A step-by-step guide to promoting your eCommerce mobile app

Discover tips about how to market your new mobile app to quickly begin realizing its benefits
by
Jeran Fox
|
August 31, 2023

85% of time spent on smartphones is spent using apps. In today's digital age, having a mobile app for your e-commerce business is no longer just an option, it's a necessity. Creating a mobile app ensures that your customers have easy and direct access to your brand.

However, developing an app is just the first step: you still need to promote it effectively. While that might sound like a lot to do, it doesn't need to be a daunting task. In fact, you'll find the process quite similar to any product launch you may have previously done. With our step-to-step guide, from web promotion to email marketing, we'll show you just how easy it is to get your mobile app adopted by your target audience. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Web marketing for your mobile app

The first step in promoting your mobile e-commerce app is to ensure your web presence is optimized for it. You want your potential customers to be able to find your app easily, so focusing on your mobile app's landing page and smart banner is essential.

Mobile app landing page

A mobile app landing page should be concise and to the point. Make sure you provide a short description so potential customers know what they can expect and highlight the benefits of using the app. For example, Spotify's App Store page explains what the app does, highlights the benefits, answers common questions, and includes a CTA to download the application.

Implement a mobile website smart banner

Additionally, you can use a smart banner to link users directly to your app page on their mobile devices. This is a great way to increase the visibility of your mobile app and ensure it's easily accessible to those already viewing your website from a smartphone or tablet (which is typically over 50% of your website visits!).

Step 2: Create an email marketing campaign

Email marketing is still a powerhouse tool in the digital age, and it can be an effective way to promote your mobile app. By crafting engaging content that shows off the benefits of using your e-commerce app, you can create an effective campaign to reach potential customers directly in their inboxes.

This includes:

Sending app-specific emails

Consider sending targeted marketing emails to your customer base designed to showcase your app's unique benefits and features! To really build buzz, try creating a pre-launch campaign to get people on board before the app goes live. And once the launch is complete, keep the momentum going by regularly reminding customers about the app's value with well-timed email reminders.

Update your email footer

By simply updating your standard email marketing footer, you can include direct links to your mobile apps along with a powerful call to action that will encourage your audience to install them. This is a simple way to promote your app to your existing customers.

Include Apple App Store and Google Play Store buttons

If you want to make it even easier for your customers to install your app, include direct download buttons in your emails. This will link directly to the App Store or Google Play Store and allow customers to quickly download your mobile application without having to search for it manually. Grab the assets for the App Store here and the Google Play Store here.

Step 3: Set up your social media strategy

Social media will always be one of the most powerful ways to promote your app and grow customer engagement. You should create customized content for each platform that appeals to your target audience and drives them to download your app.

Create a launch post and story

Just like any other product launch, crafting a creative launch post and story for social media can spread awareness of your mobile app. Make sure to include the features, benefits, and visuals to give your followers an idea of what they will get by installing the app. Include a link to make it easy to download!

Pin a post to your page

After your launch, consider pinning a post to your page that serves as a reminder of the app and its benefits each time followers visit. This is a passive yet effective way to keep your mobile app top of mind and drive downloads.

Keep the download link in your bio

Make sure your social media bio includes a direct link to your app page on the App Store or Google Play Store. This will make it easy for followers who are interested in downloading the app to find it.

Step 4: Offer app exclusives

One way to attract a wider audience is to offer app-exclusive perks such as early access to new products or collections, access to exclusive collections, or app-only discounts. Providing an incentive to download your app can be a powerful way to get more people on board.

Step 5: App store SEO & reviews

Want to acquire new customers organically? Focus on two things: app store SEO (ASO) and app reviews. For ASO, nail your app name and keywords, description, and visuals. Additionally, positive app reviews are key to boosting downloads and visibility. Keep users engaged and ask for feedback to build a loyal user base.

What other ways can I promote my mobile app?

While these aren't a necessity, they're still a great way to gain traction around your mobile app. Here are a few additional ways to promote your mobile app:

  • Use QR Codes: By including a QR code on your print advertisements, you can give your customers a physical way to access your mobile app.
  • Word of Mouth: Make sure you tell people about your app! Whether you mention your app to others or ask friends and family to spread the word, word-of-mouth promotion is a great way to get the conversation going about your mobile app.
  • Invest In Paid Ads: Similar to a big product launch, investing in paid ads will give your app greater reach and help more people discover it.
Wrapping up

Launching your mobile app doesn't have to be intimidating. By following these steps, you can successfully launch and promote your mobile app with confidence. Want to learn more tips from Hex? Browse through our blog for more valuable insights.