reaching millions of iOS users. It provides a centralized platform for showcasing your creation to a vast audience.
• Creating an App: The Apple Store values the creativity and user experience that goes into creating an app. It not only recognizes the efforts of developers but also ensures that users have access to high-quality and innovative applications.
• How to Publish an App: Apple provides a streamlined and well-defined process, guiding developers through the necessary steps, including app submission, review, and final release.
• Publishing an App: The App Store is the gateway to making your app accessible to millions of iOS users. By publishing your app on the App Store, you increase its visibility, discoverability, and the likelihood of attracting a significant user base.

9 steps to launch successfully your app on the Apple store

1. Join the Apple Developer Program by signing up on the Apple Developer website and paying the annual fee.
2. Create an App ID, which is a unique identifier for your app, in the Apple Developer Portal.
3. Prepare certificates and provisioning profiles, which are necessary for signing and distributing your app.
4. Develop and test your app using tools like Xcode, ensuring its functionality and fixing any bugs.
5. Set up an account on App Store Connect, where you manage app submissions.
6. Prepare app metadata, including a compelling description, keywords, and app icon.
7. Submit your app for review by uploading the app binary and required assets to App Store Connect.
8. The App Review team will test your app for compliance with guidelines and functionality.
9. Address feedback or rejections from the App Review team promptly and make necessary changes.

Publishing Your App on the Google Play Store for Maximum Reach and Revenue

Once you are done developing your app using app creator or have made a custom app now it is time to publish it on the Google Play Store as it plays a significant role in reaching a vast audience. Here are the 4 advantages of publishing on the Google Play Store:

1. Vast Android User Base: The Google Play Store has a large user base, allowing your app to reach many potential users.
2. Global Reach: The Google Play Store operates worldwide, enabling you to target specific regions and expand your app’s reach.
3. Monetization Options: You can monetize your app through paid downloads, in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions on the Google Play Store.
4. Seamless Updates: The Google Play Store simplifies app updates, ensuring users can easily access the latest features and bug fixes.

4 requirements and guidelines to follow to publish your app on Google Play

1. Content Policies: Adhere to Google’s policies, which prohibit harmful content, intellectual property infringement, and illegal activities.
2. Developer Policies: Comply with Google’s policies on app functionality, privacy, and user data handling.
3. Quality Guidelines: Follow Google’s quality guidelines for a well-designed app and a positive user experience.
4. App Package Requirements: Meet requirements for file size, Android compatibility, and security features.

By meeting these requirements and guidelines, you can publish your app on the Google Play Store, reach a wide Android user base, and take advantage of monetization opportunities.

Launching an App on the Google Play Store

3 steps before launching the App on the Google Play Store

• Set up a Google Play Developer account:
  • Visit the Google Play Developer Console website and sign in with your Google account.
  • Follow the instructions to create a developer account and provide the necessary information, such as contact details and payment settings.
  • Pay the one-time registration fee to activate your account.
• Create a Developer Profile:
  • Fill out your developer profile with essential information, including your company name, website, and a brief description.
  • Customize your profile to showcase your brand and provide users with relevant details about your development team or company.
• Generate a signing key:
  • A signing key is required to digitally sign your app and establish its authenticity.
  • Generate a signing key using the key tool command-line tool or Android Studio’s built-in tools.
  • Keep your signing key safe, as it will be used for signing all future updates and releases of your app.

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to move on to the app development and preparation process before submitting it to the Google Play Store.

8 steps to go for app development and testing for the Google Play Store

1. Set up the development environment:
   • Download and install Android Studio, the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development.
2. Configure Android Studio by installing the necessary SDKs (Software Development Kits) and emulators for testing.
3. Create a new project:
   • Open Android Studio and create a new project.
   • Choose a project template or customize the project settings according to your app’s requirements.
4. Design the app’s user interface (UI):
   • Use Android Studio’s visual layout editor to design the app’s UI by adding components like buttons, text fields, and images.
   • Customize the UI appearance and behavior using XML layout files and resource files.
5. Implement app functionality:
   • Write the app’s code in Java, Kotlin, or a combination of both, depending on your programming language preference.
   • Use Android Studio’s code editor to write and organize your code efficiently.
   • Implement features, such as data retrieval from APIs, user input validation, and handling user interactions.
6. Test the app:
   • Use Android Studio’s built-in emulator or connect physical Android devices for testing.
   • Run the app on different devices and screen sizes to ensure compatibility and responsiveness.
   • Perform unit tests and integration tests to identify and fix any bugs or issues.
7. Debug and optimize:
   • Use Android Studio’s debugging tools to identify and fix coding errors, crashes, or performance issues.
   • Optimize the app’s speed, memory usage, and battery consumption for better user experience.
8. Build the app:
   • Generate an APK (Android Package) file, which is the installation file for Android apps.
   • Choose the appropriate build variant (debug or release) and configure build settings accordingly.
9. Continuous testing and deployment:
   • Implement automated testing frameworks, such as Espresso or Robolectric, for ongoing testing.
   • Create release builds for deployment to the Google Play Store, ensuring adherence to Google’s guidelines and policies.

Preparing app metadata, uploading app assets, and submitting the app for review

• Preparing app metadata:
  • Choose an app name that is unique, descriptive, and relevant to your app.
  • Write a compelling app description that highlights its features, functionality, and benefits to potential users.
  • Select relevant and effective keywords that reflect your app’s purpose and target audience.
  • Provide high-quality screenshots and videos showcasing your app’s user interface and key features.
  • Set the app’s category and target audience to ensure it appears in relevant search results.
• Uploading app assets:
  • Create an appealing app icon that represents your app’s branding and stands out in the Google Play Store.
  • Design feature graphics or banners that convey the essence of your app and attract users.
  • Prepare high-resolution promotional images or videos for use in the store listing.
  • Compile necessary assets like promotional images, branding materials, and legal information.
• Submitting the app:
  • Generate a signed APK (Android Package) file using your app’s signing key.
  • Complete the app’s content rating questionnaire, providing accurate information about its content, age restrictions, and privacy practices.
  • Choose the appropriate release track (such as internal testing, closed testing, or production) based on your app’s readiness and target audience.
  • Specify the countries or regions where you want your app to be available.
  • Set pricing and distribution options, including whether the app will be free or paid, and if it will offer in-app purchases or subscriptions.
• App Submission and Review:
  • Log in to your Google Play Developer Console account.
  • Fill in the required details and upload your APK file, app assets, and app metadata.
  • Review the submission to ensure all information is accurate and complies with Google’s policies.
  • Submit your app for review by the Google Play Store team.
  • Be patient during the review process, which typically takes a few days.
  • Address any feedback or issues provided by the review team promptly, making the necessary changes or clarifications.

Once your app successfully passes the review, it will be published on the Google Play Store and available for download to Android users worldwide. It’s important to regularly update your app, respond to user feedback, and maintain its quality and performance to ensure a positive user experience.

8 tips to improve visibility in the Google Play Store:

1. Work on App title and description:
   • Choose a catchy, concise, and keyword-rich app title that accurately reflects your app’s purpose and features.
   • Craft a compelling app description that clearly communicates the unique selling points and benefits of your app. Include relevant keywords naturally within the description to improve search visibility.
2. Eye-catching App Icon and Screenshots:
   • Design an eye-catching and visually appealing app icon that stands out among competitors. Ensure it represents your brand and conveys the app’s functionality.
   • Include high-quality screenshots that showcase the app’s key features and provide a glimpse of the user experience. Highlight the most compelling aspects to entice potential users.
3. Get App Ratings and Reviews:
   • Encourage satisfied users to rate and review your app. Positive ratings and reviews can significantly impact your app’s visibility and credibility.
   • Respond promptly and courteously to user reviews, addressing any concerns or issues raised. This shows your commitment to customer satisfaction.
4. Add App Category and Tags:
   • Select the most relevant app category and subcategories to ensure your app appears in the right search results and reaches the intended audience.
   • Use relevant and specific tags that accurately describe your app’s features, functionality, and target audience. This improves discoverability within the Google Play Store.
5. Localize your app to reach out a broader user base:
   • Consider localizing your app’s listing, including the app title, description, and screenshots, to target specific regions and languages. This enhances your app’s reach and appeal to a broader user base.
6. Update App regularly
   • Regularly update your app with new features, bug fixes, and improvements. Keeping your app up to date demonstrates your commitment to its quality and encourages user engagement.
   • Clearly communicate the changes and enhancements in the app’s changelog. Users appreciate transparency and being informed about what’s new in each update.
7. Use App Store Optimization (ASO) Tools:
   • Leverage ASO tools, such as keyword research tools and performance analytics platforms, to identify relevant keywords, monitor your app’s performance, and optimize your listing accordingly. Here are some App store optimization tools:
     • ASOTools
     • App Radar
     • Store Mocup
     • Sensor Tower
     • Storemaven
8. Marketing and Promotion:
   • Promote your app through various channels, such as social media, websites, blogs, and influencers. Generate buzz, encourage downloads, and drive traffic to your app’s listing page.

Key differences between Apple Store and Google Play Store Review Process

1. Review Process:
   • Apple App Store: Apps go through a strict review process to ensure they meet certain quality and security standards. It may take longer for apps to get approved.
   • Google Play Store: The review process is generally faster and less strict. Apps are mainly checked for policy compliance.
2. Making Money:
   • Apple App Store: You can make money from your app through paid downloads, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads. Apple takes a portion of the revenue.
   • Google Play Store: Similar monetization options are available, and Google’s revenue-sharing policy is more flexible, allowing developers to keep more of the money they earn.
3. Discovering Apps:
   • Apple App Store: Apps are showcased in curated sections and top charts. Apple’s team selects and promotes apps to help users discover new ones.
   • Google Play Store: Apps are discovered through algorithms, user ratings, and reviews. It offers categories and recommendations based on user behavior.

6 factors to help you to choose between Apple store and Google Play

• Both platforms charge fees. 
  • There’s an annual fee of $99 for the Apple Developer Program ($299 for the enterprise version). Apple charges a 30% share when you make more than $1 million in annual net app revenue; if you make less than $1 million in annual net app revenue, or when you’re new to the App Store, they charge 15%  
  • Google takes a 30% share of your app revenue as well, and also Google’s cut on your revenue for subscriptions decreases to 15% after a year. There’s also a one-time $25 registration fee for the developer account. 
• Fragmentation: Android devices come in various sizes and have different capabilities. This can make development and testing more challenging compared to iOS devices.
• Market Reach: Android devices have a larger global market share, potentially reaching more users worldwide. However, supporting different languages and regions can be more complex.
• In-App Purchases: There are differences in how in-app purchases are handled. Developers need to understand and implement the respective systems correctly.
• Revenue Split and Payment: Each platform has its revenue-sharing model and payment processing system, which affect how much money developers earn and when they get paid.
• Design Guidelines: Apple and Google have different design guidelines. Developers need to follow these guidelines to create apps that look and feel right on each platform.

It’s important to understand these differences when deciding where to launch your app. By considering your target audience, goals, and resources, you can make informed decisions about which platform to choose.

Conclusion

Launching, building, and creating an app require careful steps and considerations. Whether you’re targeting the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, understanding the process is key. following the steps given above, you can confidently navigate the process of launching and publishing your app on the desired platform.