Should I start marketing before my app is in the store?

[dandeware]

Hi guys,

I have an app in "Waiting for review" state. I submitted it last Sunday, and my hope is to have it reviewed and approved within 4-5 days at most.

I am working on the marketing part meanwhile, and I am undecided regarding the next steps. What should I do:
1. Start contacting bloggers and reviewers by email and ask for reviews before the app is in the store, and send them promo codes later as soon as I can, or
2. Wait until the app is in the store so that I can include promo codes in my emails directly.

My main concern is that the app in question is a Christmas-related app, so I'd rather have it published and reviewed asap.

Thanks for your help!

[cye]

Originally Posted by dandeware

Hi guys,

I have an app in "Waiting for review" state. I submitted it last Sunday, and my hope is to have it reviewed and approved within 4-5 days at most.

I am working on the marketing part meanwhile, and I am undecided regarding the next steps. What should I do:
1. Start contacting bloggers and reviewers by email and ask for reviews before the app is in the store, and send them promo codes later as soon as I can, or
2. Wait until the app is in the store so that I can include promo codes in my emails directly.

My main concern is that the app in question is a Christmas-related app, so I'd rather have it published and reviewed asap.

Thanks for your help!

Definitely try to create a pre-release buzz. Do you have a webpage set up?

[dandeware]

Thanks for answering.

Yes I have a web page and everything, but my point is that I know that reviewers are always very busy, and some of them could get irritated that they have to go through several emails before they can get the promo codes to try the app. Putting additional steps before enabling a reviewer to try the app is never good, IMHO.

[Bertrand21]

Originally Posted by dandeware

Thanks for answering.

Yes I have a web page and everything, but my point is that I know that reviewers are always very busy, and some of them could get irritated that they have to go through several emails before they can get the promo codes to try the app. Putting additional steps before enabling a reviewer to try the app is never good, IMHO.

Your being to thoughtful. If they don't want to review your app ghats their choice. Don't not send in your app because you don't want them to get irritated. It's their job...

[Apalon]

I say go for it now but exercise caution.

Just try to put yourself in their shoes - yes, they are busy. So don't expect them to start raving about your app without even seeing it. However, if they receive your polite letter notifying them in advance that your app will be coming up at this approximate date - there is a better chance they will pay more attention to your e-mail with promo code after release. That is, of course, if your upcoming app managed to spark at least some sort of interest with them.

Hope that helps.

[egaal]

Originally Posted by Apalon

I say go for it now but exercise caution.

Just try to put yourself in their shoes - yes, they are busy. So don't expect them to start raving about your app without even seeing it. However, if they receive your polite letter notifying them in advance that your app will be coming up at this approximate date - there is a better chance they will pay more attention to your e-mail with promo code after release. That is, of course, if your upcoming app managed to spark at least some sort of interest with them.

Hope that helps.

Yes, I second this. I think the key is to be very polite and ask them if they could look at it. We made some provisional builds for some reviewers even before we had promo codes. I was trying to get at least one or two reviews released before the game was available so I could use them in the game's description. Most reviewers will not respond to you. Some will only look at your game once you have a promo code and it's on the app store. As long as you don't come across spammy or annoying, I think it probably can't hurt to put a few review requests out there even before release and see if someone thinks what you have is interesting enough for them to get a provisional build.

[nobody]

I thought this article was a good read on marketing efforts.

Why You Should Start Marketing the Day you Start Coding

Since you're already "waiting for review" in the App Store a lot of these tips might not be valid for your case but maybe for the next app :-)

[willevansapps]

Agreed. Start blogging about your progress the minute Xcode has finished creating your project. Start tweeting and everything, any pre-release buzz is definitely worth it. Whatever the costs.

At your stage now, just build up your twitter followers and your blog by posting content about the status of your application.

Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

[Paul Freeman]

Originally Posted by dandeware

Hi guys,

I have an app in "Waiting for review" state. I submitted it last Sunday, and my hope is to have it reviewed and approved within 4-5 days at most.

I am working on the marketing part meanwhile, and I am undecided regarding the next steps. What should I do:
1. Start contacting bloggers and reviewers by email and ask for reviews

Thanks for your help!

Absolutely, get moving on it. And yes, get tweeting and facebooking too.

If your app is that ready, you need to be marketing.

When I saw the question I thought you might be like one of my erstwhile competitors who started tweeting about his app (somewhat similar to mine) three months ago and still hasn't released it! Thats a different matter.

But if the release is imminent its time to get moving.

[dandeware]

Thank you so much guys, I'll follow your advice and get started then!

I'll be back with coupons when the app is in the store

Thanks again!

[trevorcole57]

I hope im not late. But I agree with the press release. Also going social media marketing will help a lot.

[Apalon]

And, now is the time when you really put a rush on it. Reviewers seem to be swarmed with review requests before Christmas crunch time.

[Tessa_87]

You can move with press release now. It is better to contact the reviewers once the app gets live.

[ethanwindson]

Obviously, You can marketing your product. It will be beneficial for your promotion. you can use a social media and video submission.

[jansorjohn]

I accept a web page and everything, but my point is that I apperceive that reviewers are consistently actual busy, and some of them could get affronted that they accept to go through several emails afore they can get the promo codes to try the app.