How do you meet app store submission guidelines?

1 Choose your category and keywords

One of the first steps in app store submission is to choose the appropriate category and keywords for your app. This will help users find your app and determine if it suits their needs. You should research the existing apps in your category and use relevant and specific keywords that describe your app's features and benefits. Avoid using generic or misleading keywords that might confuse or frustrate users. You should also update your keywords regularly to reflect any changes or updates in your app.

2 Design a compelling app icon and screenshots

Another crucial step in app store submission is to design a compelling app icon and screenshots that showcase your app's value proposition and functionality. Your app icon and screenshots are the first visual elements that users will see when they browse the app store, so they should be clear, attractive, and consistent with your app's branding and style. You should follow the size and format guidelines of each platform and use high-quality images that display well on different devices and orientations. You should also highlight the key features and benefits of your app in your screenshots and use captions or annotations to explain them.

3 Write a clear and engaging app description

Your app description is the main text that users will read when they visit your app store page. It should provide a concise and engaging overview of your app's purpose, features, and benefits, and persuade users to download and try your app. You should use simple and direct language that addresses your target audience and their pain points or goals. You should also use bullet points, headings, and paragraphs to organize your app description and make it easy to scan. You should avoid making false or exaggerated claims, using jargon or technical terms, or repeating your keywords excessively.

4 Test your app for functionality and quality

Before you submit your app to the app store, you should test it thoroughly for functionality and quality. You should ensure that your app meets the performance, compatibility, security, and usability standards of each platform and that it does not contain any bugs, errors, or crashes. You should also test your app on different devices, screen sizes, and network conditions to ensure it works well in various scenarios. You should use tools like beta testing, crash reporting, and feedback collection to identify and fix any issues or improve any features in your app.

5 Prepare your app metadata and assets

Your app metadata and assets are the additional information and files that you need to provide when you submit your app to the app store. They include things like your app name, version number, rating, privacy policy, support URL, copyright, and license agreement. You should ensure that your app metadata and assets are accurate, complete, and consistent with your app's content and functionality. You should also follow the naming, formatting, and size guidelines of each platform and use descriptive and unique names for your app and files.

6 Review the app store policies and guidelines

The final step in app store submission is to review the app store policies and guidelines of your target platforms. These are the rules and standards that your app must comply with in order to be approved and published on the app store. They cover aspects like content, design, functionality, monetization, privacy, and security. You should familiarize yourself with the app store policies and guidelines of each platform and ensure that your app does not violate any of them. You should also check for any updates or changes in the policies and guidelines and adjust your app accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?