“Did you know that Apple search ads perform better if you have more than 150 ratings in the app store?”

Yes thats true! And I can say that after running hundreds of search ad campaigns for apps with no downloads to over thousands of downloads a day! When you run search ads on playstore, having at least 150 ratings is important to get people to notice you and start taking action (which is clicking and downloading). Now this brings us to two things – how do we get the initial 150 ratings and how do we maintain it beyond that!

The key to achieving 150 ratings and beyond while maintaining 4+ stars begins from understanding your customer journey which enables you to filter and focus on users who are likely to give good ratings to your app. Now how do you do that?

First let’s understand the customer journey.The customer journey, also known as the buyer’s journey, refers to the series of interactions and experiences that a user has with your APP from discovering your APP in APP store to uninstalling it from their phone, and in some cases, even beyond that. Now what you need to do is to list down all the touch points which in most cases will look like a tree and identify the customer delight points during the journey. These are actions or steps which are mostly taken by your happy and satisfied users. For example, in a dating APP, it could be to start sending connections or messages etc. or spending too much time on your APP everyday, or opening it too frequently! The sooner you identify such behaviors which are likely to indicate higher engagement or satisfaction from your users, the more likely you are to get positive reviews! 

Imagine this – only 25% of all App install users will actually come back to using your App for the second time.. This means that the remaining 75% did not find an active solution in your App. Now one of the coolest ways to increase your rating is to ask for reviews from the 25% repeat users because they are more likely to give you positive reviews compared to the 75% who never came back to your APP. How do you do that? Simple, all you need to do is to ask for review on second App open, or if you have a trial, then ask for review right after they sign up for the trial. You can aso ask for reviews right after then have signed up to a subscription. 

Here is a case study from one of the APPs we ran this test for. So this APP had a customer rating of 4.3 and was over 4 years old.

What we did was, we moved the review prompt after the trial activation and guess what we saw?

Our rating count increased by 4X! 

Not only that, we also increased our average rating from 4.3 to 4.5!

Now you might say that maybe we got way more downloads in January, so here is the download stats for the 3 months. 

As you can see, although we did get more downloads in January compared to previous months, the percentage of ratings we received increased by 3X! 

Therefore, while it is important to follow best practices, it is also important not to follow them blindly. While working on paywall optimization or user ratings, it is important for you to understand the customer journey and identify best touchpoints to ask for reviews. Remember that its also ok not to get it right the first time. This is where you need to have multiple touchpoints ready to be tested one after the other to identify the best performing touchpoint with the combination of the best performing prompt to build a sustainable ratings pipeline. 

Watch the video on 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBjqIx_4Yec 

1. Show paywall during on boarding

Did you know that over 50% of APP sales comes during the onboarding process? Yes, that’s how important this process is. Unlike youtube videos or social media engagements where you need multiple interactions to build trust with the users, APP users come loaded with trust (else they wouldn’t have downloaded your APP in the first place). Because users have been through the initial research process and installed your APP, they come in as warm leads and at this point it is important to show them a paywall to get them to convert while they are still ‘warm’.

2. Have an onboarding process

Sounds simple right – but think about it! Having an onboarding process means that you guide your users on how to use your APP. This is important as it not only reminds the users what your APP is about, it also allows you to highlight features which the users would find most valuable. It is often a good practice to include screenshots and help videos during the onboarding before showing a paywall to increase conversion.

3.  Have upgrade button on home screen

Several APPs like to hide the upgrade button in the hamburger menu or under settings assuming that users can find it if they want to upgrade. However research shows that having the upgrade button visible on the screen at all times leads to better conversions. The key to success is here to increase the visibility of the paywall. In fact, showing paywall on every single APP open is also known to increase conversion. This works on the premise that more people see your paywall, the higher are the chances of conversion.

4. Long pricing page

We have seen a 65% increase in subscriptions just by using longer paywalls! Longer paywalls also usually work better on the web. One of our followers witnessed a 4X increase in revenue after switching to a longer paywall.

Why does it work? Well,buyers  are more likely to engage with your paywall page content during the buying process which makes them a good tool to influence their decisions.. A good pricing page should ideally have the following – headline, pricing table, benefits, social  proofs, features (optional) and testimonials, pricing table again, FAQs and a floating button.

5. Animation

We have also noticed an increase in conversions after using subtle animations on the pricing page. Avoid using loud animations as this can distract the user. Using animation to delay the visibility X on the paywall can also increase conversion.

6. Add Urgency

Adding a sense of urgency is an age-old marketing trick that works across web and offline as well.You can add urgency by showing limited time offers expiring within a few hours to a few weeks depending on your customer journey. Dont worry too much about showing the limited time offer for extended periods of time as this is a common practice used across industries.

7. Promotions / winbacks

Using promotions and winbacks in an efficient way can increase your revenue without increasing your marketing budget considerably. One of the cool ways to win back using promotion is demonstrated in Headway APP who have gated content throughout their APP. When you try to access the locked content, you are shown a paywall. What Headway did was, they started showing a 70% off offer to users who exited the paywall!

Congratulations! You’ve now unlocked a treasure trove of game-changing tips and tricks to boost your app revenue and take your business to new heights. By implementing these proven strategies, you’ll be able to monetize your app and achieve your business goals like never before.

With these strategies in your toolkit, you’re well-equipped to turn your passion for app development into a profitable venture. So go forth, implement these tactics, and watch your app revenue soar to new heights. The future is bright, and your app’s success is just a few steps away. Happy monetizing!

1. Tracking your onboarding pages

Tracking the onboarding process refers to identifying and tracking important events using tracking tools such as Firebase or Mixpanel. One of the key metrics to consider is the first APP open vs paywall view which should be maintained at 100%. This implies that you should show your paywall on at least every first App open, and in some cases, on every App open. Remember that over 50% of sales usually comes during the onboarding process, so tracking every step of customer journey at this stage is critical to enable data driven decisions and paywall / onboarding optimization. Once your APP is live and you start collecting data at different touch points you can then compare them with the industry average to determine priority. Then continue split testing until you get the matrices right.

Watch examples of this technique here: https://youtu.be/AYBYgfDzYhA?t=142 

2. Show your paywall during the onboarding process. 

It may sound counterintuitive but over 60% of total sales comes from users even before they have used your APP which makes the onboarding process perhaps the most important part of the customers journey. 

Showing a paywall during the app onboarding process can be highly advantageous for multiple reasons. First and foremost, during onboarding, users have already demonstrated interest in your app by downloading it, making them more likely to be receptive to offers and willing to make a purchase. This “warm lead” stage presents a prime opportunity to present a paywall and convert them into paying customers while their excitement and interest are at their peak. Moreover, the onboarding process is a crucial phase where users actively explore your app’s features and functionalities.

By strategically placing a paywall during this phase, you can engage users when they are most receptive and open to the value your app provides, increasing the likelihood of them recognizing the benefits of upgrading and being inclined to make a purchase. Furthermore, by showcasing the paywall during onboarding, you can effectively demonstrate the unique value your app offers, highlighting key features and showcasing how it enhances the user experience or solves their problems. This not only justifies the cost of upgrading but also increases the perceived value of the paid version. Additionally, displaying the paywall during onboarding makes the upgrade process seamless and convenient for users. They don’t have to search for upgrade options or navigate through menus to find the premium features, resulting in a frictionless experience that enhances the likelihood of users opting for the paid version. Lastly, studies have shown that a significant portion of app sales occurs during the onboarding process, making it a critical window of opportunity for conversions.

By strategically introducing a paywall at this stage, you maximize the chances of converting users into paying customers, leveraging their initial interest, engagement, and the value proposition presented during onboarding. In summary, showing a paywall during the app onboarding process takes advantage of users’ initial enthusiasm, engages them at a pivotal stage, demonstrates the value of the paid version, and streamlines the upgrade process, ultimately boosting conversion rates and driving revenue for your app.

3. Add a review screen after paywall. 

Asking for customer reviews after a paywall can bring several benefits to your app. Firstly, by requesting reviews from users who have gone through the paywall and made a purchase, you are more likely to receive feedback from genuine and committed customers. These reviews carry more weight and credibility, as they come from users who have experienced the full value of your app. This helps potential users trust the authenticity of the reviews and the reliability of your app.

Secondly, positive customer reviews serve as powerful social proof. When potential users see positive reviews from other paying customers, it builds confidence and validates the quality and value of your app. These reviews act as endorsements, influencing others to trust your app and consider making a purchase themselves. It creates a positive perception of your app in the minds of potential users, increasing the chances of conversions.

Moreover, by asking for reviews after the paywall, you are more likely to receive feedback from users who have actively engaged with your app’s premium features. Their reviews can provide valuable insights and highlight specific aspects of your app that resonate with paying customers. This feedback can help you further optimize and enhance your app to cater to the needs and preferences of your target audience.

Additionally, customer reviews offer an opportunity for you to engage with your users, show appreciation for their support, and address any concerns or issues they may have. It demonstrates that you value their feedback and are committed to continuously improving the user experience.

In summary, asking for customer reviews after a paywall enables you to gather feedback from genuine customers, establish social proof, gain valuable insights, engage with users, and enhance the overall reputation and credibility of your app. It is a valuable strategy to leverage the positive experiences of paying customers and attract new users to your app.

4. Use a hard paywall

Implementing a hard paywall for your app offers significant advantages. It directly contributes to revenue generation by requiring upfront payments for accessing premium content and features. This ensures a clear monetization strategy, providing resources for app sustainability and development. Additionally, a hard paywall protects premium content from unauthorized access, preserving its value and preventing unauthorized distribution. Paying customers also benefit from an enhanced user experience, as exclusive features and content are made available to them, increasing their satisfaction and engagement. The flexibility to offer different subscription tiers accommodates various user preferences and budgets, maximizing monetization potential. By establishing a hard paywall, you create a sustainable app development model, utilizing consistent revenue streams to improve and update your app, while offering ongoing support to users. Overall, a hard paywall enables effective monetization, content protection, enhanced user experience, pricing flexibility, and long-term app success.

Congratulations, my fellow app champions! You’ve just unlocked a treasure trove of invaluable knowledge and strategies to boost your app revenue. Armed with these proven techniques, you’re now equipped to overcome any obstacle and achieve remarkable success in the competitive app market. Remember, it’s not just about the passion you pour into your app; it’s also about smart monetization and seizing every opportunity to engage and convert your users. By implementing the right mix of onboarding optimization, paywall strategies, and customer engagement, you’ll witness a dramatic surge in your app revenue. So go out there, unleash your creativity, and let your app shine brighter than ever before. Your journey to app success starts now, and with the right strategies in your arsenal, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Embrace the excitement, embrace the possibilities, and let your app revenue soar to unprecedented heights. The world is waiting for your app to make its mark, so go out there and conquer it with unstoppable determination. Good luck, and may your app journey be filled with triumph, growth, and endless rewards!

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You will discover all the factors that help you with your app store optimization and keyword rankings. Do you need paid marketing to get your ASO going? How does your subscription conversion rate impact ASO? Should you use keyword installs or motivated traffic?

Watch to find out.

Learn more about ASOMobile: https://bit.ly/3qkO5jF

Discover the key changes happening to ASO on Google Play. Including why you should wait to reduce your title to 30 characters, YouTube video optimization, and so much more.

Check out our complete ASO tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNtGHeg6BDqEh-fBBvnc66ZkMp3ftuqWC

What’s new for App Store Optimization in 2022? You will discover all about A/B testing on the App Store, in-app events, and other key changes to help you increase your organic downloads on iOS.

Check out our complete ASO tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNtGHeg6BDqEh-fBBvnc66ZkMp3ftuqWC

Want to get in on the NFT craze? We review a simple NFT creator app that is making over $70,000 a month!

This NFT creator is the simplest app to turn your pictures into crypto art.

With just a few taps, you can create your own crypto art and sell it on various marketplaces like axie infinity, nifty gateway, and superrare.

Download the NFT Creator App:
https://apps.apple.com/app/nft-creator/id1562077014

See our other million-dollar app ideas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8CYxrOmdp4

A/B testing is finally available on the iOS App Store! You will discover the difference between Custom Product Pages and Product Page Optimization.

About Product Page Optimization
Compare different app icons, screenshots, and app previews on your App Store product page to find out which resonates with people most. You can test up to three alternate product page versions against the original, view the results in App Analytics, and set the best performing version to display to everyone on the App Store.

Learn more: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/product-page-optimization/

Want to sell your app so you can finally cash out and move on to other projects? Or are you tired of running your app business and want an exit to get the fruits of your labor.

Today’s guest has helped over 100 developers to liquidate their assets and focus on their passion – making more apps. Over the past 4 years, they’ve been buying successful apps, in both App Store and Google Play platforms.

You will discover what they are looking for in apps, what data to focus on, what influencers the multiplier, and so much more.

Alon Waller CEO & CO-Founder at BlueThrone.

SPONSORS

Scaling your Apple Search Ads campaigns can be challenging if you don’t have the right tool kit. From market insights to automation tools, SearchAds.com provides everything you need in a single intuitive dashboard, so you can easily adapt, optimize and grow your mobile business in the App Store.

App acquisition startup Bluethrone has bought mobile apps from more than 100 developers- from US, Italy, and Russia to Pakistan, Vietnam and India. These developers made an exit, left financial stress in the past, and moved on to their next big project. Go to Bluethrone.io to apply for an exit!

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