The global mobile application market is booming, valued at USD 252.89 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 14.3% from 2024 to 2030. The market is growing due to increasing internet usage.
Launching a mobile application has become a core factor for companies to consider. Many apps fail to succeed for long due to a disconnect between user expectations and app functionality.
This happens due to a skill gap. Businesses often struggle to identify market trends and lose their audiences. Therefore, hiring a professional app development company is crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Partner with PixcelCrayons. We combine your idea and our expertise to draw an innovative mobile solution.
Also Read – What is a Mobile App Business Plan? Expert Tips to Write It for Your App Startup
Table of Contents
Steps to Launch Mobile App
Understanding the process of launching a mobile app can help businesses mitigate the issues. 25 % of people abandon mobile apps after only one use (build fire). Here is the complete process to consider when you launch a mobile app in the market.
1. Defining the Goal
Clear business objectives ease the process. What problem does the app solve? How will success be measured? These questions are crucial for shaping the development, feature selection, marketing, and budget allocation.
– Apps like Uber initially focused on solving transportation inefficiencies for urban areas and tailored their launch goals around user convenience and affordability.
2. Conduct Market Research and Competitor Analysis
Research your competitors and the current market. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and gaps. Use this insight to position your app with a unique selling point (USP).
– 25% of users abandon apps after one use. Knowing what keeps users engaged is key to improving retention.
3. Defining the Target Audience
A deep understanding of your user demographics is critical for design and marketing. Tailor features, design, and marketing strategies to meet your users’ needs.
– Apps like Tinder focus on simplifying user interaction, leading to high user engagement by focusing on simplicity for the target audience.
4. Calculating Budget and Deadlines
Allocate your budget across development, marketing, and post-launch support. A clear timeline ensures that each launch phase, from development to marketing, runs smoothly.
5. Developing User Personas and Journey Maps
Create detailed user personas and journey maps that depict how your target users will interact with the app. This helps ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.
– A food delivery app user might have personas for “busy professionals” and “college students,” each with different interaction flows.
6. Defining the Basic Functionality
Focus on core functionalities that deliver the most value. Prioritize these in the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to ensure an efficient user experience and simpler development.
7. Choosing a Technology Stack
Choose between native, hybrid, or cross-platform technology to help your app stand out and perform better in the competition. Technology-integrated applications are demanding and help you achieve goals and audiences.
8. Creating the Marketing Strategy
Build a marketing mobile app launch strategy focusing on awareness before launch. Utilize social media, influencers, email campaigns, and paid ads. Pre-launch marketing should also include app store optimization (ASO).
9. Designing and Prototyping
Build wireframes and prototypes that reflect user needs. A well-designed app creates a lasting first impression and can drive better user adoption.
– Wireframes and prototypes help visualize the app and gather early feedback before committing significant resources.
10. Testing and Stabilization
Comprehensive testing is critical for identifying bugs, optimizing performance, and ensuring usability. This phase includes unit testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing.
– Beta testing with a select group is highly recommended for gathering feedback on usability and identifying last-minute issues before the public launch of a mobile app.
11. Launch and Monitor Feedback
Launch the app and engage your user base by encouraging them to leave reviews and provide feedback. Post-launch feedback is essential for refining the product and addressing early bugs.
– Monitor metrics such as user retention, churn rate, and daily active users to measure the app’s performance.
Also Read: How to Create an App like Instashop?
How to Launch an App: Before the Launch
Feedback from real users before the launch will allow you to optimize the last-minute changes. Following the process of how to launch an app successfully improves your launch and maps its success.
It’s vital to prepare before hitting the “launch” button.
Here’s a pre-launch checklist:
- Beta Testing: Gather feedback from a small group of users.
- Landing Page: Create a landing page with a call-to-action.
- App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimize your app’s title, keywords, and description to improve discoverability.
- Press Kit: Prepare a press kit with key information for media outreach.
These are the best practices for app submission that help you gain results and make your app outperform in the market.
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Launching on the App Store has Specific Requirements
When launching an app on the store, you must follow specific steps. We have defined a guide for easy navigation.
1. Prepare Your App for Submission
- Development and Testing: Ensure your app is fully developed and thoroughly tested on various iOS devices and versions.
- App Store Compatibility: Confirm that your app complies with Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines.
2. Set Up Your App in App Store Connect
- Create an Apple Developer Account: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program ($99/year) to access App Store Connect.
- App Information: Log in to App Store Connect and create a new app entry. Fill out essential details such as app name, primary language, bundle ID, and SKU.
3. Prepare App Metadata
- App Title and Description: Write a catchy title and a detailed description that includes keywords relevant to your app’s niche.
- Screenshots and Videos: Upload high-quality screenshots for various device sizes (iPhone, iPad, etc.) and an optional app preview video.
- App Icon: Ensure your app icon meets Apple’s guidelines (1024×1024 pixels) and is visually appealing.
4. Configure App Information
- Category and Tags: Select the appropriate category for your app and add relevant keywords to enhance discoverability.
- Pricing and Availability: Set your app’s pricing (free or paid) and select the regions where your app will be available.
5. Build and Archive Your App
- Xcode Preparation: Use Xcode to build your app. Ensure you’re using the latest SDKs and frameworks.
- Code Signing and Provisioning: Configure your app’s code signing with an appropriate distribution certificate and provisioning profile.
- Archive Your App: Create an archive of your app using Xcode and validate it to ensure there are no issues.
Also Read: Advantages of an Enterprise App Store
6. Upload Your App
- Transporter or Xcode: Use the Transporter app or Xcode to upload your app archive to App Store Connect.
- Wait for Processing: Once uploaded, wait for Apple to process your app. This may take some time.
7. Submit Your App for Review
- Prepare for Submission: In App Store Connect, fill out any required app information, including age rating, privacy policy URL, and app review notes.
- Submit for Review: Submit your app for Apple’s review process. You can monitor the status in App Store Connect.
8. Respond to Review Feedback
- Address Issues: If Apple provides feedback or requests changes, make the necessary adjustments to your app.
- Resubmit: Once changes are made, resubmit your app for review.
9. Launch Your App
- Release Your App: Once approved, you can release your app immediately or schedule a release date.
- Marketing and Promotion: Promote your app through social media, press releases, and other marketing channels to reach your target audience.
10. Monitor and Update Your App
- Analytics and Feedback: Monitor app performance and user feedback. Use tools like App Analytics in App Store Connect.
- Regular Updates: Keep your app updated with new features, bug fixes, and improvements based on user feedback and changing guidelines.
1200+ projects and 200+ team of experts at PixcelCrayons. Our team helps you launch a mobile app successfully on the App Store and Play Store.
Also Read: Customer Journey Mapping Tools to get user insights
Steps to Launching an App on the Google Play Store
Launching an app on the Google Play Store requires you to follow the instructions for successful integration. Below is the guide you need to adhere:
1. Prepare Your App for Submission
- App Development: Ensure your app is fully developed and tested across multiple devices and Android versions.
- APK/Bundle Generation: Use Android Studio to generate a signed APK or Android App Bundle (AAB). AAB is preferred for Play Store distribution as it optimizes size and delivery.
2. Create a Developer Account
- Google Play Console: Pay a one-time registration fee of $25 to sign up for a Google Developer Account. This gives you access to the Google Play Console for app submission and management.
3. Set Up Play Store Listing
- App Title and Description: Write a compelling title (up to 50 characters) and a detailed app description (up to 4,000 characters) using relevant keywords.
- Screenshots and Videos: Upload 2-8 high-quality screenshots and an optional promotional video (YouTube link).
- Feature Graphic: Upload a 1024×500 feature graphic for promotional areas on Google Play.
- App Icon: Ensure your app icon is 512×512 pixels and follows Google’s guidelines.
- Category and Tags: Select the appropriate category (e.g., Games, Productivity) and add relevant tags for discoverability.
4. Upload the APK/AAB
- Upload the File: Go to the “Release” section in the Google Play Console and upload your APK or AAB file.
- Set Target Devices: Choose compatible device types (smartphones, tablets, etc.).
- Configure Release Type: Select if this is a production release, beta release, or internal test track.
5. Configure Pricing and Distribution
- Set Price: Decide if your app will be free or paid. Remember, once set to “free,” you cannot switch to “paid.”
- Select Countries/Regions: Specify where your app will be available (over 150 countries).
- Set Distribution Options: Choose additional distribution options (Android TV, Wear OS, tablets).
6. Set Up Content Rating
- Content Rating Form: Complete the content rating questionnaire in the Google Play Console. Google will assign a rating.
7. Set Up App Permissions and Privacy Policy
- App Permissions: Clearly state required permissions (e.g., location, contacts) and their necessity.
- Privacy Policy: Provide a URL to your privacy policy if your app accesses sensitive user data.
8. Review Google Play’s Policies
- Compliance: Ensure your app adheres to Google Play’s Developer Policy, including content, user data, intellectual property, and advertising guidelines.
- Testing: Thoroughly test your app to avoid policy violations that could lead to rejection or removal.
9. Submit Your App for Review
- Final Review: Once everything is set up, review all details and submit your app for Google’s review.
- Approval Process: The review typically takes a few hours to a few days. Google will notify you via email once the review is complete.
Read Also: Top Mobile App Development Technologies for 2025
How Does PixcelCrayons Help You Launch Your Mobile App?
At PixcelCrayons, we bring our expertise and guide you through each step. We understand your target audience’s needs and work around creating an app that meets your requirements.
Our comprehensive approach toward the launch of a mobile app ensures quality, focus, and excellent market research.
Contact us if you are ready to launch your mobile app.
