The Google Play Store stands as a giant in the mobile application and software domain, boasting approximately 3.48 million apps with a daily release of nearly 3739 new apps. This statistical juggernaut solidifies the Play Store’s prominence, making it an excellent platform for app developers. Here’s all you need to know about submitting your app to Google Play:
How do you submit an app to Google Play? – Step-by-Step Guide to Submit Apps to Google Play Store:
When it comes to submitting your application to the Google Play Store, a thorough guide is necessary. This strategic endeavor, not just a technical task, demands careful consideration. Here’s a detailed step-by-step manual to guide you through the process:
- Google Play Developer Console:
To kick start the process, a developer must utilize the Google Play Developer Console, a backend control center facilitating the submission of Android apps. The developer dashboard is the command center, providing developers with the necessary tools to submit and manage their Android applications on the Play Store. Developers utilize the Google Play Developer Console as the primary portal to interact with the backend functions and features.
The one-time fee of $25 grants access to a feature-loaded account. This payment opens the door to a feature-loaded account, equipped with functions and control features necessary for successful app management.
During the account creation process, developers need to provide essential credentials, including personal details such as name, country, and more. The account creation involves filling out the required information, offering a seamless process for developers to establish their presence on the Google Play Developer Console. After creating your account, fill in the necessary details and await approval, which typically takes up to 48 hours.
- Link Developer Account with Google Wallet Merchant Account:
If your app supports in-app purchases, linking a merchant account is essential. Access the Google Play Console, navigate to ‘Reports,’ select ‘Financial Reports,’ and set up a merchant account by providing the required details. This account will seamlessly integrate with your Google Play Console, enabling effective management of app sales.
Linking your developer account with a Google Wallet Merchant Account is a strategic move, especially for apps supporting in-app purchases. This linkage not only streamlines financial processes but also empowers developers with the tools needed to navigate the intricate landscape of app monetization
- Create Application:
Upon logging into your publisher or developer account, locate and click on the ‘All Applications’ button. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the applications currently associated with your account and serves as the starting point for managing existing ones as well as initiating the creation of new applications. Optimize accessibility by choosing the default language for your application. Select ‘Create Application,’ choose the default language, enter the title, and click on “Create.”
- App Store Listing:
Fill out detailed information prepared beforehand in this step. Utilize appropriate keywords in the app description for better search visibility. Ensure all prerequisites from the app listing section are fulfilled.
- Upload App Bundles or APK to Google Play:
Navigate to ‘Release Management,’ select ‘App Release,’ and choose the release type. Create a release, decide on Google Play apps store signing, browse files, and follow on-screen instructions for naming and describing your release. Confirm the information and save.
- Content Rating:
Rate your app to avoid removal from the store. Access the menu, select ‘Content Rating,’ input your email, fill out the questionnaire, save, and apply.
- Fix App Pricing and Distribution:
Choose the countries for app availability and set a price. Decide if your app is free or paid, select the target countries, and specify options for child detection and ads. Confirm your choices in the Pricing and Distribution tab.
- Publish the Application:
Once all details are confirmed, head to ‘App Releases,’ select ‘Manage Production,’ ‘Edit Release,’ click on ‘Review,’ and choose ‘Start rollout to production.’ Confirm your selection to successfully upload the app to the Google Play Store account for free.
Post-Submission Strategies for Google Play Store App Launch
Now that you’ve successfully tackled the intricacies of publishing your app on the Google Play Store, the inevitable question arises: “What comes next?” Fear not, as we have you covered with a comprehensive guide on post-submission practices to ensure optimal visibility and success for your application on the global stage of the Google Play Store.
- Use Social Media for Promotion:
Tackle the full potential of social media to garner attention for your application. With 42% of the global population actively engaged on social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others, these sites become invaluable resources for promoting your app. Leveraging the widespread reach and user engagement on these platforms can significantly boost the visibility and success of your application. Engaging in strategic promotion on these platforms can significantly boost traffic and, consequently, increase downloads.
- Initiate a Thoughtful Press Release:
Elevate your brand through a well-crafted press release. This serves as a gateway for your brand to be featured in various publications, expanding its reach to a broader user base. Crafting a press release that delves into the words, attributes, and insights of both the mobile app developers and the application itself can prove to be a potent app marketing strategy, establishing an authentic connection with users.
- Prioritize App Maintenance and Regular Updates:
Merely publishing your application is not enough; consistent maintenance and updates are imperative. Regularly attend to user-reported issues and bugs by introducing frequent updates. Instead of being a one-time event, maintenance requires constant attention. Update your app to reflect the most recent developments in technology to guarantee a flawless user experience.
- Implement App Store Optimization (ASO):
App Store Optimization, widely recognized as ASO, is a pivotal practice embraced by top Android app development companies. Focused on activities that enhance the visibility and attention your application receives on the app store, ASO works towards increasing the conversion rate of impressions into downloads. This strategic approach might significantly affect the platform performance of your applications.
How Much Time Does It Take to Upload an App to the Google Play Store?
The duration required to upload an application to the Google Play Store is not fixed. While the submission process itself is uncomplicated, the review and selection phase can vary, taking several hours or even days. This timeline hinges on the thoroughness of the app review to ensure alignment with the platform’s standards before being approved and made available to users.
What is the Price of Uploading an App to the Play Store?
There is a $25 one-time fee for publishing your first application on the Google Play Store.
Subsequent apps you publish for Android on the Google App Store are exempt from additional charges.
How Much Money Does Google Play Store Pay Per Download?
Google Play Store does not pay developers for each download. Rather than compensating developers based on the quantity of apps downloaded, the platform makes money from subscriptions, in-app purchases, and advertising. When users interact with their apps—by viewing advertisements, joining up for services, or making in-app purchases, for example—developers are paid. This revenue model links revenues to user interactions and transactions within the app, making it more inclusive than just relying on the installation of the app via the Play Store.
What is the Minimum Price for Apps on Google Play?
The pricing landscape for Android apps on Google Play has undergone a notable shift in 17 countries, with Google introducing adjustments to its minimum pricing rules. In these specific regions, app developers now possess the flexibility to establish minimum prices for their applications and in-app purchases that fall below the traditional threshold of 99 cents in the U.S.
This change is particularly advantageous for developers publishing their apps on international Google Play Stores, granting them the capability to cater to varying economic conditions and user preferences by setting lower minimum prices. Google hopes to improve cost and accessibility for users in a few countries with this upgrade, encouraging a more flexible and inclusive pricing model for the worldwide Android app market.
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to upload an app to the Play Store, you can start the process of getting it in front of people all around the world. The post-submission practices outlined here will further amplify your app’s success. Remember, the journey doesn’t end with uploading; continuous efforts and strategic marketing are key to outshining the competition and making your app a resounding success. Mobile app development experts can guide you through every step, from app development to successful publication and beyond.
