Press releases are a powerful way to spread the word about your new iPhone, iPad or Android app. If you write a press release before you release your app, you can send it out the first day it is live to capture the excitement of the launch and start telling people about it right away.
Your goal in sending a press release is to let reporters, bloggers, and app reviewers know that you have done something exciting that their readers should know about. You encourage them to contact you for more information or they may re-publish your release online. Plus, your release can include links directly to your app and website.
When writing a press release about your mobile app, you want to focus on what is most newsworthy about it. Instead of just listing its features, grab the reader by telling them what makes it one of a kind. Here are some questions to think about:
- What does your app do that no other can?
- How does it help people in an interesting way?
- What is new, unique, or surprising about your app?
- How can your app impact people’s lives?
Once you write a press release, it is time to let the world know. Post it on your website, email it to iPhone, iPad, or Android app review websites, and consider using a service such as prMac or PRWeb that gives your press release more exposure by sending it to a large number of media contacts.
Also consider timing when writing an app press release. To have a successful launch, it helps to start thinking about your press release (and marketing in general) before you appear in the App Store. But even developers that have been selling their apps for months or years can find sending a press release helpful in getting more awareness and exposure if they have something newsworthy to share (for example, a significant new feature, reaching a milestone, launching on a different platform such as Android, etc.).
How have you used a press release to promote your app? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post, and very important for new developers to understand that creating an app is only one step in the process, the true success of the app lies in the visibility it achieves in the app store. I’m in the process of releasing a new app before Christmas along with 17 others in a close circle of developers, and we’re using pre-launch press releases to generate interest from online media sources. Basically we’re using press releases as bait to land a bigger fish
Thanks again for the article!
I’m always amazed at how many people release a product or service (or app) and do not send a press release to go along with it. Sure, there will be only a few that see it, but the backlinks to your site are very valuable and there is at least a chance that it will get the attention of someone that can really put it in front of millions.
Good article.
Thank you, Sylvain, good point! There are many great uses for press releases, including the ideas in your comment. Much appreciated
Good post. I believe that a press release could even be sent out to bloggers and journalists before the launch, as long as the developer tells his contact that the press release is not for immediate release. This can give some time to bloggers to write their story and be the first in lines on launch day.
Also, I’d suggest to include in a press release some exciting “coming soon” thing so as to let people know there’s more to come (other app, new feature, etc.)
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