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What you need to know for a smooth app approval process

In 2020, nearly 1 million new app submissions and app updates were rejected from the App Store for failing to meet the Apple App Store review guidelines.

In most cases, these incidents were minor or unintentional due to a lack of information on the developer’s part. For instance, Jian, a DevelopPaper user, recently shared that their app submission was delayed because the word ‘Official’ appeared in their app title. The App Store review team interpreted the title as misleading and an attempt to deceive users.

As a mobile developer, knowing how the App Store review process works and the common reasons for delayed App Store review time or outright rejection will help you avoid unnecessary disappointments and revenue loss.

How the App Store review process works

Before any new app or update can be published to the App Store, it must comply with all Apple App Store review guidelines.

‍According to Apple, the standard App Store review time is less than 24 hours, as “90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours.” However, if your app fails to meet any of the App Store review guidelines, it may be delayed for longer than the times stated.

Following the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit in 2020, information that wasn’t previously public about the App Store review process was revealed. During the trial, Trystan Kosmynka, senior director of marketing/App Review, revealed that 100,000 new submissions are made to the App Store every week.

If all goes well, then there’s the human review stage. Apple employs about 500 human app reviewers who thoroughly examine each app in compliance with the App Store review rules to ensure that none are broken. Afterward, the reviewers make a call to either accept, reject, or delay the approval of the app.

Common reasons for delayed App Store review time and rejections

Apple constantly updates the App Store Review Guidelines to respond to new data privacy challenges and to make sure that the App Store continuously offers a safe experience for users to get apps. The best way to ensure that your app is accepted and remains on the App Store is to keep up with all of the updates.

Among the recent updates, one of the most prominent changes that you should be aware of is that by June 30, 2022, Apple demands that any app that requires account creation must provide an end-to-end pathway for in-app account deletion. (P.S.: The website App Store Review Guidelines History publishes updates or changes made to the App Store review guidelines to make them easier to spot.)

Despite the many guidelines, Apple recently shared the common reasons why apps are rejected or the App Store review time is delayed. These are the checks you should definitely start with.

1- Unfinished or buggy apps

This is one of the major reasons why apps are rejected from the App Store. The App Store is only for complete, fully functional, and usable apps that are ready for distribution. As such, Apple rejects any app that it deems incomplete or buggy.

Make sure your app is 100% ready before submission and that it performs exactly as you claim. Your app could be considered unfinished if it promises certain features it doesn’t deliver on. Additionally, if your app contains placeholder content, broken links, or an incorrect version number, Apple reviewers may consider the app unfinished, which could lead to a rejection or delayed App Store review time.

Apple is also infamously unaccommodating of apps that crash or contain significant bugs. During the review, your app will be put through a series of stress and performance tests designed to break it. So, be sure to perform the same level of testing yourself before submission. Use a mobile CI/CD tool like Bitrise to enforce regression checks at every point, test on real devices, and invite beta testers to go through your app before submitting it to the App Store.

2- Inadequate review information

Apple reviewers will use an app the way a user would, to carefully confirm that everything works as expected and that the app adheres to Apple’s guidelines on privacy, safety, performance, design, and legal compliance. If they encounter any access hindrances or confusion, the app review process may be delayed, and your app could be rejected.

To prevent that, provide all the information needed to use the app. Detailed setup instructions, user account information, or other information about your app should be included in the App Review Information section of App Store Connect.

3- Incomplete or misleading metadata information

The information that users see on your App Store page before installing your app is referred to as metadata. This includes:

  • App description
  • Screenshots
  • Age ratings
  • Purchase options
  • Privacy information

Apple frowns on metadata that does not accurately portray the app. Over 48,000 apps were rejected by the App Review team in 2020 for undocumented features, while over 150,000 were rejected for containing misleading information in their metadata.

To prevent your app from being flagged down for such reasons, truthfully describe your app’s capabilities and features. Avoid exaggerating your app’s capabilities or portraying your app as something it’s not. Use screenshots that properly portray the app in use, and if your app has in-app purchases, then state it clearly. Also, endeavor to indicate which features of an app are actually free and which ones require a payment or subscription to unlock. Basically, just be transparent.

4- Privacy violations

Apple considers privacy a fundamental right, which is why over 215,000 apps were rejected in 2020 for privacy violations, such as requesting more user data than they required or misusing user data.

Apple requires app developers to publish privacy policies that specify what user data will be collected and how it will be used or shared. The company also requires that app developers only request access to data that’s relevant to app functionality and obtain user consent before any data collection.

Creating landing pages that convert (Guide)

Guide to creating compelling landing pages that convert visitors into paying customers

Creating landing pages that convert (Guide)
A compelling landing page is the key to turning visitors into paying customers. It is the first point of contact where potential customers engage with your offer. To ensure your landing page is effective, it needs to be divided into two parts: the visible section (Above the Fold) and the scrollable section (Below the Fold). Both areas play a crucial role in capturing visitors’ interest and prompting them to take desired actions.
In this article, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive and detailed step-by-step guide that will help you create landing pages that truly convert. You will learn how to strategically utilize the different elements of a landing page to convey the value of your offer, build trust, and encourage visitors to take the desired action.
From crafting an engaging headline and memorable subtitle to visualizing your product or service effectively and leveraging social proof and call-to-action buttons, each step in this guide has been designed to unlock the full potential of your landing page.
Whether you have prior experience in creating landing pages or are just starting out, this guide will help you optimize your landing page and transform more visitors into paying customers. Are you ready to increase the conversion rates of your landing pages? Let’s get started and turn your landing pages into effective sales tools!

Above the fold

landing page templates hero section Onepage
The visible section of your landing page, also known as “Above the Fold,” plays a crucial role in capturing the interest and attention of visitors. It is the first impression they get of your offer, and therefore, it is essential to design this area effectively to motivate them to continue reading and ultimately take the desired action.
Whether you are creating a new landing page or looking to optimize an existing one, the tips and strategies in this section will help you effectively craft the Above the Fold section and capture visitors’ attention right from the start. So let’s delve deeper into each element and learn how to transform the visible section of your landing page into a compelling and conversion-focused area.

Title:

The title is the centerpiece of your landing page and has the task of immediately captivating visitors and conveying its value. When creating a landing page, there are various approaches you can take to craft a compelling title that grabs visitors’ attention and piques their interest.
  • Explain what you do: If your product or service is unique, you can use the title to clearly and succinctly explain what you do and the benefits it provides to the customer. Keep it simple and avoid technical jargon to ensure that visitors immediately understand what you are offering.
Example: “The revolutionary solution for effective time management”
  • Hooks: If your product or service is not unique, you can use a hook, an engaging slogan, to capture visitors’ attention. A hook should address the biggest hurdle or objection of your target audience and demonstrate that you have the solution.
Example: “Boost your productivity and overcome the time crunch”
  • Dominate your niche: If you operate in a specific niche, you can position yourself as THE solution for that specific problem. Give your statement conviction and show that you are the best solution for this particular target audience.
Example: “The #1 source for premium organic food straight from the source”
By choosing a compelling and persuasive title that clearly communicates the value of your offering and addresses the interests and needs of your target audience, you can pique visitors’ interest and motivate them to read on and learn more about your offer. Remember, when creating a landing page, the title is the first opportunity to convince visitors of the relevance and benefits of your offer.

Subtitle:

When creating a landing page, the subtitle plays an important role in providing visitors with precise information about your offer and clarifying how you will deliver the promised value. It gives you the opportunity to delve into the details and further convince visitors. Here are some tips on how to effectively craft your subtitle:
  • Be precise and specific: The subtitle should be concise and clearly formulated. Avoid overly general statements and instead focus on the specific features or benefits of your product or service.
Example: “Accelerate your e-Commerce success with automated inventory management”
  • Highlight uniqueness: Emphasize in the subtitle what sets your offer apart from others and the added value it provides. Show visitors why your product or service is the best choice.
Example: “The only project management software designed specifically for creatives”
  • Emphasize problem-solving: Clearly illustrate how your offer can solve visitors’ problems or challenges. Show how you fulfill their needs and help them achieve their goals.
Example: “Boost your fitness and achieve your goals with customized workout plans”
By strategically using the subtitle to communicate the key features or benefits of your offer and clearly conveying to visitors how you meet their needs, you can further increase their interest and motivate them to learn more about your offer. Remember, the subtitle provides another opportunity to highlight the value of your offer and prompt visitors to take action.

Image:

gallery library in Onepage builder
The image you use on your created landing page plays a crucial role in helping visitors envision how your product or service will benefit them. A compelling image or a short video showcasing your offer in action can convey a powerful visual message and capture visitors’ interest. Here are some tips on how to effectively utilize the image:
  • Realistic representation: Avoid excessive illustrations or generic images. When creating a landing page, show the actual product or the real application of your service. This allows visitors to better visualize how the offering will work in their lives.
Example: If you offer a fitness app, show an image of people actually using the app and achieving their fitness goals.
  • Depict action and benefits: The image should showcase the product or service in action and highlight the benefits that visitors can derive from it. It should emphasize the advantages and results they can expect.
Example: If you sell a kitchen appliance, display an image of someone using it to prepare a delicious meal, illustrating the utility and functionality of the product.
  • Appeal to emotions: Use images that evoke emotions and establish a connection with visitors. Emotional reactions can influence purchasing decisions and heighten visitors’ interest.
Example: If you’re promoting a travel package, use an image of a happy couple relaxing on an exotic beach, evoking the desire for an unforgettable vacation.
Note: Also, check out our article “Create your website: A guide to achieving successful website design” for further insights.

The Impact of Mobile Apps on E-Commerce: Driving Sales and Customer Engagement

Mobile apps have become a critical component of the e-commerce industry, offering numerous benefits that drive sales and enhance customer engagement. Here are key ways mobile apps are transforming e-commerce.

1. Convenient Shopping Experience

Mobile apps provide a convenient shopping experience by allowing users to browse and purchase products from anywhere, at any time. Features like one-click ordering, saved payment information, and personalized recommendations streamline the shopping process and increase customer satisfaction.

2. Push Notifications

Push notifications are a powerful tool for driving customer engagement and boosting sales. By sending timely alerts about promotions, new arrivals, and personalized offers, e-commerce apps keep customers informed and encourage them to make purchases.

3. Loyalty Programs

Mobile apps enable e-commerce businesses to implement and manage loyalty programs effectively. Users can easily track their rewards, redeem points, and receive exclusive offers, fostering customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

4. Enhanced User Experience

E-commerce apps offer a superior user experience compared to mobile websites. With faster load times, intuitive navigation, and offline access, apps provide a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.

Conclusion

Mobile apps are revolutionizing e-commerce by providing a convenient shopping experience, leveraging push notifications for engagement, enabling effective loyalty programs, and enhancing the overall user experience. Businesses that invest in mobile app development are well-positioned to drive sales and build lasting customer relationships.