2x your eCommerce App Installs: A 2024 Launch Checklist for Shopify Businesses

Shopify mobile app builders like Appbrew simplify the process, allowing you to launch an app in weeks rather than months, unlike custom development.

However, according to Statista, there are over 6.3 billion smartphone users and 1.14 billion tablet users globally — these people are glued to their screens—checking their phones an average of 262 times a day. This makes the mobile app market fiercely competitive. 

So, unfortunately for you, just building an app isn't enough anymore. 

To truly stand out and double your installs, you need a solid launch strategy. Just like you plan a product launch or a sales campaign, an app launch demands careful preparation. 

In this blog, we'll walk you through a 2024 launch checklist built for Shopify businesses, ensuring your app not only gets noticed but also becomes a significant channel for sale. 

Let’s dive right in! 

Checklist to Drive App Installs to Your New Shopify Mobile App 

Great design is just one aspect of a mobile app — it requires a strategic Shopify mobile app launch plan. This eCommerce app checklist is here to help you navigate key steps to maximize your app's impact, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for your users from day one. 

1. Pre-Launch Preparation

Before launching your eCommerce app, laying a strong foundation is crucial. A well-planned pre-launch strategy can make all the difference in standing out amidst the competition. 

Proper preparation ensures you target the right audience, optimize your app's visibility, and create buzz before the official launch. 

Here's how to set your app up for success: 

1.1. Market Research

Identify your target audience and competitors. This step is essential to understand what your customers are looking for and how similar eCommerce apps are meeting their needs. 

Dive into customer preferences, pain points, and the eCommerce app features they find most appealing. This insight will help you tailor your Shopify mobile app's functionality and marketing messages to attract and engage the right audience effectively. 

1.2. Set Clear Goals 

Before your app hits the market, establish clear goals to measure its success. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of installs, user engagement rates, and conversion rates. These metrics will guide your launch strategy and help you measure what’s working and where adjustments are needed post-launch. 

1.3. App Store Optimization (ASO) 

App Store Optimization is crucial for boosting your app's visibility. Therefore, use relevant keywords in your app title and description to enhance searchability. 

You must also create compelling descriptions that highlight your Shopify mobile app's unique features and benefits. 

Also, ensure that you have high-quality screenshots and an engaging app icon as they serve as your app's first impression. 

For example, look at the App Store screenshots of Minimalist, an eCommerce brand in the beauty and cosmetic industry — these match their brand theme and the copy in these designs clearly highlights why customers should download their app. 

The goal is always to get as many installs as possible so you can’t leave any channel unoptimized — so ensure your app listing is fully optimized on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. 

PS. If you’re targeting multiple locations, you can also consider localizing your app listing based on the size of the market available to the brand. 

1.4. Develop a Landing Page 

A dedicated landing page for your Shopify mobile app helps you capture early interest. This page should provide detailed information about the app’s features, benefits, and a clear call-to-action (CTA) for downloads. 

Ideally, you should always include visuals and testimonials to build excitement. This page also serves as a hub for collecting email addresses from interested users, allowing you to keep them updated about the launch. 

1.5. Collect Reviews and Testimonials 

Some customers are always more loyal than the others. You can give these customers access to the beta version of your eCommerce mobile app. Once they use it, gather feedback from them to build credibility. 

Include this feedback on your app store listing, website, and promotional materials. A few glowing testimonials can significantly enhance your Shopify mobile app's trustworthiness, encouraging more people to give it a try. 

2. Build Hype Before the Launch 

Creating buzz around your Shopify mobile app is essential to attract attention and build anticipation before it goes live. 

A well-executed pre-launch hype strategy can drive early downloads and set the stage for a successful launch day. 

💡Pro Tip: You can consider building hype around your app three months in advance. But this is just a general average — it depends a lot on how much competition you face and the budgets in hand. 

2.1. Teaser Campaigns 

Generate excitement by sharing teaser content on social media. This could include short videos, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your eCommerce mobile app's development. 

Teaser campaigns build curiosity and keep your audience engaged, making them eager for the launch. 

Here’s what a well-crafted teaser campaign can offer: 

• Sneak Peeks of your Shopify mobile app's key features to highlight what makes it unique. 

• Behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand and show the effort behind the app. 

• Exclusive Previews for followers, making them feel part of an exclusive group. 

• Countdowns and Reminders to keep the launch date on everyone’s mind. 

Ensure that your teasers are frequent enough to have the app launch on top of your target audience’s mind. 

💡Pro Tip: If you can tie it with an app-only sale — the chances of you getting more installs will increase. This hype will also help increase the average order value in the Shopify mobile app.

2.2. Email Marketing

Remember the landing page you created? You can use it to collect email addresses from interested customers. With this list, you can run email marketing campaigns to keep your audience in the loop. 

You can send pre-launch updates, exclusive content, and early access offers to build anticipation for your Shopify mobile app. Segmenting your email list allows you to deliver more targeted messaging, ensuring each group receives relevant content that resonates with their needs. 

This approach not only creates excitement but also makes potential users feel valued, increasing their likelihood of engaging with the app. Emails are a direct and effective way to keep your audience informed and foster a sense of exclusivity. 

2.3. Influencer and Affiliate Marketing

When it’s about building hype, no one does it better than influencers these days. So partner with influencers and affiliates within your niche to reach a broader audience. You can provide them with early access to your app or exclusive promo codes to share with their followers. This approach not only broadens your app's visibility but also ensures a higher number of downloads on launch day as their audience trusts their recommendations. 

🎯Did you know? 

If you’ve built your Shopify mobile app with Appbrew, you can add the content of the influencers to you Shopify mobile app that helped you build the hype. This will improve the recall and nudge the customers to buy too. 

2.4. Social Media Engagement

You can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter to create buzz. How? Engage with your audience using hashtags, countdowns, and interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions. This interaction not only builds excitement but also creates a community around your eCommerce app even before it's officially available. 

3. Launch Day Activities

On the big day, it's all about making a splash and grabbing attention. Here's what you can do to ensure your eCommerce app gets off to a strong start: 

3.1. Press Release

Kick things off by distributing a press release announcing your app launch. You must mention how your app will make shopping easier for your customers and how they can enjoy exclusive discounts by using the app. A well-curated press release can generate media interest and reach a broader audience, helping you gain momentum right from the start. 

3.2. App Store Launch Campaigns

Simultaneously, run app install campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Apple Search Ads, and Facebook Ads. These campaigns target users actively looking for new apps, giving your eCommerce app the boost it needs for initial downloads and visibility. Make sure to highlight the benefits of shopping through the app to attract your target audience. 

3.3. Cross-Promotion 

Don’t forget to use your existing channels to promote your app. Add banners or pop-ups to your Shopify store to encourage visitors to download the app. Send out an email blast to your newsletter subscribers, letting them know about the Shopify mobile app launch and any special offers they can access. Use your social media profiles to share the news and drive traffic to the app stores. This cross-promotion ensures that your current customers are among the first to download and engage with your app.

3.4. Leverage App Review Sites

Lastly, as soon as your app is live, submit it to app review websites and directories. These platforms can significantly increase your app's visibility and attract users who are always on the lookout for eCommerce apps offering discounts. Positive reviews and ratings from these sites can further enhance your app's credibility and encourage more users to give it a try. 

4. Post-Launch Optimization 

Once your app is live, the work doesn't stop. Continuous optimization is key to retaining users and attracting new ones. Here's how to keep the momentum going: 

4.1. Monitor Performance

Start by using analytics tools to monitor your app's performance. Track crucial metrics like installs, user engagement, and in-app behavior. Are users completing purchases, or are they dropping off at a particular stage? Understanding these patterns will help you refine your strategy. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions that enhance the user experience and drive more conversions. 

4.2. Solicit User Feedback

Encourage users to leave reviews and ratings on the app store, but ensure you're doing so in a way that aligns with app store policies. A great strategy is to leverage the ‘happy high’—prompt users to rate your app right after they’ve completed a purchase or experienced a positive interaction. 

Timing is key, as users are more likely to leave a favorable review when they're satisfied. Additionally, constructive feedback provides valuable insights for improvement, so address any issues promptly to show users you’re committed to enhancing their experience. This approach can turn dissatisfied users into loyal advocates. 

4.3. Iterate and Update

Regular updates are essential to keep users engaged. Introduce new features, fix bugs, and make performance improvements to keep your app running smoothly. Regularly updating your app not only improves the user experience but also signals to app stores that your app is actively maintained, which can positively impact its ranking. 

4.4. Retargeting Campaigns

Use retargeting ads to bring back users who showed interest in your app but didn't install it or who installed it but became inactive. These ads can be tailored to remind users of the benefits they’re missing out on, like exclusive app-only discounts or new features. Retargeting helps rekindle interest and drives engagement. 

4.5. Push Notifications

If you've built your Shopify mobile app with Appbrew, setting up push notifications is a breeze. These notifications nudge users to return to your app, whether it’s to explore new products, take advantage of flash sales, or simply complete an abandoned cart. Shopify mobile app push notifications are a powerful tool to keep your app top of mind for customers and drive consistent sales, ensuring your app remains an integral part of their shopping journey. 

5. Scaling and Sustaining Growth 

Once your app is launched and optimized, focus on strategies to scale and sustain growth. Here are some effective methods:

5.1. Referral Programs

Implement a referral program to tap into your users' networks. Reward users for inviting friends to download your Shopify mobile app with incentives like discounts or loyalty points. This not only encourages more installs but also helps build a community around your eCommerce brand. 

5.2. Content Marketing

Create valuable content that showcases your app's features and benefits. Use blogs, videos, infographics, and case studies to educate and attract potential users. For example, write blog posts about how to use your app to find the perfect fit each time or create videos demonstrating its unique features. This content can draw in users who are looking for solutions that your app provides. 

5.3. SEO for App Content

Optimize all app-related content, including your landing page and app store listings, for search engines. Use relevant keywords to drive organic traffic. Higher search engine rankings can significantly increase the visibility of your app, leading to more downloads.

5.4. Influencer Campaigns

Continue collaborating with influencers even after the launch to maintain momentum. Influencers can introduce your app to new audiences and keep the buzz alive. Periodic influencer campaigns can drive ongoing installs and help sustain growth over time. 

Make Your Customers Hit the Install Button! 

Getting installs is not a big deal when you follow this eCommerce app checklist. But the real challenge is ensuring your customers aren’t disappointed once they open your app. 

That's why we recommend building your Shopify mobile app with Appbrew. 

It ensures a seamless user experience, with no lags in performance. eCommerce apps built with Appbrew come packed with all the features you need to drive engagement and conversions. 

So, why stop at just 2x installs when you can aim for 2x sales as well? Make your app a true sales powerhouse. Book a demo today and take your eCommerce business to the next level!