Google Play and App Store?" src="/images/posts/e82a01fa0a4d6902f84175d18b46441c-0.jpg">
Google Play and the Apple App Store are by far the two largest platforms for distributing and promoting apps. To avoid problems and possible rejections, applications must be built following the specific requirements of both Stores.
If you're ready to publish, you've probably already built and tested your app. Testing an exact copy of your app (called the AdHoc version) in the same version that will be published in the Stores is a very important step that should not be overlooked. If you are using resources4gaming, you will find in your back office the appropriate online help to generate the AdHoc version of your app, for both the iOS and Android versions.
In this article you will find an overview of the steps to follow to successfully publish your app for Android and iOS.
Google Play
Being an open platform, Android offers several options for distributing apps. Even though there are alternative Stores, Google Play remains the primary platform to distribute an Android app.
- Account Google Publisher
To publish your app on the Play Store it is mandatory to create a Google Publisher account. The registration fee corresponds to a single payment of €25.
Part of the information provided at registration will be visible in the Store later: when the end user finds the app in the Play Store, they can see the same developer identity information that you declared when opening your Google Publisher account.
- Submit to Google Play
Google Play is a catalog where users can freely browse or search for apps based on their interests. After opening your app ad, the user will only take a few seconds to decide if it fits their needs. So you'll need to make it appealing to grab users' attention and convince them to download your app.
The first text that users will see on your app page in the Play Store is the short description, which is promotional text. In the long description, you will need to accurately describe your app using the right keywords to attract your audience and improve ASO ranking. Choose the right graphical features and screenshots to strengthen your brand and showcase the app's best features.
After completing these steps, you can upload the binary (.apk) file and follow the guide on your Google Console to start publishing your app. The Android Package Kit (APK) file is the format used by the Android operating system to install and run applications. Furthermore, the APK file contains all the elements necessary for your app to be used on an Android device.
It may take a few hours for your app to be available on the Play Store.
If you developed your app with resources4gaming, the dedicated online help will guide you through the various steps of publishing.
Google Play and App Store?" src="/images/posts/e82a01fa0a4d6902f84175d18b46441c-1.jpg">
App Store
The process of submitting an app to the App Store is slightly more complex and requires thorough preparation.
The App Store is home to more than 2 million apps and has changed the way we use smartphones, making apps part of our daily operations. Apple has set very high standards and very strict guiding principles to maintain a safe environment for its users by always offering high-quality applications.
- Account Sviluppatore Apple
To create an iOS app and publish it on the App Store, you'll need to register as an Apple Developer. The account costs €99 and must be renewed every year. Joining this program will also enable you to build an iOS app and test it on your own devices, a crucial step in the app development process.
- Submission to the App Store
It is strongly recommended that you read the Apple Store Review guidelines before starting the submission process. Of course, the Apple Review team tests each app before approving it for publication. Most rejections from Apple are due to failure to meet major guidelines.
Don't underestimate the importance of the description: the first 3 lines are the most important because they can be viewed by users without having to expand the text. Be accurate, clear, and concise in order to convey the essential value of your app to users.
The developer account name must be the same as the app owner's. It's the name that appears under your app in the Store.
The review process takes a few days, after which Apple will let you know when your app is publicly available in the Store.
resources4gaming has implemented the Review to guide you through a smooth submission process. During the review, our dedicated iOS team will perform a thorough review of the user interface's appearance and verify compliance with Apple guidelines.
If your app doesn't meet the App Store requirements, resources4gaming's Reviews team will help you with recommendations on how to improve it. Our goal is for you to successfully publish your app, and we'll do everything we can to make that happen.
Submitting an app to the Stores for the first time might seem daunting and complicated. However, for the excitement and benefits that come with reaching millions of users worldwide, it's definitely worth it.
