User reviews can be the heartbeat of your app’s success.
They serve as critical indicators of your app’s performance, provide valuable feedback for improvement, and significantly increase your app’s visibility in the app stores.
Apps with more positive reviews build trust with potential users and rank higher in app store search results, driving more downloads. The data speaks for itself:
However, getting users to take the time to leave reviews can be a challenge. Most users are content to use your app without sharing their feedback unless they have a particularly good (or bad) experience.
But how do you get more users to share their thoughts and rate your app? Below, the Zudu team will walk you through three tried-and-tested strategies that can help you gather more user reviews, boosting both your app’s credibility and its visibility in the app marketplace.
The timing of your app review request is one of the most critical factors in getting users to leave feedback. You don’t want to interrupt users while they’re engrossed in tasks or facing issues with your app. Instead, ask for reviews when users are most likely to be satisfied after they’ve completed a task, reached a milestone, or enjoyed a seamless experience.
If your app is centred around personal achievement, such as a fitness tracker, learning tool, or productivity app, ask users to leave a review after they reach a goal. For instance, a fitness app could request a review after a user completes a workout session or reaches a fitness milestone. This increases the chances of receiving positive feedback as the user feels accomplished and satisfied.
Don’t rush to prompt users for reviews immediately after downloading your app. Let them explore your features, engage with the content, and get familiar with the interface. After users have had a positive experience or spent enough time within your app, gently nudge them to share their thoughts. A well-timed prompt after they’ve engaged with the app over a few sessions is far more likely to result in a favourable review.
If your app offers premium features or in-app purchases, this can be an ideal moment to request feedback. Users who have recently purchased something or unlocked premium content are often more satisfied and, in turn, more likely to leave a review. They are invested in your app and may feel more inclined to share their positive experiences.
See also: How to increase in-app purchases & generate revenue
One of the most significant barriers to gathering more app reviews is the friction in the review process. Users may not want to be redirected to the app store or find it inconvenient to leave a review while they’re engaged in your app. The easier you make it for users to leave feedback, the more likely they are to do so.
iOS and Android platforms now support in-app review APIs, allowing users to leave a review without leaving your app. This provides a frictionless experience, enabling users to quickly give feedback without the need to navigate to the app store. A simple, non-intrusive prompt asking for a review is often all it takes to increase the number of reviews significantly.
Asking for reviews too frequently can backfire. Users who feel bombarded with requests may become frustrated and leave negative reviews. Instead, set a precise frequency for how often users will see review prompts. Only prompt users after they’ve had meaningful interactions or achieved milestones in the app. If they decline to leave a review the first time, give them time before asking again.
It’s essential to give users the option to leave a review later. A “Not Now” button allows users to delay giving feedback until they feel ready without dismissing the request entirely. Users appreciate this flexibility and are more likely to engage with the review prompt at a time that suits them.
While offering rewards for app reviews may seem tempting, this can violate app store policies. Both Apple and Google explicitly prohibit incentivising users to leave positive reviews. However, there are creative and compliant ways to encourage feedback by creating a positive experience for users before asking for a review.
One of the most effective ways to generate positive reviews is by providing top-notch customer service. When users receive quick, helpful responses to their issues or inquiries, they’re more likely to feel positive about your app and be willing to leave a review. After resolving a customer’s issue, you can politely ask them to rate or review your app.
Create moments of delight for your users by offering a surprise bonus or unlocking premium features as a thank-you for using the app. For instance, you could provide additional content, special features, or discounts before asking for a review. This approach fosters goodwill and increases the chances of users leaving a review, as they’ll feel happy about the reward.
Another strategy is to ask for general feedback through in-app surveys or messages. When users feel that their feedback is valued, they may be more inclined to leave a review on the app store without you explicitly asking for it. You could also offer in-app rewards for completing surveys or suggestions, increasing overall engagement and eventual reviews.
User reviews are essential to your app’s growth and visibility. They help boost your app’s credibility, attract new users, and provide valuable insights for ongoing improvements. By using thoughtful strategies, like timing your review requests perfectly, simplifying the review process, and offering incentives that comply with guidelines, you can significantly increase the number of reviews your app receives. Check back to the Zudu blog soon for more!
