The New Rules
It became a general habit to check Google’s guidelines every now and then, to see if something is different since last time we submitted our apps on Google Play Store. Since it is the beginning of the year we need to start with the proper ideas on how to promote our apps, because Google modified the rules which in some way are obvious for professional developers. But they must be mentioned for those who think that app market is for any kind of apps copied from others and for misleading people with wrong information. We will detail the main ideas described by Google in Store Listing And Promotion Metadata.
What Google Wants?
Google changes frequently the rules with a great purpose: improving users’ experience when searching and using Android apps. As you can see in the snippet below, Google asks developers to upload just high quality apps which worth the attention of customers.
Common Violations
It starts with an eloquent example of annoying practices which app owners keep making when they create their app store pages, mainly in the app description.
Moreover, Google goes further and it lists the bad habits of those who want to attract users by any means:
1. User testimonials.
There is a place for users’ opinions, called App Reviews. Even if they are positive, they don’t belong in the app description.
2. Excessive details.
Nobody has time or nerves to read all the things you spread in your app page.
3 & 4. Misleading references to other apps or products.
Other products gain their success through a lot of work. You must do the same. Be innovative!
5. Repetitive, excessive or irrelevant keywords.
This means that your app is worthless.
What Are The Don’ts
First, let’s see the usual mistakes that you need to avoid in order to offer your users an app suitable for their interests.
- Imagery or videos with sexually suggestive content. Avoid suggestive imagery containing breasts, buttocks, genitalia or other sexual anatomy or content, whether illustrated or real.
Who wants to show this kind of content, must know that Google Play Store is not the place for them. Decent text and proper visuals will show your respect for your users. Even developers that submit medical apps must be careful with the images they choose for their app.
- Language inappropriate for general audience. Avoid profane and vulgar language in your app listing. If it is a critical element of your app, you must censor its presentation within the Store listing.
All app owners must understand that every part of the app which is not allowed for general audience must be hidden when they show their app in app store. Not to mention that it affects our perception about human interactions.
- Graphic violence prominently depicted in app icons, promotional images or videos.
Avoid violence in every element of your app page. If we promote this behavior, people will think that is normal to act like this in real life. Even if you own a game with battles or wars you don’t necessary need to emphasize this in all sections of Store listing.
- Depictions of the illicit use of drugs. Even EDSA (Educational, Documentary, Scientific or Artistic) content must be suitable for all audiences within the Store listing.
It goes without saying that you must avoid the promotion of drugs, all kind of drugs. This is available even more for educational, documentary, scientific or artistic sections which are reached by all ages. Don’t encourage the consummation of forbidden substances.
What Are The Do’s
Now, let’s cover the technical guidelines when it comes to present your app in front of your users. Keep in mind that you can always read our article with best practices for App Store Optimization. All the statements we wrote there remain available with the new rules of Google.
- Highlight what is great about your app. Share interesting and exciting facts about your app to help users understand what makes your app special.
The whole point of submitting your app to the app store is to share it with potential users and to make them discover in what way your app will improve their living. You need to focus their attention on the amazing features that you struggled to add in your app, not to refer it to other popular apps just to mislead your users.
- Accurate Title And Descriptions.
When you create the app title and description you need to point only to your app, not to talk about other things that you think it will make a sensation in users’ eyes. If customers will be disappointed your strategy for acquiring users will fail before it begins.
- Use Relevant Keywords.
The above advice is available for keywords too. Choose only the ones that are related to your app. Lying users won’t help you. Moreover, it will have the opposite effect. Keep in mind that a few and relevant keywords selected wisely will convince customers about the value of your work.
- Straightforward Description.
This is one of those situations when less is definitely more. Keep your description short and you will have better results. We don’t say to use just two or three words, but a precise and to the point characterization is what your app really needs. Remember that all persons who visit your page are very busy and they don’t have time to read thousands of words.
- Avoid Using Inappropriate Text, Images Or Videos.
Again, every element in your app and in the app page needs to express the core of your app. It is pointless and annoying to use text and visuals that have nothing to do with your app. Remember that people of all ages are browsing Google Play Store. All your content need to reflect your professionalism and to be chosen in a way that attract users not making them to avoid your brand.
Final Thoughts
Because Google recently changed its rules we discussed the recommended methods and the restrictions for all app owners to follow when they upload their app on Google Play Store. Therefore, the big answer for these changes is to plan your ASO strategy according to best practices required by common sense and concentrating your efforts in making the best possible impression for your users.
